Frequently Asked Questions:
What will the day look like for students?
Our days begin with a community gathering. Whether virtual or onsite we are a community which is essential to building relationships, self-advocacy and confidence. We gather and get to know each other with activities to create a community of like-minded friends.
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A typical day for students will either begin with either a tutoring session or hands-on STEAM project-based math, writing opportunity which builds knowledge, skills, and confidence. The rehearsal hall session is the opportunity to reinforce what students have learned during tutoring and is like an additional hour of tutoring which is essential to growth and supports mastery of reading skills.
Students have movement, fun, brain, and snack breaks hourly. (Parents will provide the snacks.)
Why is the camp five weeks?
Intensity makes a difference. During the school year, students are bombarded with information and demand. This intensive five-week period will give them a daily focus on literacy without the stress of other subjects or homework.
What if my child is currently in tutoring?
This program should only enhance good tutoring. We would be happy to chat with your tutor and see what they are doing and how we can ensure to support their work.
Can my child miss time?
This is an intensive five-week program; the time missed is at your discretion. However, since the program is so rigorous and concentrated, it is strongly recommended that students are committed and attend regularly to get the most optimal benefit out of our program.
How will this camp help my dyslexic child and does my child need to have a formal dyslexia
diagnosis to attend this camp?
We do not require a formal diagnosis of dyslexia but will use any and all information you have about your student.
The Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading was designed for use with dyslexic children in a one-to-one setting. As educators become aware of the Science of Reading what has been discovered is that this method is successful for all readers and specifically those who struggle. Yoshimoto Orton Gillingham works well in a full class and small group setting as well. Our goal is to meet the needs of all students who may struggle to learn to read including those with dyslexia. We do this using the best method - Yoshimoto Orton Gillingham. We train and support all of our teachers in this approach as it is diagnostic and prescriptive - we are able to meet each student where they are and successfully meet their individual needs with highly skilled professionals. (Please check out the www.OrtonGillinghamInternational.org website. Please note that Elenn Steinberg is the Director of OGI as well and that the program is approved for by the Colorado Department of Education READ act for supplemental and intervention instruction as well as The International Dyslexia Association.)
How am I going to talk my child into what seems to be more school?
Tricky. We could say, based on past years, that kids really love the experience and particularly love the resulting confidence and skills. Further, it quickly becomes difficult to get kids to go home when they share this camp experience with the safety of knowing they are with kids who are “just like them”. That said, both the unknown and the prospect of “more school” is difficult to explain. We would be happy to talk to your child or perhaps have him or her meet other kids who could share their experiences.
How will I know if this helped my child?
We will be doing pre and post-assessments, which will help guide our instruction and give parents an understanding of what their child learned over the summer. While it is our hope that all students make good gains, for some students the ability to maintain skills is essential. We will provide reports with this information, as well as suggested instruction techniques and accommodations to provide to your student’s school.
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What about breaks?
At each transition, students will have a few minutes to do movement and activities to keep them connected. They also will have the opportunity to eat a snack. Given the feedback we have received we will make sure that moving and fun are built into every session.
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