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What's all the fuss about at Kip McGrath Centres?
By Julie Courtis (Kip McGrath Willetton)
Aaron (year 4) had no confidence in reading and spelling: now he is able
to read on a higher level and doesnít give up on spelling; he really
gives it a go. The programme has given him the confidence to write
large sentences and stories instead of 4 word sentences. He also likes
going to the centre and never once has complained about doing
homework.
Cathy (year 7) has come along in leaps and bounds this year. She has
gained so much confidence. Although she is never going to be a
mathematician, she has improved tremendously and says she is now in
the middle of the class rather than at the bottom. There is no doubt
she has a much better grasp of problems and fractions and she keeps
learning more each week.
Jennyís (year 10) maths have improved and she topped the class in a
recent test. She is delighted with her progress.
These
are a sample of comments received at Kip McGrath Willetton on the
progress made by students at the end of term 1 2009. So what is the
fuss all about? How are these students (and hundreds more in centres
around Perth) making such remarkable progress? At Kip McGrath
Education Centres students are treated as individuals and tuition
occurs for each child through an individualised programme.
A
further reason for excellent progress at Kip McGrath is the
understanding that children learn in different ways. Sue (year 5) was
having enormous difficulties with spelling. Her phonics was very poor
although reading and comprehension were very highly developed. Sue had
been diagnosed ADD. ADHD, CAPD, dyslexic and many other children, are
right-brain learners who do not learn phonics in the same way as
others do. They require different, more visual, methods to overcome
this difficulty but once on the path, spelling improves dramatically
and confidence soars.
At the initial free assessment the level of capability of the child is
carefully determined. A programme is then written which reflects where
the child is right now, what is the best learning style for the child
and what needs to be done to improve skills. KMEC centres operate
tuition sessions with fully qualified and experienced teachers, with
students progressing through carefully planned lessons which include
computer-based activities, workbooks, worksheets and homework
exercises with one-one instruction where required. Sessions are
operated with a maximum of five students with each teacher, and
one-one assistance given within that structure. Most centres focus on
years 1 -10 English and Maths tuition, but many are now also offering
tuition for pre-primary through to year 12 (including TEE), Study
Skills, ESL, other TEE subjects (eg Physics and Chemistry), adult
education and tuition through uni. The highest level student in
tuition in a centre in Perth is a PhD student. At a Kip McGrath Centre
in 2009, you and your children can learn in a world class educational
facility with programmes designed for your individual needs.
Kip McGrath Centres operate in Balcatta, Jandakot, Joondalup, Morley,
Myaree, Mundaring, Spearwood and Willetton . For further information
and to book your free assessment, visit the Kip McGrath website at www.kipmcgrath.com.au
or call 1300789457 to be directed to your nearest centre.
Help
for Dyslexia
Brad Hutchinson ñ Audiologist/Speech Pathologist
Claire Corbitt ñ Occupational Therapist
Nine year old Josh came to our
clinic in January because he had been diagnosed with dyslexia, a
condition that describes unexplained reading, writing and spelling
difficulties.
Josh would learn his spelling
list one week but couldnít remember how to spell the same words the
following week. He could read, albeit slowly, but had trouble
comprehending the information.
By the time Josh attended our
clinic he had undergone over a year of tutoring to try and catch up
but he continued to fall further and further behind.
Joshís story is heartbreaking
and all too common. Our team of health professionals was determined to
get to the bottom of Joshís learning difficulties. Our inexpensive
tests revealed that despite having ënormalí intelligence, Josh was
only able to understand information at the level expected of a year
one student.
After identifying Joshís areas
of learning strength and weakness, our team put a programme in place
to strengthen his weak learning skills. In addition, his teachers
implemented our classroom strategies to help Josh learn better without
singling him out in front of his peers.
Josh is now enjoying school and
feels like he can do the work. He is willing to give things a go and
his teacher canít believe the improvement in both his academic
performance and attitude.
Joshís mother Leanne is over
the moon that her son is now happy and doing well at school. She says
ìthis is the best outcome I could have wished forî.
It just goes to show that some
kids learn differently and itís essential to identify each childís
unique learning profile in order to help them reach their learning
potential.
Without an appropriate
assessment, children with dyslexia often slip through the educational
cracks. They are usually provided with more and more phonics and
reading instruction that may not address the root cause of their
learning problems.
Sonic Learningís team has
helped thousands of West Australian children achieve academic success.
Give your child the chance they deserve to succeed. Donít delay,
call Sonic Learningís health professionals now on 9271 7711 to
discuss how to change your childís life.
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