All posts by Julie Gisbon

Arizona Dept. of Education Selects the Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and LiPS Programs as Approved Interventions for the Move On When Reading Initiative

For Schools, Professional Development

 

After a recent Arizona Department of Education review, Lindamood-Bell is honored to announce that the Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and LiPS programs continue to meet all K-3 reading intervention requirements under Move On When Reading. Intervention programs selected for the initiative are recognized as meeting one of the top three evidence tiers, as defined by ESSA.

Since 1986, Lindamood-Bell has worked with schools, educators, and students to implement programs and organizational processes that develop or remediate literacy skills. We help educators provide evidence-based, sensory-cognitive instruction as a basis for developing phonemic awareness, phonics, orthographic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. 

Our partnerships with schools have succeeded in closing the achievement gap by providing explicit, cumulative, and systematic instruction in this methodology. We have substantial evidence of effectiveness with turning around low-performing schools and increasing reading proficiency with struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and in special education. 

We are proud to support school districts and educators in Arizona to increase literacy.  Below are current and recent school partnerships around The Grand Canyon State:

  • Arizona Department of Corrections
  • Arizona State University Prep Digital
  • Avondale Elementary School District
  • Chandler Unified School District #80
  • Desert Heights Charter Schools
  • Edison School of Innovation
  • Kyrene SD #28
  • Madison SD #38
  • Nogales Unified School District #1
  • Peoria Unified School District
  • Prescott Valley Charter School
  • Tucson Unified School District

 

 

Arizona Dept. of Education – Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and LiPS programs selected as approved interventions for the Move on When Reading initiative.

Evidence-based programs are key to our solutions for schools.

Our approach addresses the imagery-language foundation that is a silent partner to cognition and literacy—often the missing piece in helping students close the achievement gap. 

Professional development available in the Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, and LiPS programs include teacher workshops, job-embedded coaching, and comprehensive school partnerships. We help schools build expertise in aligning assessments with instruction for students in all tiers of instruction. Our programs address the skills needed for students to access curriculum.

 

Reading and Spelling Programs

Seeing Stars

Symbol Imagery for Phonological and Orthographic Processing in Reading and Spelling

Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing (LiPS)

Phonemic Awareness for Reading, Spelling, and Speech

 

Comprehension Program

Visualizing and Verbalizing (V/V)

Concept Imagery for Language Comprehension, Thinking, and Memory 

 

Explore our professional development workshops and contact us at 800-233-1819 or email pd.solutions@lindamoodbell.com to discuss how your school can get started.

View the Arizona Department of Education Guidance – Intervention Guidance < Intervention/Supplemental Reading Programs List

A Clear Window into Your Child’s Learning

Learning Centers, Specials,

 

Our success with students begins with our unique Learning Ability Evaluation. We identify strengths and weaknesses that may be affecting school performance in reading, comprehension, and math.

To get you started, we are pleased to offer our Learning Ability Evaluation at a special rate of $495 (regularly $1150).

 

Learning Ability Evaluation

  • 10+ standardized measures of reading, comprehension, and math
  • Identification of strengths and weaknesses
  • Online or in-person testing 
  • Consultation to explain findings

Learning Skills Measured

  • Sounding Out Words
  • Spelling
  • Word Reading
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Paragraph Reading
  • Math 

Contact us to schedule or call 800-300-1818.

The Benefits of Small Group Instruction

For Schools, Professional Development, ,

What is Small-Group Instruction?

In small-group instruction, a teacher works with a select number of students, typically between two and six, at a similar academic level. This setup allows the teacher to tailor the instruction to the group’s specific needs, offering individualized support and guidance.

By utilizing small-group instruction, students can experience a variety of benefits. They have increased opportunities for active participation, collaboration, and personalized feedback. Additionally, this approach fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment.

In small-group instruction, the teacher customizes the lesson to meet the specific needs and learning goals of the group. This allows for differentiated instruction, where students receive targeted support and practice in areas where they may struggle or need additional reinforcement.

The goal of small-group instruction is to enhance student learning by creating a supportive and engaging environment. Small groups give students more opportunities to actively participate, ask questions, and receive immediate feedback than they would be able to in a larger classroom setting. This promotes a deeper understanding of the concepts being taught and helps build confidence in their abilities.

Small-group instruction also encourages collaboration and peer learning. Students can learn from each other, share ideas, and develop important social skills such as communication and teamwork. It creates a sense of community within a classroom and fosters a positive learning environment.

