To know the true value of being able to read, ask the little girl who cannot read her favourite storybook. To know the true value of being able to spell, ask the elderly man who, up to this day, is unable to sign his own name on a cheque. These two skills are often taken for granted by those who master them. However, for those who have not, the Arrow programme offers hope.
A success story
What is Arrow you may ask? According to programme director and tutor Christopher Bonterre, Arrow, which stands for Aural, Read, Respond, Oral and Write, is an audio visual multi-sensory based programme which focuses on learning through self-voice techniques covering reading, spelling, dictation, speech and learning exercises. Developed by Dr Colin Lane in the United Kingdom 30 years ago, Arrow is said to have produced significant results in children and adults with learning difficulties. Here at home, the Arrow programme is having a similar impact and has "altered neutral processes of students," particularly with reference to "internalising skills."
In fact, Bonterre says children using Arrow have shown remarkable improvement in literacy skills mere hours after using the programme. "The results are phenomenal. Some children gain increases of 12 to 24 months in their reading age after just eight hours on the Arrow," he says. Since its inception five years ago, Arrow is currently used in 12 government and private primary schools in Trinidad. Bonterre says plans are to extend the programme to more schools and introduce it to Tobago as well.
A lot of children need help
While it is often a touchy subject, Bonterre says addressing the issue of literacy, especially among primary school students, is one that must be placed on the front burner. "There are a lot of literacy problems in schools and the children need a lot of help," he notes frankly. "When we go into a school, a principal has no problem finding at least 50 children who have learning difficulties and problems with reading or spelling." Bonterre is quick to point out though that while the programme is good for students who are dyslexic and academically challenged, it can also benefit those who simply want to improve their overall performance by enhancing their concentration and listening skills.
"Recently, we completed the Arrow Programme on 85 children at the Mafeking Primary and Belmont Government Schools and they have gained an average reading increase of 11 months, an astounding achievement from the usual eight months average," he says. To make the programme even more accessible to those who really need it, personal tutoring is also available to students. "And we offer summer classes," he adds. Bonterre stresses that anyone can benefit from the Arrow programme. Whether you are five or 55, when it comes to learning, age is just a number.
Arrow's tips for parents during the July/August vacation
�2 Let your child spend time choosing books from the library (fiction and interest books)
�2 Avoid excessive television
�2 Be a role-model and read
�2 Have your child read to you daily
�2 Plan at least one trip to a place of interest per week
For a consultation or for information on Arrow's summer classes call 624-9063 or visit arrowlearn@aol.com