Every learning task we do, we use our learning micro-skills to do it.
It doesn't matter if it's reading, writing, spelling, math, or playing the guitar. It is micro-skills that allow us to learn and do these things. For example, when we read:
- We use visual tracking to smoothly follow the line
- We use visual discrimination to recognize the letters
- We use visual closure to recognize the words faster
- We use auditory closure and auditory discrimination to mentally hear the words
- We use auditory memory to associate the words with meaning
- We use visual memory to remember what these words represent
- We use visual form constancy to visualize the story
All of these skills go on in the background of our mind. They are so natural and subtly that we hardly recognize that we are using them. Unless one or two go wrong. Then the trouble begins. Every one of these skills is necessary to read.
Continuing to practice reading without developing these skills can lead to big trouble.
Micro-Skills and Academics
Weaknesses in micro-skills can manifest themselves in different ways. Sometimes giving trouble with reading. Sometimes with math. Sometimes with spelling. And sometimes with writing. Sometimes with all of the above. It all depends on the combination of trouble areas and how that trouble is expressed.
The process of properly building these skills not only fixes the troubled academics but also increases natural learning ability in all areas.
Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia
The different diagnosis's of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia are really more general terms which define a trouble with a group of micro-skills. For example phonological dyslexia is a problem in the auditory skills. Visual dyslexia is a problem in the visual skills. Like most diagnosis, these terms are really only a description of the problem. By diving deeper into the core of the problem we find the solution.
Dyscalculia (trouble with learning math concepts) is merely another expression of the same thing. Dysgraphia (trouble with writing) is also an expression. In dysgraphia handwriting is sloppy due to poor eye-brain-hand coordination and ideas are difficult to organize due to visual form constancy problems (visualizing) and auditory memory problems. Auditory is closely tied to sequencing and therefore logic.
Diagnosing
While it can be very helpful to know which micro-skills are weak. It is not as helpful to only focus on those that are weak. No matter which are the problem micro-skills it is important to work them all. There are a few reasons for this
- We are not only trying to strengthen the weak skills but also learn new ways of using the strong skills. So by mixing up the exercises we "remind" the mind of it's strengths.
- Sometimes it takes awhile and a variety of exercises before a weakness shows up. By doing various exercises you are more likely to expose a problem area.
- Variety of exercises keeps the mind focused
- We also want the student to feel smart. Showing and being proud of their strengths
The key to strengthening them properly is doing a full program. You can put some concentration on the weak areas but it is important to cover all of the micro-skills
The Learning Success System is a complete system which covers every micro-skill. Get started now!
The Links below give you a full description of each learning micro-skill
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