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Lindamood-Bell Academy: Students with Comprehension Weakness

Mar 10, 2017
 
 

Though they may be hard-working and study for hours on end, some students have trouble understanding or remembering what they’ve read. They may do poorly on tests, have trouble following classroom directions or struggle to understand jokes. A cause of comprehension difficulties is weak concept imagery—the ability to create an imagined gestalt (whole) from language.

 

This weakness may mean they are missing out on content even though they are in the classroom each day — they’re only getting pieces and things might go “in one ear and out the other.” While they have difficulty with reading and writing, they could simultaneously be ahead of their peers in math.

 

Since Lindamood-Bell Academy, a private school for grades K-12, provides a fully individualized curriculum, it’s possible for a student to work on grade level math while receiving support and remediation in reading comprehension. Students work through curriculum that is tailored to their abilities while also gaining the necessary skills to improve their reading comprehension. Because of this flexibility and differentiation, an Academy student may work on sixth grade materials for math and a fourth grade curriculum for Language Arts, for example.

 

The Academy is an accredited school and utilizes Visualizing & Verbalizing® instruction, which works to strengthen concept imagery by helping students build the imagery-language connection for both written and listening comprehension which leads to an improvement in memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing.

 

Students with autism spectrum disorder often have deficits in language comprehension; they may be very fluent readers but struggle to understand what they’ve read or engage in conversation with those around them. Visualizing & Verbalizing® instruction has led to a significant increase in the visual and language areas of the brain. You can read more about those changes here.

 

The Academy can be appropriate for a wide range of students who need to improve their ability to comprehend while they go to school. In sum, our Academy combines Lindamood-Bell expertise with curriculum. The learning needs of each child are addressed so they are ready to learn. And then they do.

 

Is Lindamood-Bell Academy Right for Your Child? Call us to learn more about Lindamood-Bell Academy and schedule an interview to discuss your student’s academic needs: 800-300-1818.

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“He’s set up for success now!” 💙

Jaxson was diagnosed with autism and dyslexia at a young age. By high school, he was still struggling academically. His family turned to Lindamood-Bell for intensive, individualized instruction.

Today, Jaxson is thriving in reading and comprehension and preparing for college! He can even read and enjoy the golf magazines he once only looked through for pictures.

Hear Jaxson’s mom share his inspiring journey and what his progress has meant for their family.

▶️ Watch the full video at the link in our bio: @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

🎬 2012: An HBO documentary on learning differences features a Lindamood-Bell student!
Our next milestone takes us to 2012, when an HBO documentary helped bring attention to the experiences of students with learning differences, including one who received instruction at a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center.

Keep following along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!
🍂 A Fall Learning Gift for Your Student!

This fall, Lindamood-Bell is here to help your student catch up or get ahead with individualized instruction in reading, comprehension, and math.

A Learning Ability Evaluation helps identify your student's strengths and needs and guides an individualized learning plan.

Our Fall Learning Gift makes it easier to get started!
Enroll for at least 80 hours of instruction by November 30 and receive:
🔸 A credit equal to your full evaluation fee toward instruction
🔸 20% off your first week of instruction*

Learn more about the offer at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
*Terms and conditions apply. See landing page for details.
We're proud to sponsor Everyone Reading Illinois' “Dynamics of Dyslexia” 2026 Fall Conference, November 4–5 in Naperville, IL!

Lindamood-Bell Learning Center Directors Stephanie Grady (Deerfield) and Taylor-Marie Funchion (Elmhurst) will present “The Missing Link in Literacy: Understanding the Imagery-Language Foundation” on Wednesday, November 4, from 3:10–4:30 PM.

Their session will explore the important role of imagery in reading, spelling, and comprehension, drawing on decades of instructional experience and scientific research. Attendees will learn about the sensory-cognitive processes underlying literacy and practical strategies to support students with dyslexia and persistent reading challenges.

We look forward to connecting with educators and professionals dedicated to helping students succeed!

Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial, for more info!
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

🧠 2011: Georgetown University researchers publish a study showing changes in the brains of children with dyslexia following reading intervention.

Our next milestone highlights research conducted by Georgetown University's Center for the Study of Learning in collaboration with Lindamood-Bell.

Published in the scientific journal NeuroImage, the study followed children with dyslexia who received eight weeks of instruction using the Seeing Stars® program.

Researchers found significant improvements in reading skills, along with measurable increases in gray matter volume in the brain. Follow-up testing eight weeks later showed that these gains were maintained.

These findings offered encouraging evidence that effective reading instruction can help children with dyslexia improve their reading skills while also supporting changes in the brain.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📖 Our next milestone takes us to 2010, when Nanci Bell published the Symbol Imagery (SI) Test.

This standardized assessment measures a student's ability to visualize the sounds and letters within words, an important skill for reading and spelling.

The SI Test helps educators identify and monitor skills that underlie word recognition, spelling, and reading fluency.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!
🐱 Calling all cat lovers! Celebrate National Cat Day with a FREE reading resource for parents and teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing!

This Imagine That! lesson packet features five cat-themed stories for grades 2–6, vocabulary practice, puzzles, and a coloring page!

Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or with any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice.

Download your free packet - follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial!
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

Our next milestone takes us to 2008, when Lindamood-Bell co-founder Nanci Bell was recognized by the California State Assembly as one of the state's Top 50 Women Business Leaders!

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.
#LindamoodBell40 #LindamoodBell
🎧 New Podcast Episode!

How can art help students share their stories and make a difference in their communities?

Muralist Kyle Holbrook joins Lindamood-Bell for Schools Director of Development Dave Kiyvyra to discuss the Moving Lives of Kids Community Mural Project and the power of art to bring people together.

Hear how students are using creativity to express themselves and contribute to their communities.

Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

📚 2006: What happens when an entire school district works to improve reading?

In 2006, researchers from Texas A&M University published a study in the American Educational Research Journal examining reading achievement in Colorado’s Pueblo School District 60, where Lindamood-Bell had been working with schools since 1997 to support students at risk of reading difficulties.

They examined reading scores for students in grades 3–5 over several years and found that schools using Lindamood-Bell instruction made significantly greater gains than schools across Colorado. Those gains increased over time, including in Title I schools.

It was encouraging to see these results, especially in a district where so many students needed additional reading support.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning.

Tap the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial,  to learn more about our work and research.
📣 FREE Halloween Download for Parents and Teachers, courtesy of Gander Publishing! 🎃
The Imagine That! Halloween lesson packet features four high-imagery stories written at a 2nd–5th-grade reading level.

👻 Enjoy stories about a giant pumpkin, a ghost, and even a rooster accused of being a witch!
🎃 Build reading comprehension with higher-order thinking questions.
🍬 Strengthen vocabulary skills with engaging activities.

Perfect for use with Visualizing and Verbalizing® or any student who could benefit from extra comprehension practice.
Download your free packet and bring some Halloween fun to reading! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
🎉 40 Years of Changing Lives Through Learning

🧠 2004: Georgetown University researchers publish an important study on adult dyslexia and Lindamood-Bell instruction.

Led by Dr. Guinevere Eden and published in the scientific journal Neuron, the study used brain imaging to examine changes in adults with dyslexia following eight weeks of intensive Lindamood-Bell instruction.

Researchers found improvements in reading skills along with changes in brain activity, showing that the adult brain can continue to change and develop with reading instruction.

More than 20 years later, these findings continue to offer hope for adults who struggle with reading.

For more about our evidence-based reading instruction, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.

Follow along as we celebrate 40 years of changing lives through learning!
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