Our Approach
Learning style not learning disability
Dyslexia and ADD individuals have a predominantly non-verbal thinking style (picture thinking rather than word thinking) and vivid imaginations. This allows them to imagine three-dimensionally and see things in their mind from many points of view; imagine sounds, tastes and even smell; and to perceive what they are imagining as if it were real. We call this ability disorientation. Disorientation is at the root of the many talents as well as to the many difficulties dyslexics experience. We view non-verbal thinking and use of imagination as a gift that should be nurtured and used for its advantages. We recognize the immense contribution that people with this thinking style have made to humanity even though they may have done poorly at school.
Some of these talents include:
- Artistic ability
- Music/dance/drama/story-telling
- Athletic ability
- Designing/inventing/building/making
- Mechanical arts/engineering/science
- Reading people
- Strategic planning
The accompanying difficulties with accurate perception, linear thought and symbol- based thinking can be addressed using methods that appeal to the visual-spatial/kinesthetic learner. All Davis programs have been designed to feel easy and enjoyable as we work with the learning style rather than against it.