The Joan Craig Center
Formerly Mid-Valley Learning Center

Distinctive Learning Techniques

The Joan Craig Center uses numerous proven effective techniques for a comprehensive learning experience. The following are the distinctive learning techniques:

1. The Ron Davis Techniques:

The Mind's Eye - A focusing technique to prevent disorientation and confusion when reading

Symbol Mastery - A technique using clay to help students master symbols such as letters, numbers, math signs, words that confuse them

The Hot-Cold Technique - Trains students to turn their energy level up or down, thereby, controlling their concentration levels

2. The Pat Wyman Camera Technique:

A technique for 'increasing visual memory usually applied to spelling and math

3. Orton-Gillingham Method:

A multi-sensory approach to phonics, sight words, spelling, and reading

4. Power Line Program:

A structured sequential phonics-based program which teaches spelling, sentence writing, vocabulary, comprehension, and oral reading; and 'includes exercises for laterality, auditory discrimination, and memory development

5. The Intensive Phonics Program:

A multi-sensory structured program for phonics and basic principles of word structure

6. Angling For Words:

A program based on the principles of Beth Slingerland, which teaches spelling rules, auditory discrimination, visual discrimination, and writing

7. The Use of Tinted Lenses and Colored Overlays:

After a screening, which shows if a student has Scotopic Sensitivity (a perceptual problem in which children perceive their environment and the printed page differently), the student uses colored overlays or colored glasses to correct the difficulty. This is a complete treatment program, which has helped many dyslexic students.

8. A+ Vision:

A series of exercises and activities to improve tracking, visual memory and laterality

9. Other:

We teach the way children learn. After determining the child's learning style, we create an individualized plan using these programs and others to teach reading, writing, spelling, math, and study skills. We use manipulatives, games, computers, and will tap dance on the table, if necessary, to help them learn.


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