At Lindamood-Bell, we understand the benefits of small-group instruction and its positive impact on students’ academic success. Our professional development workshops give teachers the skills to utilize small-group settings to provide individualized instruction in reading, comprehension, and math. By focusing on each student’s unique needs, we help them build the necessary skills and strategies to help their students become confident and independent learners.

 

Why is Small-Group Instruction Important?

teacher reading during small group instruction

Small-group instruction significantly impacts student learning. Unlike traditional whole-class instruction, it allows for personalized attention and tailored instruction that meets students’ individual needs. Working in small groups, students can engage in more active participation, collaborate with peers, and receive immediate feedback from the teacher.

This targeted approach is particularly beneficial for students with learning differences. Small-group instruction allows for differentiated instruction that addresses these needs and meets students at their current level. Teachers can group students who need similar learning interventions to provide targeted support. With small-group instruction, teachers can adapt their strategies to accommodate various learning styles, providing a more inclusive environment.

Furthermore, small-group instruction fosters a sense of community and promotes social skills development. Students interact with peers, share ideas, and learn from each other. This collaborative environment encourages active participation, boosts confidence, and enhances communication skills.

At Lindamood-Bell, we understand the importance of small-group instruction in supporting student success. Our founder’s evidence-based programs, such as Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing, are delivered in small-group settings to maximize individualized attention and promote optimal learning outcomes. By harnessing the power of small-group instruction, we empower students to reach their full potential and become confident, independent learners.

 

Advantages of Small-Group Instruction

teacher and student during small group instruction

In small-group settings, students experience increased engagement compared to larger class sizes. With fewer students, teachers can provide individual attention and support, fostering a more interactive and participatory learning environment. Students are more likely to actively participate, ask questions, and contribute to discussions when they feel seen and heard.

Small-group instruction also allows for differentiated instruction. Teachers can tailor lessons to meet the specific needs and abilities of each student. By assessing individual strengths and weaknesses, educators can provide targeted instruction and support, ensuring that every student is challenged appropriately. This personalized approach promotes academic growth and helps students reach their full potential.

Another benefit of small-group instruction is the opportunity for peer collaboration. Working in small groups encourages students to interact with their peers, share ideas, and learn from one another. Collaborative tasks and discussions promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students benefit from diverse perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the material through peer interactions.

 

Assessment and Feedback in Small-Group Instruction

students participating in small group instruction

One key benefit of small-group instruction is the ability to provide immediate feedback for student progress. Unlike traditional whole-class instruction, where feedback may be delayed or limited, small-group instruction allows for personalized attention and targeted feedback. This means students receive timely feedback on their performance, enabling them to make immediate adjustments and improvements.

Formative assessment techniques play a crucial role in small-group instruction. Educators can use various strategies to gather real-time data on students’ understanding and progress. Techniques such as questioning help teachers gauge students’ comprehension and identify areas needing additional support or instruction.

Monitoring and adjusting instruction is another advantage of small-group instruction. With fewer students, teachers can closely monitor each student’s progress and adjust their instruction accordingly. This personalized approach allows educators to tailor their teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of individual students, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of challenge and support.

 

Evidence-Based Small-Group Instruction

evidence-based small group instruction

Evidence-based small-group instruction has proven highly beneficial for students with learning challenges. Research shows that providing intensive intervention in a classroom setting can significantly support these students in their academic journey.

At Lindamood-Bell, we understand the importance of using evidence-based practices to help students reach their full potential. That’s why we offer professional development programs focused on strengthening the imagery-language foundation, ultimately improving learning outcomes.

 

Educators: Learn Effective Instruction Skills with Lindamood-Bell

teacher professional development for small group instruction

Lindamood-Bell offers professional development workshops for teachers to learn evidence-based small-group instruction strategies for literacy and math intervention.

We understand the importance of small-group instruction in promoting effective learning outcomes. Our workshops are designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement successful small-group instruction in the classroom. Through a combination of instructional videos, demonstrations, and interactive activities, teachers learn how to create engaging and effective learning experiences for their students. Our live, interactive, online workshops are available year-round, providing teachers with the opportunity to gain valuable skills to help students with literacy and language challenges.

Visit our Toolkit for Educators to access valuable resources, free materials, and information to support instructional practices.

Learn how Lindamood-Bell can help you enhance your instructional skills and positively impact student learning outcomes. Get in touch today and discover the benefits of small-group instruction!

 

Parents: Small Group Instruction for Reading & Comprehension at Our Learning Center 

individualized small group instruction

Small group instruction is available at a Lindamood-Bell Learning Center for students who qualify. Affordable instruction paired with our renowned quality and proven results!

