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.

From Dyslexia the Gift web site, www.dyslexia.com
© 1995-2006 Davis Dyslexia Association International
Reprinted with Permission

The Davis Reading Program for Young Learners is designed for "at risk" children ages 5-7 years old. This parent-coached program prepares children with the essential tools to learn to focus and create solid foundations for learning language. Because parents are involved, they learn how best to help their children learn the fundamentals of reading, writing, and spelling into the future.

More information on the Davis® Reading Program for Young Learners (external link)

Davis® Math Mastery Program

Math difficulties can be incredibly frustrating for everyone involved. Dyscalculia, the word used to describe "math dyslexia" is actually very common.

In addition to obtaining the Orientation techniques that all Davis programs provide, clients of the Davis Math Mastery program master concepts that are critical to understanding math, using the Davis Concept Mastery techniques. Some of these concepts include:
  • Change
  • Consequence
  • Cause/Effect
  • Before/After
  • Time (without the concept of time, math will continue to be a problem)
  • Sequence (working with math in symbols requires understanding sequential steps)
  • Order/Disorder (putting math into symbols requires that the numerals be in their proper places, proper positions and proper conditions)
Using clay, clients then look at math fundamentals, including:
  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division
  • Fractions
  • The base-ten system of numerals
  • Decimals
With that mastery comes the ability to understand the core parts of mathematics and, in turn, clients begin the process of working with numeric symbols on paper.

As with the Davis Dyslexia Correction Program, non-pictorial words like and, if, as, and other words used in math problems will need to be mastered, using the Symbol Mastery process and the math definitions provided in the Student Manual.

More information on the Davis® Math Mastery Program (external link)

ADD/ADHD is typically defined by deficits in attention, behavioral difficulties, and inappropriate energy levels in various situations. Equipped with the Davis tools, clients are taught how to self-monitor:
  • Focus/Attention (Orientation Counseling)
  • Internal Energy-Levels
  • Stress-Management Techniques
In addition to these highly effective tools, clients of the Attention Mastery program master concepts that address behavioral/life situations, using the Davis Concept Mastery techniques. Some of these concepts include:
  • Self (How do I relate in this world and to others?)
  • Change
  • Consequence (How do my actions create consequences? — Good or bad!)
  • Cause/Effect (What caused this scenario to happen? What was the effect?)
  • Before/After
  • Time
  • Sequence
  • Order/Disorder (Executive Functioning)


More information on the Davis® Attention Mastery Program for ADD/ADHD (external link)

Program Prerequisites

For the Davis Programs to be effective, a person must be personally motivated and willing to improve some aspect of learning or school performance.

The Davis programs are DRUG FREE solutions to Dyslexia and ADD/ADHD. Therefore, before a program can be scheduled, clients must disclose all medications. If you have any questions about these requirements, please call 616-534-1385 or email info@newchapterlearning.net.

Programs Include:

  • Five consecutive days of one-to-one facilitation (ages 8 and up) or 30 hours of a modified schedule (under age 8).  Additional days may be necessary for the Attention Mastery and Math Mastery programs (see details above).
  • Support training for client’s family, tutor(s) or teacher(s) on the afternoon of the last day to ensure post-program follow-up and success.
  • All necessary take-home materials for program follow-up.
  • Three return follow-up visits (if necessary) and unlimited phone/email consultations.