THE LEARNING PROCESS

LEARN ABOUT OUR TECHNIQUES

We use strategies based on The Spalding Method®, a highly successful research-based literacy acquisition approach, supported by cued articulation and our unique four phase treatment programme.


The Spalding Method®, encourages children to read through learning how to write. It consists of three main components: spelling, writing and reading comprehension. It is multi-sensory and integrates listening and speaking elements to reinforce a child's weaker areas by utilising their stronger ones. The method begins with learning to focus on sound-symbol relationships, called 'phonograms.



Once these are memorised, your child will write a 'high frequency word list' to help them understand how the phonograms operate in each word.


Once they learn the phonograms they put sounds together easily and begin to read swiftly. They then go on to write freely and create compositions and stories with confidence. They are taught specific narrative techniques, including character and setting description and are also taught the five mental actions involved in comprehension.





Appointments range from 30 to 90 minutes in length, depending on the age and concentration span of the child and the severity of their presenting problem. We will advise you of the best course of action following your child's initial assessment.


Practice hours and advice

Children are seen Monday to Friday, throughout the day between 9.45am and 6.30pm at the clinic. Schools are usually happy to release children during the school day, as they realise the specific benefits of therapy mean that the child will learn many strategies to help them access the school curriculum more successfully and confidently. Over the years we have built up a good rapport with local schools; the teachers and SENCO's often attend the clinic for their own professional development and observation of our unique methods. Children needing extra help may tire more easily and after school appointments are often not conducive to therapy.


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START HAVING THERAPY?

Research has shown that early intervention is most beneficial. However, as soon as you notice that your child may be struggling with some aspects of speech, language or literacy, you should contact the clinic to discuss your concerns.


WHEN ONWARDS REFERRAL IS NEEDED, WHAT HAPPENS?


We have a small network of other professionals whom we trust and recommend. We work closely with the Specialist Occupational Therapists. We also refer to a handful of well respected educational psychologists, behavioural optometrists, clinical psychologists and tutors who prepare children for 11+, GCSE, and A Level exams.





WHY DO WE USE A FOUR PHASE TREATMENT PROGRAMME?


We use this to accommodate children of different ages or children who are at different stages of literacy development. Depending on individual requirements some children may need to go through all four phases; others only need very specific treatment in just one phase, for example:-handwriting only or story writing only.


Phase 1:


  • handwriting instruction
  • phonogram learning
  • spelling rules
  • early reading skills


Phase 2:



  • mastery of handwriting
  • reading comprehension
  • reading proficiency
  • word decoding



WHY DO PARENTS NEED TO BE PRESENT?


We ask parents to attend every session because they play a key role in remediating their child's difficulties. Parents need to be trained alongside their child in our specific techniques, in order to support their child at home. 10 to 15 minutes practise per day is needed to maximise the method's potential in achieving dramatic, effective and long term results. Spellit's ultimate goal is to equip your child with all the skills/tools necessary for them to become an independent, life-long learner and to access the school curriculum with greater ease.


WHY DO WE RE-ASSESS EVERY 3-6 MONTHS?


We do this because it takes approximately this length of time to complete one phase of treatment.

For example, after the first phase of treatment we expect to see at least 12 months progress in reading skills and significant improvement in handwriting skills. After the second phase of treatment we typically see a further 12 months progress in reading as well as improvements in spelling, sentence structure and mastery of handwriting.