The roots of the Settlement’s dyslexia intervention program can be traced back to after-school tutoring. At that time, parents gathered together on our campus to teach fundamental reading skills to their students. While the program has grown and evolved through the decades to include both in-person and virtual tutoring, the core of the program and the incredible impact achieved has remained steadfast.
Periodically, we showcase some of the students who are making great strides in their reading skills along with the tutors who help make this success possible. Today, we’re spotlighting a homeschool student who participates in our virtual after-school tutoring program each week.
MEET JOAH
Joah’s initial reaction to enrolling in our dyslexia after-school tutoring program started as you might expect: frustration with reading and the challenges he was facing in overcoming those barriers.
His connection–and eventual friendship–with his tutor Joe took their weekly sessions in a different direction. Through mutual respect and shared laughs, Joah’s frustrations began to subside and he was able to see just exactly what he was able to accomplish when he focused his efforts.
Joe has been Joah’s tutor for all 6 semesters that he has been enrolled in the dyslexia intervention program. It never mattered how grumpy, tired, or upset about having to work, Joah always ended each tutoring session with a smile. With each assessment passed our team could see him becoming more and more determined to finish all 10 levels of our evidence-based curriculum.
“Over three years Joah became not just my student, or my job, but a real friend,” his tutor Joe shared. “By helping him overcome the challenges associated with dyslexia, I feel like I have had some small part in creating one of the world’s next geniuses!”
Joah’s mother Lynda, when asked about their family’s experience with Hindman, stated succinctly, “You have given Joah a very bright future!“
What does a virtual tutoring session look like? Take a glimpse at one of Joe and Joah’s recent sessions to see some of the complex words as part of Book 10 – Lesson 8: Greek Words, Math.
We rely on contributions so students like Joah can take part in vital literacy programs which increase their self-confidence and improve academic success. We invite you to partner with us as we change lives throughout Appalachia with a gift towards our Dyslexia Program Scholarship Fund!
