How do I begin?
Holy Cross for non-dyslexic students?
How do you help kids adapt to their reading difficulties?
How soon do children with dyslexia typically see results?
Our school specializes in teaching children with dyslexia, and our teachers can help evaluate your child’s challenges and needs. Whether you’re a parent with questions about having your child tested for dyslexia or just looking for support, please contact us for more information. We can set up an initial consultation and answer any questions that you may have.
Holy Cross for non-dyslexic students
Holy Cross teaches students with and without dyslexia in the same classes. Our teachers meet each student at his or her learning level and according to their needs. We simply feel we have an additional tool in our teaching toolbox – our ability to help children with dyslexia achieve their potential does not detract in any way from the learning experiences of other children.
How do you help kids adapt to their reading difficulties?
Students with dyslexia do not respond to the typical teaching methods even when provided with additional instruction time. That is why we start our beginning readers out on Jolly Phonics, and then transition to the Barton system.
The foundation of our reading instruction is Jolly Phonics – a multi-sensory program that teaches children actions for each of the 42 letter sounds in our English language. This active approach to learning is fun for all kids, and engages children with dyslexia in ways other teaching methods do not. When students with dyslexia master the Jolly Phonics curriculum and the 42 letter sounds, they are ready to move on to the Barton System.
The second step of the Holy Cross reading program, the Barton System, was specifically developed to meet the needs of learners experiencing dyslexia. Learners with dyslexia require an intensive multi-sensory experience that our Barton-trained instructors provide. As every student with dyslexia has varying abilities, our teachers are also focused on identifying each individual child’s strengths and weaknesses. The combination of student-focused instruction and dynamic style helps students with dyslexia build confidence and thrive.
Even with instructional methods specifically designed to help children with dyslexia, one-on-one tutoring is typically still required. Holy Cross has a tutor on staff during the school day so that students receive the full range of instruction they need without extra lessons on evenings or weekends. Busy parents naturally appreciate this, but we also feel it is better for the students. Children with dyslexia work hard as we help them master reading skills, and intensive tutoring after hours is often less effective when they are tired.
How soon do children with dyslexia typically see results?
We find that children with dyslexia almost immediately respond to our supportive approach to their needs, improving their attitude toward school and optimism for learning. Because of our small size, all learners with dyslexia have one-on-one time with their teachers and tutors, but are still participating in all of the “fun” parts of school – recess, physical education, music, technology and more.
Just as importantly, our students without dyslexia are supportive of their dyslexic peers because their greater exposure to and understanding of the condition. Many children with dyslexia comment on the welcoming environment they find at Holy Cross, which in turn helps them enjoy school more and learn faster.