post
BLOG AND NEWS

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.

Connect with us
The Science of Reading is transforming literacy instruction—but is it enough?

At Lindamood-Bell, we integrate the Cognitive Science of Learning to strengthen the sensory-cognitive skills crucial for fluent reading and comprehension. Our evidence-based approach develops symbol imagery for decoding and concept imagery for understanding—key components often overlooked in traditional literacy methods.

Visit our blog to explore the Science of Reading and discover how the Cognitive Science of Learning sets Lindamood-Bell apart. 
Link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Join Us This Summer—We're Hiring!
Looking for a meaningful summer job? Our learning centers are seeking enthusiastic, positive individuals to help students thrive. As a Clinician (Tutor), you'll receive paid training in our proven, evidence-based programs.
Explore our open positions and apply today!
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📢 Roan and Sammy’s Story Featured in People Magazine!

Roan, a student with dyslexia, was determined to learn to read so he could share stories with his beloved service dog, Sammy. With Lindamood-Bell’s online instruction, he turned that dream into reality! 🐶📖✨

Now, their heartwarming journey is inspiring readers everywhere. ❤️
Read more on our blog, including the latest People magazine feature. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
At Lindamood-Bell, we specialize in helping students of all ages and abilities learn to their full potential. Our evidence-based instruction is fun and effective, whether you join us live online or in person!
Boost your child’s reading, comprehension, and math skills—for a limited time, join us online and save 10%! 🎉 
Get started now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Make a Difference This Summer—We're Hiring!

Looking for a rewarding summer job? Our learning centers are hiring enthusiastic, positive individuals who want to help students succeed. As a Clinician (Tutor), you'll receive paid training using our proven, evidence-based approach! 

View our open positions and get started! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Is your child struggling with reading comprehension? 📚 We can help!
Reading comprehension is key to academic success, and difficulties in this area can impact confidence and performance.
In our latest blog, we explore:
💡Why reading comprehension matters 
🚧 Common obstacles
✨ Practical tips to boost comprehension 

Discover how Lindamood-Bell instruction can unlock your child’s potential.
Get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📢 The latest NAEP scores are in, and the results are alarming—reading proficiency among American students has hit a new low. 📉 Struggling readers are falling even further behind, making it more critical than ever to address the root causes of reading difficulties.

✨ Whether through our Learning Centers, Academy, or School Partnerships, Lindamood-Bell is the proven solution for transforming literacy outcomes at every level.

📚 Parents and educators seeking an evidence-based approach that delivers real, measurable results can trust Lindamood-Bell to help students unlock their potential and achieve reading success.

💡 Every student deserves the chance to thrive. See our impact and how we can help! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Looking for a better school experience? 🎓✨

Transfer to Lindamood-Bell Academy now and finish the school year strong! Our rolling admissions make switching easy, whether live online or in person. Plus, enroll by February 28 and save 10% on your last month of tuition!
📚 Personalized learning
🏫 Supportive, engaging environment
🌟 Evidence-based instruction

Give your child the education they deserve. Learn more today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 February is Black History Month—a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. From civil rights pioneers like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. to trailblazers in science, politics, literature, and beyond, Black history is woven into the fabric of American history. 

Join @NMAAHC in celebrating @ASALH 2025’s official #BlackHistoryMonth theme, African Americans and Labor. Follow the link in @NMAAHC 's  bio to learn more.
📢 Calling all educators: 20% Off In-Person Workshops in San Luis Obispo, CA!

📅 Workshops are available this March and June! 
Join us at our stunning corporate campus for a hands-on professional development experience!

💡 Learn proven strategies grounded in the science of reading—perfect for SPED staff, SLPs, interventionists, paraprofessionals, and tutors. Our workshops support students struggling with reading and math, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.

🌴 Make it a getaway! San Luis Obispo was named #5 Best Town to Visit in America by CNN Travel!

✨ Don’t wait! Get details and register now to secure your spot. Use code JOINSLO25 at checkout and save! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Worried about your child’s literacy skills or academic performance? 

At Lindamood-Bell, we specialize in helping students of all ages improve their reading, comprehension, and math skills. Our engaging, evidence-based instruction is fun and effective—whether you join us live online or in person!
🌟 Enroll now and save 10% on live-online instruction!
Don’t wait—unlock your child’s potential today! 💻📚
🌟 10% Off Personalized Online Learning! 🌟
Now through March 31, 2025, new enrollments in our live-online instruction save 10%!
✅ One-to-one instruction in reading, comprehension, and math
✅ Flexible, convenient, and proven effective
💬 “It completely changed everything for him.” – A grateful parent

📊 Students achieve significant gains in key areas like comprehension and spelling.

👉 Don’t wait—spaces are limited! Learn more and enroll today.
🎉 Follow the link in bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Unlock your student’s potential with Lindamood-Bell!

Reading, comprehension, and math success for students from young learners to teens and beyond.
✅ Personalized one-to-one instruction tailored to individual needs
✅ Available in person or live online—flexible for any schedule
✅ Proven success for learners with dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and more

💡 Special Offer: Save 10% on live online instruction!

Help your student gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed. 📚Get started today—Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
📣 Attention Educators!
Join us on Wednesday, February 12th, for an inspiring Leaders in Literacy webinar. Mandy Melville, founder and director of the nonprofit Creative Language-based Learning (CLBL) foundation, will share insights into her organization’s impactful partnership with Jamaican schools, providing professional development for teachers since 2017.
We’re also excited to feature Yvette Richards-Thompson, principal of Denham Town High School in Kingston, Jamaica, who will share her firsthand experiences with this transformative collaboration.
💻 Don’t miss out!
👉 Register now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Request Information

Request Information

When you complete our form, we'll send you to our digital information packet and reach out to you shortly.
You may also call us at

* required

Schedule a Learning
Ability Evaluation

Please fill out the form and we will be in touch to schedule an evaluation.

* required