Gemm's Language & Learning Program

Gemm targets underlying learning issues to improve functioning in class and study skills at home. 

Language & Learning Issues We Address

We target these learning issues, amongst others:

• Expressive Language.  This might be younger ones with a limited vocabulary, poor articulation, weak conversational skills or an older child with weak vocabulary or comprehension.
• Receptive Language, i.e., difficulties following multi-step instructions or inability to engage in class.
• Retention, working memory -- the ability to retain teacher or parent instruction and/or hold what is read.
• Focus, attention stamina -- the ability to stay engaged in class, to study independently or while reading.
• Auditory processing -- the ability to process (hear and understand) language at natural language speed. If a child cannot do this, and many cannot, the world is coming at them too fast leading to avoidance behavior and a lot of missed opportunities to learn.

Gemm's Approach

We primarily use the Fast ForWord program to build fundamental language processing skills which sets a foundation for a more rounded and comfortable learning style.  

The primary target is processing speed.  Boosting the speed at which your child processes information effectively slows the world down, providing a major confidence boost.  School and home life is much more manageable and enjoyable, not to mention less stressful for your child and you. 

Gemm's Goals By Age

For early elementary age children, Fast ForWord typically provides a boost in vocabulary, talkativeness, the ability to follow directions and general ability to learn and progress.  They should also start to be more willing readers. This is a 2-6 month process depending each child's starting point and learning makeup. 

For 2nd graders and up, our goal is to help the school day by improving focus, strengthening memory skills and helping to automate the reading process -- often a real bottleneck in the learning progress.  We are building the fundamental cognitive skills required to follow the teacher in class, be better test takers, better learners and better thinkers.  A rounded learner will find homework less daunting and can develop a comfortable reading style.

Of course, every child is different, and so time required, protocol progression and outcomes vary.