Unlocking Learning Potential: The Flashcard Revolution for ADHD and Dyslexia
Welcome to a riveting dive into the world of ADHD and dyslexia, where we explore innovative strategies to harness the hidden potential within every learner. In our latest episode of ADHD Goals, host Laurence invites Kim Parra, an experienced educator and tutor, to share her groundbreaking insights into the use of flashcards. Parra, who has personally navigated the challenges of dyslexia and ADHD, offers a unique perspective on how a simple tool can transform lives.
An Innovative Approach to ADHD and Dyslexia
Kim Parra has dedicated over 27 years to tutoring reading, drawing from her own life experiences with dyslexia and ADHD. She introduces her audience to a “brain hack” that utilises flashcards to help the brain better absorb and retain information. This method has proven effective in making it easier for both children and adults to bridge learning gaps and achieve academic success.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
During the podcast, Parra recounts her own journey through grade school, describing how dyslexia caused words to transpose and appear backward or swirl on the page. This stress-induced dyslexia made learning arduous and time-consuming. She shares memorable anecdotes about her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Matthews, who offered simple yet effective tools such as a ruler to help her focus on reading. Despite these efforts, Parra’s academic performance remained below average, highlighting the need for more effective teaching strategies.
Developing the Flashcard Method
Parra’s journey into education began in an unexpected place—Okinawa, where she taught swimming to Marines. This experience sharpened her teaching skills and sparked an epiphany about learning. She found that repeating information multiple times allowed her to internalise it. This discovery laid the groundwork for her flashcard method.
How the Flashcard Method Works
The method involves holding a flashcard with a word on it and flashing it repeatedly for about 10 to 15 times until the brain captures the image. This visualisation helps dyslexic and ADHD learners build pathways to comprehend and recall information. By consistently practising this, learners can transform their ability to read, spell, and understand language.
Real-Life Impact
Parra highlights a poignant example of an eight-year-old boy who had zero reading proficiency. After using her flashcard method, he could read and spell words—a milestone that brought tears to his and his grandmother’s eyes. This transformation is not just about reading; it’s about changing lives by building confidence and autonomy.
Long-Term Benefits
Regular use of the flashcard method not only improves reading and spelling but also boosts comprehension and speed reading. Parra points out that once learners reach a certain level of proficiency, they often outgrow the need for flashcards. This natural progression underscores the effectiveness of her approach.
A Call to Education
Parra’s website, flashcardread.com, provides a subscription-based service where parents and educators can access her structured flashcard program and receive support. The initiative is designed to empower children who struggle with conventional learning methods, opening new avenues for academic and personal growth.
Conclusion
Kim Parra’s story is a testament to the transformative power of intuitive and empathetic teaching methods. Her flashcard method offers a practical solution to the complex challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. As we continue to explore innovative teaching strategies, Parra’s work reminds us of the untapped potential within every learner.
If you found this article insightful, please share it with others who might benefit from understanding these new educational techniques. For those interested in trying out the flashcard method, visit flashcardread.com and take the first step towards unlocking a brighter, more confident future for every learner.
Links:
Flash Card Read Website: https://www.flashcardread.com/
- 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
- 01:06 Kim Parra’s Personal Journey with Dyslexia and ADHD
- 02:40 Challenges and Support in School
- 07:06 Teaching Journey and Discovering the Flashcard Method
- 19:55 The Flashcard Method Explained
- 23:20 Impact and Success Stories
- 35:21 Encouraging and Celebrating Victories
- 37:09 Understanding Dyslexia and ADHD
- 45:35 Conclusion and Contact Information
- 47:52 Outro to the ADHD Goals Podcast
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