Fast ForWord
Changing the brain from dial-up to broadband
FastForWord is a series of online computer programs designed by neuroscientists to improve reading, learning and language skills. Fast ForWord can dramatically improve reading and learning with as little as 30 minutes of use 3 to 5 times a week.
Scientists have discovered that children who struggle with reading and learning often have problems in how their brains process speech. Memory, attention, processing speed and sequencing all affect a child’s ability to read and learn. Fast ForWord rewires the brain and improves these four core areas using computer games. The games are fun and engaging, which turns learning into playtime. They are also highly effective and adapt to the child.
We chose Fast ForWord as our preferred learning program because of the impressive results and extensive research. An independent study by the Nevada Department of Education rated Fast ForWord as the most effective of 24 widely used reading programs. The report concludes that Fast ForWord increases student performance by an average of over 22 percentage points.
Learning starts in the brain. When you strengthen the foundations then children become better learners across the board, able to absorb information faster, play closer attention and remember more of what they are taught.
“When our son was in grade one, we were told that he would likely need intensive English tutoring and that it would take him several years to catch up to his peers in reading. He had grown discouraged labeling himself as a “bad reader” and that he “just couldn’t do it.”
Marlene introduced our family to the Fast ForWord learning program. The results have been nothing short of spectacular. Only one year later, the school tested him again. This time, he was on par with his peers. Our son now regards himself as a “good reader” and spends hours on the sofa reading his books.”
Reading Assistant Plus
The only reading program that “listens” to your child
Once your child has learned the basics of reading, the next stage is mastery. The key to mastery is practice, practice and more practice. However, practice alone is not sufficient. The other key ingredient is correction and feedback.
Reading Assistant Plus is the only online reading tool that uses speech recognition to correct and support students as they read aloud, building fluency, vocabulary and comprehension with the help of a supportive listener. No other program or e-book provides comparable real-time guidance and feedback.
Reading Assistant Plus helps students improve their reading grade level up to 50% more than students receiving classroom instruction alone. This is why Reading Assistant Plus is used in thousands of classrooms in the United States.
The Reading Assistant Plus program features a range of reading levels to allow for individual instruction.
“Our students who use Reading Assistant have long histories of reading challenges. They desperately want to be readers, but they’re very anxious and uncertain. We use Reading Assistant to get these students on the road to effective fluency and comprehension. Once they’re on that road, they start to change quite rapidly.
The great thing about Reading Assistant is that it gives students a boost in self-esteem, which helps them realize that they can be successful readers.” ~ Sandra Collins, Surrey School District, BC
Your Questions Answered
How is Fast ForWord different to other reading programs?
Fast ForWord is the only product designed by neuroscientists who are experts in how the brain learns. Based on 30 years of research, it addresses reading and language skills whilst developing foundational cognitive skills like memory, attention, processing speed and sequencing.
How are these programs delivered?
Both Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant Plus are online software programs that can be used on any computer from the comfort of your own home. Fast ForWord can also be delivered on an iPad.
How do I know if my child will benefit?
Marlene is a registered Speech Language Pathologist and provides a free consultation to assess if your child has a reading problem. She will make recommendations based on the assessment and will design a program for your child. Before making a decision, you can book a session with Marlene for your child to try the program.
How does the program adapt to my child?
The programs automatically adjust to the progress of your child. In addition, Marlene will keep a close eye on your child’s progress and will make adjustments as required. You will get to see your child’s progress with detailed graphs.
How often does my child need to use the programs?
We recommend at least 30 minutes of playtime on the software three to five times a week for a year. This is usually sufficient time and practice to bring your child up to the same speed as their peers.
How do I know these programs work?
Students using these programs can improve their language and reading level by up to 2 years in just a few months, depending on the frequency with which they use the programs. More than 250 research studies have proven these results in diverse student populations.
Covered by Extended Medical Benefits
Marlene Lewis is a registered Speech Language Pathologist which means these reading programs are covered by extended health care plans that cover speech-language services. They are also eligible as a health expense with Revenue Canada.
Will this work for your child?
If you have a hunch that your child has dyslexia the sooner you take action the easier it is to correct. Book a free assessment with us to find out the facts about your child’s reading and learning abilities and whether corrective action is recommended.
Marlene Lewis is a registered Speech Language Pathologist with over 30 years experience working with children. She will be able to assess whether your child has a language or reading challenge and pinpoint exactly which programs will be best for them.
Access Speech-Language Services
Licensed in British Columbia
E-mail: info@end-dyslexia.com
Telephone: (250) 889-1343
Any unresolved concerns about a registrant’s practice may be reported to:
College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of British Columbia
900 – 200 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4
Phone: 604.742.6380
Toll-free: 1.888.742.6380
Email: enquiries@cshbc.ca
