Literacy

Can you read, write and spell?

In just 2-3 hours I can teach you to spell, read and overcome literacy problems that you may have wrestled with for years.

I had never considered what it must be like to not be able to read and write until a chance encounter with a stranger who we shall call Ben. Ben and I had shared a long train journey and Ben had been engaging, entertaining and was clearly intelligent.

As we neared Euston station Ben asked if I could give him directions as he wasn’t very familiar with the tube. I had a spare tube map in my bag so I handed it to Ben and gave him directions using the tube map as a visual and naming various stops and lines on the route. Ben was clearly perplexed so I decided to dispense with the tube map and write down the direction. Once again it became clear that although Ben was verbally saying “yes, I understand” his face told a very different story. Ben’s voice acquired an air of nervousness and he was clearly becoming frustrated. Finally with a massive sigh Ben leaned over and whispered that he had difficulty with reading and writing because he was dyslexic. If I could just direct him with right, left and straight on he was sure he would manage although he found the tube map and all the words confusing.

Do your children, friends or colleagues have problems with spelling or reading?

I frantically racked my brains to understand what this meant, how could this person who articulated themselves so perfectly not be able to read and write?  As the fog cleared I realised my communication had been wholly inappropriate for Ben’s needs. When he didn’t seem to understand I tried speaking slower, pointing, gesticulating, raising my voice, repeating phrases. The very behaviour we use when trying to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak our language. I quickly realised that there was nothing wrong with Ben’s ability to understand, I just needed to communicate in a different way not using written words or written directions, in a way that Ben could understand.

When we arrived at Euston I decided to accompany Ben to the underground. I put him on the tube and told him how many stops to count before he got off. We wished each other well and went on our way.

Afterward I reflected on what it must be like to not be able to read and write, what avenues would seem closed off to you. Over the next few days I started to analyse how many tasks involved reading or writing and here are just a few: shopping, TV guides, cooking from a recipe, obtaining information, form filling, and bank transactions. More and more I began to realise how clever people with literacy problems must be, how they manage to hide their problem and develop coping mechanisms to get them through. The older they get the better their coping mechanisms become. I wondered how they felt about their literacy difficulties, if they were angry, frustrated or resolved to always having them.

Literacy is a problem for 50% of the population?

Ifound out that roughly 50% of the population spell and read well, they see and visualise words and because they can do this they take it for granted that everyone else can. Which is why the other 50% of the poulation who don't see and visualise words are often left feeling alienated and frustrated. Their challenges range from minor problems with spelling right up to full blown dyslexia, when quite literaraly letters appear to be running around the page. We also know that the harder dyslexic children try the worse the dyslexia appears to get.

Despite popular opinion literacy is not related to intelligence, you can be very bright and still have dyslexia or literacy challenges. It also has nothing to do with laziness, many people who struggle with spelling and reading, try and try and try until they are exhausted. It is simply an inability to see words or what we call 'visualise' words and the good news is that can be changed. It's simply a case of learning a new and very simple skill which can take around one to three hours to learn.

Literacy and learning

Reportedly, the local Hertfodshire Chamber of Commerce recently said that "poor literacy and numeracy was the number one block to youngsters being ‘employment ready’ when they leave school".

You see for teenagers and adults the problem doesn’t go away. Some teenagers struggle on and persevere and even make it into University. They have developed coping mechanisms like dictation machines, PC spell checkers, audio books and friends and family who help. Other teenagers frustrated with the educational system (which appears to have failed them) decide to pursue practical careers e.g. construction, plumbing, hairdressing, beauty and the health care professions to name but a few. However when they reach college despite the practical nature of the courses they are once again confronted with the need to spell, read and write effectively.

Literacy in the workplace

Technology has ensured that many people with literacy challenges can operate in an office environment. Secretarial help and spell checkers on PC’s often disguise or mask reading and spelling difficulties. We all know people who have gone on to very senior positions within organisations despite struggling with spelling and reading all their lives, largely because they are highly capable and often intelligent individuals.

Interestingly many famous people including authors, artists, sports personalities and entrepreneurs have, or had the gift of dyslexia including: Richard Branson, Winston Churchill, Leonards Da Vinci, Steve Redgrave, Walt Disney and Agatha Christie to name but a few. I say a gift because for many dyslexics their ability to see things differently extends far beyond words and spelling. However, for some people their literacy problems do hold them back from fulfiling their potential. They may reach a stage in their career where they cannot progress any further, either because their literacy problems are noticed and acknowledged in the working environment or because their own self confidence holds them back

Help with Literacy

As a result of my chance encounter with Ben I resolved to learn all I could to help people with communication and literacy challenges. Using a mix of NLP (neuro linguistic programming) and visualisation techniques I can show and teach you a technique that makes learning to spell and read, a simple, quick, and painless process that is fun and enjoyable for adults, teenagers and children alike. If you or anyone you know (including your children, friends, family, work colleagues and associates) is struggling with reading and spelling, don't struggle alone, call me.

I understand that if you do struggle with reading and spelling then you probably won’t be reading this so please do pass on this message to those who would like help.

"Read any good books lately?"

Remember if you do what you have always done you will get the same result, so why not resolve to call me in confidence on 01442 255314 and ask for Ursuline.  

In a simple one hour session I will have you confidently spelling words and in two sessions you should be spelling and reading complex words, the same applies to your children. Why not see for yourself, pick up the phone and make a call and watch someone else or experience for yourself how simple it can be to make the change from, stuggling with the spelling and reading to enjoying spelling and reading. Pretty soon you could be the one saying