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Does BrainSkills REALLY help?


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I have a brand new copy of this that I have never used. I bought it for my son who is 12 and VERY dyslexic and cannot remember his math facts, etc. Anyway, upon looking at it, it seems to be very time intensive and looks like it is going to be difficult to get the hang of to actually teach it. SO, before I actually take the plunge and invest all this time and effort...is it REALLY worth it, I mean am I going to look back and see huge improvements and leaps in progress? How hard is it really to use? Anyone have success stories they want to share?

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Yes, it does work! However there are 3 caveats to the program.

 

1) Remediate the underlying sensory skills as well as possible. BrainSkills develops the cognitive skills, which needs sensory skills to function. Yes, BrainSkills does have some sensory based excersizes in VT, etc to help sharpen slightly below normal skills, but if your child has severe problems he needs more intensive therapy.

 

2) Improvement will be uneven across the skill sets tested. For example, my ds's auditory skills went from those of a pre-schooler to a high schooler in 14 weeks! Best of all, I saw this improvement in his ability to listen and participate in conversations. But his tested memory skills remained the same. (I saw some real life improvement) In most categories his skills improved from one to two years.

 

3) This program is hard work!!!!!! For both the administrator and and the student. If you are not willing to commit to focusing 100% on your child during the sessions, your child won't reap the benefits. Distractions as minor as boiling an egg for breakfast are too much. You need to dedicate a time to work, 5-6 times a week, preferably when your dc is fresh and your can pay full attention to the session. Your child will be giving 110%. Don't jump the time around, though we did take a 2 week break towards the end of ds's session.

 

As far as teaching the program, watch the video a few times and read the manual as you watch after the first time. Yes, I made mistakes as to % of the answers must be correct before advancing, and others but that was minor. Highlight the % to help you. Play with the metronome and the manipulatives before introducing them to your child. Be prepared to go back to the video to learn modifications if your child needs them. Do a variety of excercises daily and if one is really giving him fits that day, go to the next one on your list. You also need to set up a good incentive system for your child.

 

Be aware that if your child doesn't know his math facts at all, he may not advance as far in the math areas as one who is only shakey on them during the 12-14 week period. I wouldn't extend the period to cover more material, instead I'd put it away for a year or so and bring it out for another whack at it if you don't cover all the levels you want to and your feel your dc needs it. Remember the program is designed for 8 year olds to adults and the typical 8 year old won't get to the silver and gold levels like an adult would.

 

I loved the program and it's results. My ds didn't advance in some areas as much as I'd hoped, but he soared in others. When asked his opinion of the program, my uncooperative ds said "I'm glad I did it, but I don't want to do it again!!!!!"

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