WordSmart’s Groundbreaking Approach to Dyslexia Remediation
The initial WordSmart trial at Coroglen Primary School showed promising results, with students gaining confidence and achieving significant progress in learning letter sounds. The app’s innovative approach strengthens verbal working memory, allowing students to engage with stories and improve their letter recognition skills.
Taking the WordSmart programme to Fiji, the app produced remarkable results at Delainamasi Government School, where 103 year-one students progressed from non-readers to an average reading age of 5.9 in just eight weeks. The success stories continued with private students, like 12-year-old Hunter Mclean, who reached his chronological reading age of 12 with 87% accuracy in seven weeks.
The positive outcomes earned WordSmart an invitation to present at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford University in April 2023. The programme is now part of a global task force supported by major corporations, aiming to eradicate illiteracy in 50 cities worldwide by 2040.
WordSmart complements the Better Start Literacy programme, providing a balanced approach that equips students with tools to decipher both phonetic and non-phonetic words. Drawing from the methodologies of Prof. Gail Gillon (University of Canterbury), WordSmart adapts her approach using cards to depict sounds, teaching students to decode, segment and blend phonemes effectively.
Creating a positive mindset is crucial in the WordSmart Prolexia Programme. The koru, representing an unfurling fern frond in Māori tradition, symbolises harmony, growth, strength and peace. The programme emphasises fostering a positive mindset in students, as outlined in Chapter 2 of the Prolexia Book.
Albert Einstein’s words guide the programme’s philosophy: “I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” By recognising the importance of core beliefs and subconscious programming, the WordSmart Prolexia Programme focuses on changing limiting beliefs to unlock the full potential of every student.
WordSmart Prolexia Programme is a revolutionary initiative that addresses the challenges faced by dyslexic students and all students can make significant progress to be fluent confident readers,
WordSmart is making a significant impact on students’ lives worldwide by combining innovative technology with proven educational methodologies and a focus on fostering a positive mindset. As the programme continues to evolve and garner support on a global scale, it stands as a light of hope for a future where every student can become proficient with words, regardless of neurodiversity.
Find out more about Wordsmart here.
Words by Paul Blackman
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