Developing visual tools for study skills

While working with my dyslexic son using the Davis method, I was introduced to Linda Silverman of the Gifted Development Center and Betty Maxwell, her co director at the time. Betty and I started having conversations about visual learners and their profiles. As a teacher, I recognized learnings styles in my classroom, but had not fully understood the life-long gifts and characteristics that come with these creative and very intelligent people.

Betty and I ended up working together for 6 years before we finished our book, and we continue to this day to have deep conversations about the special characteristics that belong to these learners. They are sensitive, observant, spiritual, intuitive, justice seeking, and quirky. They also need to develop their own recipe for balance in life. After being a Davis facilitator for over 20 years, patterns emerged which helped me create programs for visual learners whether they were dyslexic or not. Most Dyslexics are visual learners, but not all visual learners are dyslexic.

Most need help with organization, sequence, time management, writing, test taking, study skills, communication, Plan B, Advocacy skills, and finding balance for their sensitivities.

I work with an individual to help them understand how to use their strengths as visual learners and find some balance in their lives that is always shifting. I have worked with hundreds of students helping them sort out how to use these skills. These demands change over time, so frequently, I might work with someone as an adult that I had worked with as a child.

Study Skills overview:

• Learn about your strengths as a visual person

• Learn visual study methods

• Learn how to use your imagination to your advantage ( visualization instead of memorization)

• Learn the power of doodling and visual notes

• Learn how to master vocabulary

• Learn your recipe for studying

• Learn ideas to master a second language

• Organize your ideas

• Learn to read a text book

• Decipher what is important in text

• Time planning

• Create a base line

• Learn to prioritize

• Advocacy skills

• Identify your time eaters and distraction

• What do you need to focus or to be present- mindfulness strategies

• Develop a Plan B attitude ( picture thinkers are not plan B people)

• Checking in for understanding, diagramming assignments