Reading difficulties can stem from multiple underlying issues, including gaps in language
processing, attention, memory, and overall cognitive skills. Many traditional interventions focus
mainly on drills or repetitious exercises without addressing these deeper root causes.
At The Learning Lab, we are committed to providing evidence-based solutions that help learners
develop a stronger cognitive foundation. One such solution is Fast ForWord®, a scientifically
proven reading intervention that leverages the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself, also known
as neuroplasticity.
Understanding Reading Difficulties
Reading difficulties manifest in various ways and can affect a child’s performance across
academic subjects. Common signs include:
- Struggling with word recognition and decoding. Children who consistently
mispronounce or skip words may have a foundational gap in their phonemic awareness. - Slow reading speed and limited fluency. When reading is a laborious process,
learners expend significant mental energy on decoding, leaving fewer cognitive
resources for comprehension. - Poor reading comprehension. Difficulties with understanding vocabulary, sentence
structure, or context clues can result in limited retention of information. - Avoidance of reading-based tasks. Learners may show disinterest or anxiety around
reading if they feel it is a constant source of frustration.
Traditional Interventions vs. Fast ForWord®
Many traditional methods, like extra reading practice or one-on-one tutoring, can help. However,
they often focus on surface skills, such as memorizing words or learning basic phonics. Fast
ForWord is different because it trains the parts of the brain that control attention, memory, and
processing speed. These skills form the foundation of all reading activities. By targeting the root
causes, Fast ForWord offers a deeper and more lasting impact on a child’s reading ability.
How Fast ForWord Targets the Root Causes of Reading
Difficulties
Fast ForWord is based on decades of research by neuroscientists who wanted to help children
overcome learning difficulties in reading. The program uses computer-based activities to train
the brain to become more efficient at processing language. Because it builds on the idea of
neuroplasticity, Fast ForWord can help your child’s brain develop new pathways that improve
reading and language skills
Enhancing Phonological Awareness
Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words. This skill is
crucial for reading fluently.
Fast ForWord provides exercises that help children recognize, separate, and blend sounds
better. These activities can greatly improve the accuracy of decoding words for students with
dyslexia or other reading-related learning difficulties.
Strengthening Memory, Attention, and Processing Speed
Reading requires the brain to coordinate multiple tasks at once. Children need to:
- Pay attention to the words.
- Hold information in their memory.
- Quickly process each letter, sound, and meaning
Fast ForWord trains these core cognitive skills through daily practice in short, focused sessions.
One activity, for example, might ask a child to listen for a specific sound and choose the
corresponding letter. Over time, these exercises help your child process sounds and words
faster, which can lead to stronger fluency and comprehension.
Building Language Foundations
Reading difficulties are often linked to weaknesses in language skills. Some children have
trouble with grammar or finding the right words to express themselves.
Fast ForWord includes language modules that help with sentence structure and vocabulary. As
your child gains confidence in language use, their reading comprehension improves.
Encouraging Neuroplasticity
The concept of neuroplasticity means the brain can form new connections through regular and
targeted practice.
Fast ForWord taps into this power by challenging children to improve bit by bit each day. Over
time, the brain becomes more efficient at processing language. These improvements can
continue even after your child completes the program.
The Learning Lab Approach to Fast ForWord
Every child is unique. At The Learning Lab, we assess your child’s reading skills and learning
profile to identify which areas need the most support. Based on these results, we create a
personalized Fast ForWord plan that focuses on the skills your child needs to strengthen.
From there, we also provide:
- We track your child’s progress on an ongoing basis. Our team reviews the
program’s data and checks in with you regularly. If the activities are too easy, we adjust
the plan. If they are too hard, we add extra support. This careful tracking ensures that
your child stays on the path to steady growth. - Holistic support and guidance. We often combine Fast ForWord with one-on-one
tutoring or small group sessions if your child needs additional help. We also work with
parents, teachers, and other professionals so everyone can support your child’s
progress
Fast ForWord is not just another reading program. It addresses the root causes of learning
difficulties by focusing on the cognitive and language skills that form the basis of reading.
If you want to learn more about how Fast ForWord can help your child, reach out to our team at
The Learning Lab. We offer a free consultation to see if Fast ForWord is the right fit for your
child. Visit our contact page to schedule an assessment or to ask any questions.
