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The Missing Connection: Why Reading is Still So Hard for Your Child

Feb 17, 2016
 
 

Blog-Image-Missing-Connection

 

When a student struggles with reading, extra help typically focuses on phonics, or sounding out words, and spelling rules. Unfortunately, many students, even those who have had months of extra help, continue to struggle with grade level text.

 

Perhaps they sound out a word eventuallybut it is slow and labored. They may take so long to sound out the word that they miss the meaning of the text altogether. Or, they may substitute words when reading a paragraph. For example, they may read ‘production’ instead of ‘perfection.’

 

For many individuals, even those who have received extensive reading support, sight word recognition remains difficult. They may attempt to use phonics strategies for most words such as reading  /pee/ /oh/ /plee/ for the word ‘people.’ When they finally conquer a word, they might not recognize that same word when they encounter it in the next paragraph.

Also, while a student may be able to spell words phonetically, they are unable to remember the visual patterns of words (orthography). For example, they may spell the word “friend” as “f-r-e-n-d.”

 

Why? What is the missing connection for these students?

 

An important aspect of reading and spelling is symbol imagery, which underlies both phonological and orthographic processing. Symbol imagery is the ability to visualize letters in your mind’s eye. This connection of imagery and language is necessary for sounding out new words, as well as quickly recognizing letters and common words.

 

Students who read fluently, and are able to self-correct their errors, have strong symbol imagery.

 

Traditional reading help focuses on how to sound out words as well as reading and spelling rules. While these activities have value, they do not affect the necessary imagery-language connection. They do not change how a student is processing language. This is why reading may still be difficult for your child.

 

We help make this connection for students at our learning centers. Our teachers’ language stimulates an individual’s symbol imagery. For example, when a teacher says, “What letters do you see for ‘top’?” she is prompting the student to picture the letters t-o-p. By applying this skill to phonological and orthographic processing, reading and spelling skills are improved.

 

Improved symbol imagery changes how a student reads and spells, regardless of their age or struggle with literacy—including those with a previous diagnosis of dyslexia.
Learn more about about how symbol imagery can change your child’s ability to read: https://lindamoodbell.com/program/seeing-stars-program

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Lindamood-Bell provides tailored instruction in reading, comprehension, and math for students of all ages and abilities.

✅ Customized one-to-one sessions
✅ Available both in-person and live online
✅ Effective for students with learning challenges, including dyslexia

✨ Special savings on winter break instruction—contact your local learning center today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online.
🌟 Learn more and get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
Educators, is your literacy instruction grounded in a Theory of Cognition? 🤔📚

At Lindamood-Bell, our approach aligns with a specific theory of cognition known as Dual Coding Theory (DCT). In our latest blog, learn more about the theory, its impact on education, and how you can apply it in your teaching to boost literacy and comprehension. 

📖 Read the full article at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online.
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition!
🌟 Learn more and get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoobellofficial.
🌟 Build New Skills and Confidence with Lindamood-Bell! 🌟

Our evidence-based instruction improves reading, comprehension, and math skills. Whether in person or live online, we’re here to support your student!

✨ Special savings on winter break instruction available now—contact your local learning center today!  Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
🎄 Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season 🎄
May your days be filled with love, laughter, and gratitude that carries into the new year.
We’re so grateful for you and the joy you bring to our community. Here’s to a season full of happiness and connection! 💖
#HappyHolidays
🎧New Podcast Episode! 🎧
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 will proudly represent her state at the Miss America pageant on January 5, 2025. Listen at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
Math challenges can impact a child’s confidence and academic success—but there’s hope. At Lindamood-Bell, we specialize in helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in math.
Discover:
✅ Why children may struggle with math
✅ Signs your child might need extra support
✅ How personalized instruction can make all the difference
With our unique sensory-cognitive approach, students build a strong foundation in math while gaining the confidence to excel in the classroom and beyond.
👉 Visit our blog to learn more about how we can help your child thrive in math. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
Our unique approach develops the imagery-language foundation for math. Students of all ages can catch up and enjoy math for the first time. Learn more and get started at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #testimonial #math #dyscalculia
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online. 
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 
🌟 Learn more and get started today! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbellacademy #lindamoodbell #privateschool #personalizedlearning
📖🐾 Roan & Sammy’s Incredible Journey!
In the December issue of Real Simple, Ruth Gentry shares how Sammy, a disabled rescue dog, became a source of strength and support as Roan worked to overcome dyslexia. With Lindamood-Bell instruction and Sammy by his side, Roan’s confidence has soared—and now he reads to Sammy every night!
✨ Watch Roan read from the Real Simple article about their inspiring story! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #dyslexia
🎧 New Podcast Episode 🎧
Discover how Lindamood-Bell’s online instruction transforms learning. Alyson shares how her young daughter made big strides in reading and spelling, while Paul Worthington, our Director of Research and Development, highlights data showing students thrive online just as they do in person.
🎙️ Listen now, follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#LindamoodBell #podcast #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell Academy is a school where every student can thrive! We develop foundational skills and provide a personalized learning experience—in person or live online. 
Enroll now and enjoy 25% off one month of tuition! 🌟Learn more and get started today! 
Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbellacademy #lindamoodbell #privateschool #personalizedlearning
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