John and Glenda Arnold have been teaching for many years in Primary and Secondary education.  Our centre has been helping children focus on Literacy and Numeracy for the past 8 years.  We teach our students using the current curriculum methods but reinforce their learning with drills in the way their parents were taught.  Our groups range from early primary to middle secondary with each student working on their individual program.  Our students come because they need help with the basics or have missed some of them, others want extension to suit their ability.

According to noted educator Sandra Rief (1), students retain

10% of what they read

20% of what they hear

30% of what they see

50% of what they see and hear

70% of what they say

90% of what they say and do.

We use the phonetic approach to spelling and word formation along with the rules of spelling.  Comprehension and dictation exercises help them understand words and the right context to use them. We then encourage our students to use them in their writing. Maths builds on tables, numeracy and algebraic skills. Students know that we will keep explaining 'why' by using as many methods as possible until they find the one that 'clicks'.

(1) Rief, Sandra F. How to Reach and Teach ADD/ADHD Children: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions for Helping Children with Attention Problems and Hyperactivity. The Center for Applied Research in Education, 1993, p. 53.