“As an 8 year old, my son did not have a solid grasp on the alphabet even though we had been working on it in homeschooling since he was 3. The most common sight words like 'a' and 'the' would get misread. He could not even fake reading by memorizing books we had read a hundred times because his working memory was so poor.
Today, as a 6th grader, he asks to go to the library (still gravitating towards graphic novels, but considering that he didn't want to enter a library before? Miracle!) The difference? Brain Friendly Reading™. We couldn't afford to hire a tutor, so I did the training and learned how to work with him at home. Most importantly, I was able to see how his brain worked. It is accurately named 'Brain Friendly' but it’s also parent-friendly. Once I started to work WITH his brain rather than against it, he and I started actually enjoying our reading time together! Now he doesn't even notice himself reading!
I can send him downstairs for a specific type of green beans and when he brings it, I can ask, 'How do you know those are French-cut green beans?' and he looks at me like I'm insane. 'Mom, it says 'French-cut green beans.' He does not remember the YEARS of his going back and forth bringing can after can (green peas, black beans, regular green beans, because he was just guessing!)
Henry’s math also took off when he could read the instructions and story problems. He can now create the correct images in his mind that the story problems describe. Because of this, he has recently tested at 10th grade readiness in math entering this school year! BFR™ has changed the trajectory of his education and the range of possibilities. He will probably end up in construction since he enjoys working with his hands. His current interest is demolition (he is actually really good at destroying things 🙂.) Once, I could only see him being an hourly worker, but now I can see him being a civil engineer! He doesn’t have to be, but to be able to realistically imagine and encourage a great variety of possibilities...? Priceless.
I've tutored other kids using BFR™ training, and my child continues to use it. I don't know that reading will ever feel 'natural' to him, but at least now it feels usable and attainable to him. He is a fully functioning, literate 6th grader. I could not see this 4 years ago. He is looking forward to more gains to come! When I asked my son what he would tell a kid who was just starting BFR™, he said, 'I would tell him the more you do it, the more fun it is!' Thank you We Shall Read!!”
- Leslie Vaughn- Mom, tutor and children’s author
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Kristin Dwyer
Executive Director
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