What are the key aspects of the Davis Dyslexia Correction program?

The two major components of the Davis Dyslexia Correction program are Orientation Counseling and Symbol Mastery. Davis Dyslexia Correction always includes both of these components.

Davis Orientation Counseling® teaches dyslexic students how to recognize and control the mental state that leads to distorted and confused perceptions of letters, words and numerals. Through a simple mental technique, the students learn to turn off the thought processes that cause misperceptions. Instead, they are able to restore their minds to a relaxed and focused state, suitable for reading and other studies. Once Orientation is learned, the student is ready to build the conceptual skills that will allow them to overcome problems stemming from dyslexia.

Davis Symbol Mastery® gives dyslexic students the ability to think with symbols and words, so they can learn to read easily and with full comprehension. Using clay, students first work with the alphabet, numerals, and punctuation marks, to make sure that they have an accurate perception and understanding of these symbols. Students then use clay to model the trigger words--the short abstract words, frequently encountered in reading, such as and, the, to, or it. These words cause problems when dyslexic students cannot form a mental picture to go along with them. Through Symbol Mastery, the student makes a three-dimensional clay model of the meaning of each word, together with a model of the letters of the words. With this approach, learning is permanent.

• More about Davis theory and methods.

Can I do this program on my own, just by reading the book?

The book, The Gift of Dyslexia, contains enough basic information about the Davis approach, and the theory behind it, to enable parents, tutors, or teachers to work with students on their own. A dyslexic teenager or adult cannot work entirely by themselves to use the methods explained by the book, but they may be able to work successfully with the help of a friend or family member. Many people have experienced great success just from following the steps laid out in the book. The degree of success, of course, varies depending on the abilities and level of motivation of the students and their helpers. Many people choose to supplement the book with other Davis materials, including videotapes explaining the Perceptual Ability Assessment and Orientation Counseling, and the Davis Symbol Mastery Kit.

Can Davis methods help children with attention focus problems or hyperactivity?

Yes. Davis Facilitators have training in specialized methods designed to help students gain self-control over their energy level. Through the program, students will master concepts of time, sequence, consequence, order and disorder.

• More about how Davis methods help overcome symptoms of A.D.D.

What happens at Davis Dyslexia Correction centers?

• Directory of Davis Providers.
• An inside look at the Davis program/
  [I can see clearly now: Beating dyslexia with clay:
  Reprinted from The Independent: Education, July 16, 1998]

All certified Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitators and Specialists offer a 30-hour program which incorporates Orientation Counseling and Symbol Mastery. Before starting the program, the Davis provider performs a Perceptual Ability Assessment, an exercise that helps determine whether the student has the positive mental talents associated with dyslexia. Then, the Facilitator or Specialist works with the student (and the parents if the student is a young child) to develop a profile of academic weaknesses which need to be remedied. For example, the student may want to focus on problems associated with spelling, handwriting, math, or attention deficits, in addition to or instead of reading difficulties. In addition to the basic Davis techniques, the counselors will work one-on-one with the student, using other specialized Davis methods as appropriate to meet individual needs.

The Davis Dyslexia Correction program is suitable for children as young as age 7, and adults of any age -- Ron Davis has successfully worked with several individuals over age 70! When children go through the program, the Davis providers also instruct parents in using the basic methods taught, so that they can continue to work with the child at home. At the end of the 30-hour-program, students have a full understanding of all the Davis methods, and know how to continue to use these methods on their own. On completion, students are given a kit containing the tools for Symbol Mastery, which they will continue to use until they have mastered all the trigger words which cause problems for dyslexic people.

All Davis providers adhere to the DDAI Standards of Practice.

The Davis method does not rely on instruction based on phonics.

Since dyslexic students think in pictures, they have difficulty thinking with the sounds of words, so it is hard for them to try to read by breaking words down into component sounds. Rather than trying to force students to use a method that is inherently different, Davis methods teach an visual and meaning-based approach that is much easier for dyslexic people to use.

The Davis method does not employ repetition or drill.

Dyslexic students have a hard time remembering things that they do not fully understand. Repetition and drill are a waste of time for them, and only increases their frustration because they will not retain information unless they understand where it fits into the "big picture".

The Davis method does not rely on physical devices such as colored overlays or large print books.

Dyslexia is a developmental learning problem, and is not a result of problems with vision or hearing. While some physical devices may seem to make reading or writing easier, the use of such devices does not help the dyslexic student to function normally.

The Davis method does not rely on medications or herbal treatments.

It is important for dyslexic students to take control of their own learning. Since dyslexia is not a disease or a psychiatric ailment, medications are not appropriate, and will only hinder the student's learning abilities.