Intensive Reading/The Bridge

Individualizing instruction for all learners is part of the core mission of The Christ School. One way we deliver our mission is by creating specialized learning environments and offering support for students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences. The instructional approach we have initiated through our small groups within the Student Support Center’s intensive reading program has been a blessing to many new and long-time TCS families. 

There are many myths and misconceptions regarding dyslexia. For instance, despite what you may have heard, dyslexia is not a vision problem or just about reversing those “pesky b’s and d’s.” It is also a myth that dyslexia is rare or uncommon. In fact, the International Dyslexia Foundation states between 15-20% of the population have a language-based learning disability with dyslexia being the most common. Dyslexia and intelligence are also NOT connected. Many individuals who have dyslexia are very bright and creative and have accomplished amazing things. 

Dyslexia is defined as a specific learning difference that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. (International Dyslexia Association, 2002). This definition is only part of how The Christ School describes dyslexia. We see the God-given gifts and talents in these children and seek to develop these traits. There are many success stories to draw from when thinking of adults with dyslexia. Charles Schwab, Richard Branson, and Tim Tebow are three of many that attribute their dyslexia to their creative problem solving and successful careers. 

We are honored to serve TCS families who desire our explicit, multisensory, prescriptive and diagnostic (Orton-Gillingham) approach to learning. In the fall of 2020, we will offer a new model of delivery to serve students with dyslexia called, The Bridge.  The Bridge will offer specialized second, third, and fourth grade classes designed to meet the needs of the dyslexic learner. This model will allow TCS to better serve our families and community. 

To learn more about The Bridge, click here.

“In our family’s journey to discover our daughter has dyslexia, we never really found anyone who we felt truly understood her – until we found TCS. The  Christ School’s approach has obviously made an impact on her ability to academically thrive and succeed, but TCS has also made a point to feed the emotional self-worth component that had previously been destroyed with feelings of inadequacy and failure in prior school settings. Our daughter is now beginning, for the first time ever, to see her own potential! And, she’s actually excited about the learning!  It is such a blessing to have real, true experts guide us as we desperately seek answers on how to help our daughter. In every step, from parent-teacher meetings to the small group instruction, there is immense love and concern in the whole process. I can’t say enough how grateful I am that we are one of the families TCS supports!” – Donna Hansen