Whole language vs. phonetic based reading
Why are we trying to decide whether whole language or phonetic based reading instruction is the right kind of reading instruction. Kids should have both. The difference between the two forms of training is that whole language instruction means that reading instruction is done within the context of whole- language. Phonetic-based instruction, like Orton-Gillingham is reading […]
The Joys of Working with Adults
Working with adults is a joy. Adults know what they want, which means they have their own motivation to change their communication. Have a learning based disability and failed a professional licensing exam, have high functioning autism and struggling to maintain your job after difficulty with social language, or a non-native English speaker having difficulty […]
Only Part of the Story: A Professional Assessment
I love TED Talks, and of course, I was interested in a talk by Amy Cuddle titled “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are? At the age of 19 Ms. Cuddle was in an extremely serious car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Afterward she was told that her IQ was lowered by 2 standard deviations. […]
Turnaround….
After working in several charter schools I have been left feeling ambivalent about their role because of some of the current practices. Because many Charter schools serve under-served communities that do not use language in the way that is need for success at the high school or college level they often have a very structured […]
Good language skills and success
“Could you please load up my reusable grocery bags? Heavy bags are fine.” These are the direction I often give the bagger at my local grocery store. Today, I was pleasantly surprised when I was handed my bag with a smile. I thanked the young woman, and walked away thinking, “ I hope that young […]
A plan to written success
Students with language-based disabilities often struggle with the acquisition of written language skills.
Severe Tantrums 101: Targeting Skills
Severe tantrums in kids can be the result of a variety of reasons from lack of bonding to inadequate communication often seen in kids with poor communication skills like those with many forms of autism or severe langauge disabilities. There are a number of resources to work from and if your child has autism or […]
Is My Child Learning?
Language is an integral part of education, but so often we become focused on the task and forget the underlying foundation. Buckminster Fuller in his book, “Critical Path” written in 1982 presents the “knowledge doubling theory doubling approximately every 18 months, now in 2015 some are stating that it is occurring ever 12 months. With such […]
Targeting skills
A chair comes flying down the stairs. No,” screams a child from the top, another tantrum.
Stuttering, no …. problems with language formation
Client #1 talking about how to wash the dog “…..will just will just wash off not getting not getting not getting any dirt. So put wat.. . so wash so wash water on it first then put soap on.” Stuttering, right? This speech problem is actually the result of difficulty with language formulation, and […]