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The Key to Reading Confidence

Dec 23, 2014
 
 

Meet Joe, a college student struggling in his classes. Recently, he sat down to talk about his experience in school. “I can remember reading out loud in class and then not being able to answer the questions. Reading the words was no problem. But, then when I couldn’t answer the questions, the kids would laugh at me. The worst was that I had a teacher in high school that continually called me stupid…maybe I am. Am I?”

Joe’s problem with literacy isn’t that he can’t decode the words, it’s that he can’t comprehend the concepts. Telling him to “pay attention” or “think when you read” doesn’t help him. As Joe reads or listens to language, he processes “parts”-the in-one-ear-and-out-the-other syndrome. He remembers a few details, but he can’t get the big picture.

He has always had this problem, and not just when he reads. When he tries to follow directions and can’t remember all of them, he gets in trouble for not paying attention. When he tries to express himself, verbally or in writing, it comes out disjointed and out of sequence. When he listens to conversations or classroom presentations, it goes by him before he can get it. When he tries to participate in conversation he can’t make salient points because he spoke to the “parts” he processed. When he tries to think critically or problem solve, he is constantly frustrated. Though Joe can read and spell words, he has a language processing problem that has permeated the quality of his life and eroded his self-esteem.

Joe’s symptoms can be traced to his difficulty in getting the gestalt, the whole-necessary for processing language and thinking. Most importantly, his difficulty in getting the gestalt can be traced to his weakness in the sensory-cognitive function of concept imagery-the ability to visualize the whole.

While researching the relationship of imagery to comprehension and trying various steps to develop imagery, Nanci Bell, co-founder and director of Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, discovered that individuals who had difficulty understanding could not connect the parts to form an imaged whole. Instead, they got “parts” -bits and pieces- and could not get the main idea, draw a conclusion, make an inference, or evaluate.

This processing of parts instead of the gestalt contributes to a range of symptoms, most of which Joe has experienced:

  • Weak reading comprehension
  • Weak oral language comprehension
  • Weak oral language expression
  • Weak written language expression
  • Difficulty following directions
  • Difficulty with critical thinking
  • Difficulty with problem solving
  • Weak sense of humor

Unfortunately, weakness in concept imagery can be a hidden problem in the field of reading. It is often misdiagnosed, and it interferes with processing both oral and written language. Those who do not have the problem cannot know how painful it is. Individuals describe it as feeling foggy, like when you go to sleep in a movie and then cannot put it altogether. They say that they have hidden the problem behind good social skills, noting when to smile appropriately in conversation or when to laugh at jokes they really didn’t get. They say that they go to tremendous lengths to cover this problem because most people just think they aren’t as bright or aren’t good listeners or communicators. A graduate from MIT said that when he was in class trying to grasp a lecture, it was as if someone was going along with an eraser and erasing the language before he could get it.

As we process information through our sensory system, concept imagery brings the sensory information together, enabling us to create the gestalt. And, the gestalt is a necessary piece for cognition. Furthermore, there is little question that imagery is directly related to cognition. Aristotle said, long before phonemic awareness was thought about, “It is impossible to think without a mental picture.”

For someone like Joe, the sensory system must be stimulated and taught to image and process the gestalt, enabling the higher order thinking skills of main idea, conclusion, inference, and prediction to be improved. Reasoning, logical thinking, problem solving, and perhaps even creativity can be developed.

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🎧New Podcast Episode! 🎧
We welcome Jacquelyn, a 17-year-old learning disability advocate. Jacquelyn shares her transformative journey of overcoming dyslexia and dyscalculia. The episode explores her perseverance, academic achievements, and the value of evidence-based instruction on her journey. Listen and subscribe to Lindamood-Bell Radio at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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Imagine what your child could accomplish with Lindamood-Bell! Contact our learning center to get started with in-person or live online instruction. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #testimonial #tutor
Lindamood-Bell helps students of all ages catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math. Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online. Get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
Don’t wait another year to make the switch.  Your student can experience school success with Lindamood-Bell Academy.  We address each student’s unique learning needs and provide a full curriculum. Enroll today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
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#LindamoodBellAcademy #LindamoodBell #dyslexia #privateschool #personalizedlearning
Our evidence-based instruction is effective whether you attend in person or live online! Students everywhere can gain new skills and confidence—and have a successful school year. Get info for your student at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #tutor #onlineinstruction #testimonial
Winter Break is the perfect time for individualized, one-to-one reading, comprehension, and math instruction. Your child can conquer learning loss or get ahead before school resumes in the new year. Contact our learning center to secure your spot!
Get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #wintercamp #winterbreakcamp #winterbreak
Our personalized approach and evidence-based instruction can make a difference for your student. Don’t wait another year. Your student can make the switch to Lindamood-Bell Academy and get back on track! Get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
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#lindamoodbellacademy  #privateschool #lindamoodbell #testimonial
New Podcast Episode!
Our guest, Sarah Kodinsky, is the CEO of a childcare service specializing in support for children with developmental needs. Listen and subscribe at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #podcast
Our evidence-based instruction helps students of all ages catch up or get ahead in reading, comprehension, and math. Contact us for a personalized plan to help your student have a great school year. Now enrolling for Winter Break! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#googlereview #fivestarreview #lindamoodbell #testimonial #tutor
Students of all ages can learn to read and comprehend to their potential with our evidence-based instruction. Attend in person or live online. 
Get info at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#lindamoodbell #tutor #testimonial
📣Attention educators! 
We've compiled the best moments from past Leaders in Literacy webinars. Topics include the science of reading, dyslexia, professional development, and instructional leadership. 🌟
Catch up on the literacy insights you might have missed. Now available on-demand! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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