Dyslexia Help: Out with the old, in with the new!
Written by Sandie Barrie Blackley, MA/CCC
Published on April 16, 2015
Blog Posts, Dyslexia, Dyslexia Advice, Dyslexia Treatment, Educational Therapists Advice
What are some methods to approach dyslexia therapy?
Research-based therapies for overcoming dyslexia have, for decades, had two main components:
- Direct Instruction – New concepts are explained clearly and completely, using multisensory methods.
- Mastery Practice – New concepts and previously taught concepts are combined and practiced until they are automatic.
But there is a difference between what I call “the old model” and the Lexercise model.
Practitioners who use “the old model” meet with the child across a tabletop 3 to 5 times each week, mixing both direct instruction and mastery practice. The parent is usually not included in these sessions, there is usually no structured practice provided for the home and there is no way for a parent to objectively monitor progress.
In contrast, the Lexercise model is based on the modern science of learning, with the direct instruction session scheduled so that the parent can 
participate, plus a choice of several convenient ways for the family to do brief, structured practice every day.
The child and the parent meet with the clinician 1 time each week for 45 minutes for direct instruction. (The parent learns the concept and terminology along with the child so they can support the child’s learning.) Coordinated mastery practice is provided DAILY in both online games and off-line table-top materials, depending on the child’s needs and the parent’s preferences.
Summarizing OLD versus NEW approach
Old model – practice 2 or 3 times a week and often far less than 100 response challenges a week.
New model – practice 5-7 times a week, with as many as 100 response challenges a day.
Old model – the parent is left in the waiting room and has a limited understanding of the structured literacy methods.
New model – the parent is part of the process and has a full understanding of the structured literacy methods being used with their child.
Old model – the word structure of English can take up to 3 years to cover.
New model – the word structure of English can often be covered in a semester.
Lexercise’s NEW model provides effective and efficient structured literacy intervention for families all over the globe. If you are concerned that your child is not making the progress you’d expect with their current reading tutoring/intervention, call us to get started in an online Orton-Gillingham therapy program.
Improve Your Child’s Reading
Learn more about Lexercise today.
15-minute consultation
Sandie Barrie Blackley, MA/CCC
MA/CCC - Co-founder and Chief Knowledge Officer
Lexercise’s Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO) and ASHA fellow, brings a wealth of expertise in speech-language pathology and 40+ years of literacy instruction. Her background in teaching and curriculum development provides Lexercise with a solid foundation in evidence-based practices. Sandie’s profound understanding of learning disabilities and her commitment to inclusive education drive the company’s innovative approach to literacy.
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