Orton-Gillingham Reading Programs

For children who need intensive support to learn to decode words and develop reading fluency, comprehension, or have been diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia, our specialized reading program lessons engage students through a multisensory, language-based approach. 

The lessons build upon each other and are cumulative. They require students to master each level at their own pace prior to moving on. 

Our unique approach strengthens neuro pathways and develops automaticity in areas such as:

• Phonemic and Phonological Awareness
• Decoding
• Letter Reversals
• Reading Accuracy
• Fluency
• Comprehension
• Spelling
• Writing

These lessons are personally tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

One of a kind, multisensory teaching style

• Body and mind engaging through visual, auditory, kinesthetic techniques 
• Stellar and robust 
• Utilizes many physical props, body movements, rhythm, and music
• Fast-moving and fun!

Our reading teachers

• Have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education/special education and certifications in literacy.
• Have extensive teaching experience with struggling readers in phonemic awareness 
• Teach in a logical and systematic manner
• Have formal training in Orton-Gillingham phonemic methods as well as many other varied reading approaches such as Lindamood-Bell.
• Are members of the International Dyslexia Associations, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Association(CHADD) as well as other education associations to continue learning how to best help our students.

Spelling challenges may have many underlying causes. The most common reasons are a poor understanding of the decoding process, language processing challenges, or fine motor struggles to complete the spelling task. We assess for these challenges and sequentially retrain the brain to complete the spelling code deficiency through the use of our structured reading program.

The writing process can be almost overwhelming for many students. Sometimes, although the ideas are present, the ability to share them on paper is a chore to produce. A lack of critical thinking, organization, and structure, and final production are missing links that turn a struggling student into a confident and successful writer. 

Using evidence-based strategies that incorporate proofreading techniques, grammar, punctuation, organization tips, and research skill development, frustrating writing sessions can be a thing of the past for your family.

We are all born with the ability to pay attention. Some of us better than others. People with ADHD don’t have a lack of ‘deficit’ of attention; they have an inability to sustain and direct their attention at will.

Attention is a skill that can be practiced and improved when given the right tools. At our Grand Rapids Education Solutions, we help train individuals with the following:

• Attention control
• Time on-task
• Social skills
• Impulse control/Self Regulation
• Patience
• Mindfulness/Self Reflection
• Auditory processing
• Visual processing
• Visual Tracking
• Spatial Memory
• Short term memory
• Multiple-step memory
• Processing speed
• Visual/Auditory Discriminatory processing

In addition to traditional teaching methods of speech and language processing, Education Solutions incorporates patented technology to help students better process information during learning sessions in our center. Auditory Discrimination, Phonological Awareness, and Sound Articulation/Fluency are enhanced with our sequential auditory stimulation training. This sensory integration method used by thousands of clinicians and educators leads to increased attention, better speech, and overall learning. 

We do not diagnose speech or language processing disorders. In preparing the best solution of growth for your child, we may request further information from your Speech and Language Specialist, Neuro-Psychologist, or Medical Practitioner.

Math struggles can be frustrating for children. Sometimes it is the motor sequencing. For others maybe it’s the mental math, reading comprehension, or basic computation of new math skills. Regardless of the reason, we can help. 

Does your child 

• Struggle to focus and pay attention?
• Have difficulty remembering details?
• Fail to follow even simple directions?
• Struggle with ADHD or other processing challenges?

1. Cognitive skills are the core skills in the prefrontal portion of the brain which is used for thinking, reading, learning, remembering, reasoning, and paying attention. It helps us successfully and efficiently get through our daily exercises. 
2. When the neuro pathways/plasticity are underdeveloped or weak, retaining information, organizing, planning, and accomplishing even the simplest of tasks may be daunting. 
3. Students who attend our learning lab for academic or speech lessons are 

automatically enrolled in our cognitive skills training program. Throughout their scheduled academic lesson, in small and short intervals, students are actively engaged in fun physical and mental exercises that give their brains an enhanced boost of learning. It’s like where school and Jedi training become one! 

• Is your child smart, but disorganized?
• Do they procrastinate with projects and assignments?
• Does your family feel frustrated and overwhelmed with school?
• Are you ready to not be the homeschool police?

Executive functions in our brain allow us to set goals, plan how to complete projects, prioritize tasks, juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and focus on the task at hand. Additionally, time management, planning, organization, prioritization, self-regulation, and self-reflection are crucial life skills.

Study skill assistance is primary in our EF coaching system. But a large portion of this system is our cognitive skills/brain training program.

We offer an assessment to identify each student’s measure of reasoning, memory, and speed, which will be proctored upon our first coaching session. This assessment length is typically one hour in length.

Your student will learn how to:

• Organize
• Prioritize
• Plan
• Study Effectively
• Communicate Better
• Self-Regulate Attitudes
• Self-Advocate