  • Personalized Attention: Groups of just 2-3 students per instructor
  • Significant Savings: Over 40% off compared to individual instruction
  • Flexible Scheduling: Two to four sessions daily, five days a week
  • Availability: Offered during the school year (not available in summer)
  • Location Options: Join us in our Learning Center or online
  • Expert Instruction: Delivered by highly trained Lindamood-Bell consultants and clinicians
  • Proven Methods: Evidence-based instruction that delivers measurable results

Contact us to learn more about how Lindamood-Bell can make an impact on your child’s learning. Find your location here.

Maximize Summer Learning with Proven Professional Development: Transform Student Success

For Schools, Professional Development, Reading, ,

Proven Professional Development and Student Success

Summer is the ideal time for educators to enhance students’ instructional skills and prepare for the next academic year. Schools that invest in professional development over the summer create lasting change, empowering teachers with evidence-based strategies that benefit all students.

 

Case Study in Action

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) successfully launched an intensive summer program with two key goals:

  1. Deliver evidence-based, sensory-cognitive instruction to the most vulnerable students.
  2. Provide job-embedded professional development that helps teachers implement structured, engaging, and adaptable lessons.

This dual approach not only accelerated student progress over the summer but also fostered collaboration between Tiers 2 and 3, ensuring continued impact throughout the school year. 

The result? Improved literacy outcomes and a more inclusive approach to education.

 

Evidence-Based Solutions

Lindamood-Bell’s proven professional development can equip educators with the skills they need to differentiate instruction, enhance student engagement, and support struggling readers with research-backed, sensory-cognitive methods.

 

Get in touch now to reserve your summer PD spot or discuss how Lindamood-Bell can help your district create lasting change.

 

Stronger Math Skills—Anytime, Anywhere with Live-Online Help

Learning Centers, Math, Online, , , ,

 

Are you worried that your child is struggling in math? Many students need extra support to build confidence and stay on track. At Lindamood-Bell, we specialize in helping students catch up and excel, no matter their starting point.

 

What Sets Our Math Instruction Apart?

Our evidence-based On Cloud Nine: Visualizing and Verbalizing for Math instruction integrates concept and numerical imagery with language to enhance computation and problem-solving. This dual focus on mathematical reasoning and computation helps students build a solid foundation in math, leading to greater success in the classroom.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Mastering Math Facts: We use imagery-based learning to help students visualize and internalize essential math facts, making recall faster and easier.
  • Solving Word Problems with Confidence: Students gain the tools to break down and solve complex word problems by connecting numerical and conceptual imagery with language.
  • Building a Deep Understanding of Math Concepts: Our approach goes beyond rote learning. We help students comprehend the why behind mathematical processes, setting them up for long-term success.

 

Real Student Success Stories

We’ve seen countless students transform their math skills—and their confidence! Nikki, a mom whose son Bryson was struggling, shared their experience:

“He started getting very low scores on his math tests. After receiving instruction at Lindamood-Bell, he’s now describing himself as a good math student again. He’s back on track in math!”

Watch their story here:

 

Proven Results Backed by Research

Our programs aren’t just effective—they’re backed by peer-reviewed research demonstrating their success. See the results and explore the research behind On Cloud Nine.

 

Get Started Today!

With in-person and live-online instruction, Lindamood-Bell makes supporting your child’s learning from anywhere easy. Our flexible, interactive lessons bring expert math instruction to your home, helping your child build skills and confidence at their own pace.

Special Offer: Enroll in online math instruction now and receive 10% off!*

Call us at 800-300-1818 or click to learn more and schedule instruction.

 

*Applicable to new online instruction enrollment only. Must enroll by March 31, 2025, for at least 100 sessions (or instructional recommendation). Not valid in the UK.

Your Child Can Find Success at Lindamood-Bell Academy

Academy, Podcast

 

Struggling in the third grade, Shari’s son Oliver faced daily challenges with schoolwork that dragged on for hours, often ending in tears and exhaustion. Determined to break the cycle, she sought a school to meet her child’s unique learning needs.

 

The results were life-changing. From the very start, Oliver came home excited to share what he was learning, developed a newfound love for reading, and even began volunteering to read aloud for the family—a remarkable turnaround. “It was the best decision of our life,” she shares.

 

Now thriving academically, Oliver has discovered a passion for science and dreams of a bright future. Don’t miss this inspiring story of resilience, hope, and finding the perfect educational fit.

