“Dyslexia is a different brain organization that needs different teaching methods. It is never the fault of the child, but rather the responsibility of us who teach to find methods that work for that child.”
— Dr. MaryAnne Wolf, Education researcher and dyslexia advocate
Reading Program
We understand the root cause behind the difficulties you or your loved ones experience when reading or spelling. Our program addresses the root issues by using the individual’s thinking and learning styles to acquire the ability to improve fluency and comprehension, self-regulate and turn off the disorientation that causes the symptoms of dyslexia:
loss of focus
mistakes
uncertainty
losing your place on the page
difficulties with comprehension
test anxiety…
Students will master the abstract symbols and words that cause the disorientation in the first place.
Age
Suitable for children with a maturity level of age seven and up, extending through adults.
*A Young Learners Program is available, which is suitable for children under age seven.
Duration
Typically spans 30 hours over 5 consecutive days, with follow-up consultations included. If an in-person program is not feasible, on-line options are available.
Note
The nature of the personalized approach that caters to the individual strengths, challenges and goals means the length and progress will vary from person to person. Post-program follow-up at home is essential for continuing to advance in the months following the facilitated sessions.
Benefits of the program
By the end of the reading program, participants will have
learned and become comfortable with all the mental-focusing tools provided.
Older children and adults usually see marked improvements in reading effort, accuracy and speed within this one-week timeframe, often advancing by three or more reading grade levels.
find it much easier to learn and have more rapid success.
gained skills for beginning reading and understand methods for mastering words and language symbols.
remove triggers in reading.
"Dyslexia is not a pigeonhole to say you can’t do anything. It is an opportunity and a possibility to learn differently."
— Princess Beatrice
Math Program
While most of us agree that dyslexia can be a serious handicap in life, many treat dyscalculia as a minor annoyance, not realizing how fluency in math is an important life skill. This includes practical tasks such as telling time, using a calendar, handling money, and balancing a checkbook. Difficulty comprehending numbers, often called ‘dyscalculia’ and sometimes called the ‘numbers form of dyslexia’, is a common problem that can impact everyday life and your academic career.
NorthLight Learning uses the Davis Mastery for Math® program, which is unique in that it addresses missing concepts which underpin all mathematical thinking. Mastery of these concepts is critical in order to understand math on an intuitive level, while mastering basic arithmetic functions. We explore skills like counting, recognizing numeral symbols, understanding place value, and performing arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), as well as working with fractions and decimals and are able to immediately address and clear up confusion of any aspect. Advanced math topics may be included based on the client’s goals and age.
Age
Suitable for children and adults age eight and above to adulthood.
Duration
A standard program is typically conducted over eight consecutive days, with follow-up consultations included.
Note:
Our program focuses on comprehension rather than rote memorization. Math concepts are learned through tangible, ‘real-life’ experiences before being applied to paper. With our Math Program, participants progress sequentially from the basics, addressing gaps in their prior knowledge through this method.
Benefits of the program
By the conclusion of the facilitated Math program, individuals will have acquired all the mental focusing tools and grown comfortable with their use. Participants will enhance their ability to maintain attention and focus, correct perceptual distortions, and gain knowledge of methods for mastering mathematical language and symbols. They will develop a strong foundation in basic math concepts and a comprehensive understanding of the principles of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
"By eliminating the cause of the problem, the symptoms will disappear. When the foundational concepts for understanding math are mastered, learning math becomes easy."
- Ron Davis (founder of the Davis Approach®)
Writing Program
Focuses on improving legibility, organizing thoughts on paper, editing, and spelling by helping individuals stabilize their perceptions, manage perceptual distortions, and learn specific techniques to facilitate easier and more effective writing.
Age
Suited for children with a maturity level of age seven and above, as well as adults.
Duration
Typically delivered over five consecutive days, with follow-up consultations included.
Note:
This program is often paired with a reading program, as they complement each other.
Benefits of the program
Students will address common challenges in writing:
Muscle strain and hand fatigue
Rushing and inconsistency in writing
Inconsistent spacing of letters
Sloped writing (letters drifting off the line)
Slow, laborious writing
Printing letters of varying size, shape and spacing of letters
Inaccurate copying off the board
Frustration with getting thoughts onto paper in a logical sequence
Writer’s block
Illegible writing
Large and fine motor coordination
By the end of the writing program, students will gain the skills to develop:
Confident Spelling:
They will have the skills available to master spelling with enhanced accuracy and certainty.
Self-Correction in Writing:
Becoming adept at identifying and correcting their own errors, using punctuation effectively, adding relevant details, and ensuring logical flow.
Reduced Stress & Enhanced Learning:
Cultivating a relaxed mindset conducive to maximum learning, recognizing and preventing frustration, and developing strategies to overcome test anxiety.
Clearer Handwriting:
Achieving legible writing through improved fine motor skills, consistent letter formation, and proper spacing.
Organized Visual Copying:
Gaining the ability to accurately copy text, maintain horizontal alignment, and space words correctly.
Structured Written Communication:
Learning effective strategies to express thoughts, develop narrative structures, and organize essays.
"The greatest minds are not always found in the mainstream."
- Temple Grandin
Attention Program
A positive and life-changing program for those struggling with ADHD to ensure the individual has a thorough development of any missing life concepts:
Theory of Mind
Relationships
Creating new behaviours
Decision-making
Learning responsibility
Age
Suited for children age seven and above, or a similar maturity level, as well as adults.
Duration
Standard five day program, with follow-up consultation included.
Result
Following their time with a facilitator from the NorthLight Learning team, both the participant and their support person will be proficient in using techniques to control attention, focus, and energy levels.
Benefits of the program
By the conclusion of the facilitated Attention program, individuals will have acquired all the mental focusing tools and grown comfortable with their use. Most individuals with ADHD have been told to “sit still” or try harder to pay attention, but have never been told how to do these things. Participants will have the ability to purposefully maintain attention and focus. Moreover, they will have the ability to correct confusions (perceptual distortions) so when they try to learn in the future it will come more naturally.
"Your ADHD is a gift, not a disorder. Embrace it."
- Seth Godin
Young Learners Program
Introduces young children to tools for enhancing attention, focus, and self-regulation while learning the alphabet and acquiring foundational pre-reading and reading skills. This program equips parents or family members with the knowledge and experience needed to continue supporting their child's learning during their early school years. It offers a simple, enjoyable alternative to traditional pencil-and-paper activities and rote exercises.
Age
Designed for children aged five to seven to combat early symptoms of dyslexia, as well as older children with significant developmental delays.
Note: Children already showing dyslexia symptoms or reading anxiety at this age may require additional steps and program time beyond the standard program.
Duration
Approximately 30 hours, typically delivered over ten half-days, with follow-up consultation included. A parent is present for portions of the program.
Benefits of the program
Following their time with a Davis facilitator from the Northlight Learning team, both the child and parent and any other support person will be proficient in using techniques to control attention, focus, and energy levels. In addition to gaining skills for beginning reading, they will understand methods for mastering words and language symbols. The child will also have learned the alphabet and basic punctuation marks.
"As a child, I was called stupid and lazy... My parents had no idea that I had a learning disability."
- Henry Winkler (a.k.a. The Fonz)