 

Listen to Shari and Oliver’s story:

 

Our renowned sensory-cognitive instruction, individualized curriculum, and highly engaged and positive instructors provide the educational environment that will enable your child to experience success.

Enroll in Lindamood-Bell Academy by February 28 and receive 10% off your final month’s tuition.*

 

Call 800-300-1818 or get in touch to enroll.

The Latest about Roan and Sammy’s Story: People Magazine

Dyslexia, Learning Centers, Online, ,

A Determined Boy

Ruth Gentry’s son Roan, a student with dyslexia who learned to read with Lindamood-Bell’s online instruction, was driven by his determination to read to his beloved service dog, Sammy.

Now Roan and Sammy’s story is an inspiration for humans and animals alike! 

Read the latest about their story in People magazine.

 

About Instruction at Lindamood-Bell

With our personalized programs, students can make years of improvement in literacy and learning skills in a matter of weeks.  

How can your child excel this school year? Read on for typical areas of focus. 

Reading:

Strong readers recognize common words and can sound out unfamiliar words easily, making reading at grade level or above easy and smooth.

Students struggling can learn to read to their full potential this school year. We identify why reading is hard for each student individually and focus on developing the skills they need to become a better reader. Learn about our renowned approach.

Comprehension :

Do words “go in one ear and out the other” for your child? This is more common than you’d think. Weak concept imagery—the ability to image a gestalt (whole)—may be the cause. 

Weakness in concept imagery interferes with reading and listening comprehension, memory, oral vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing. Developing concept imagery can improve comprehension. Learn more about how we develop comprehension here.

Math:

Does your child “hate” math? People who are good at math can easily visualize math concepts. The language of numbers turns into imagery, and they “see” mathematical relationships. 

We can teach your child how to think with numbers. Learn how we solve math “problems” here.

Contact us at 800-300-1818 to get started.

Transfer Now to Finish the School Year Strong!

Academy, Specials

Receive 10% savings on your last month of tuition when you enroll by February 28.*

Don’t wait until next school year to make it happen. It’s time to switch to a better school environment that offers personalized support and a positive experience for your child. We offer live-online and in-person instruction.

With Lindamood-Bell Academy, your child can smoothly transition to an ideal school environment with dynamic instruction, whether live online or in person. The Academy’s rolling admissions make transferring right now easy.

Our highly personalized approach to education is unique. It combines our renowned, evidence-based instruction with a standards-aligned curriculum. Our engaged, caring staff will tailor a learning plan to your child’s specific learning needs and implement it with an eye to quality and stability. 

Discover how rewarding and beneficial Lindamood-Bell Academy can be with our virtual tour.

Get in touch with us to learn more.  

*Must enroll by 2/28/25. Must enroll through the end of the school year, May 30, 2025. Discount applied to the final month’s tuition.

A Student’s Inspiring Journey from Dyslexia to the Miss America Pageant

Dyslexia, Instruction, Learning Centers, ,

Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. Her journey with Lindamood-Bell began in fifth grade, where she received support as a student. Today, she uses her platform to champion literacy and inspire others on their reading journeys.

As Miss Massachusetts, Kiersten proudly represented her state at the Miss America pageant on January 5, 2025.

 

Watch her inspiring story.

 

At Lindamood-Bell, we develop the imagery-language foundation for reading, spelling, language comprehension, math, memory, and critical thinking.

Online Instruction Available Anywhere

(800) 233-1819 

A Message from Our Co-Founder Regarding the Wildfires

Learning Centers

 

The wildfires affecting Southern California have brought devastating loss and disruption to our communities. I am deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news that our Pacific Palisades Learning Center has been lost in the fire. However, it is with immense gratitude that I can tell you all of our employees and students are safe.   

Our Pasadena and Westwood Learning Centers are closed until it is safe to return as we continue to prioritize the safety of everyone involved.

We are committed to supporting our employees during this challenging time and our hearts are with everyone affected by these tragedies. Please join me in keeping our employees, students, and their families in our positive thoughts and prayers.

 

Nanci Bell

Lindamood-Bell Co-Founder and CEO

Emergency Relief for Students Affected by the LA Fires
The recent Los Angeles fires have disrupted the lives of many families and students. At Lindamood-Bell, we are here to support students during this challenging time, helping them maintain academic progress and stability. Families can choose to finish the school year with personalized, comprehensive academic support through Lindamood-Bell Academy, or pursue targeted, one-on-one instruction to overcome academic challenges at our Learning Centers.

Both options provide the care, support, and excellence you expect from us. Contact us today to learn more about our Emergency Relief options and how we can help your student succeed.