Fast ForWord Series

Cognitive Training Software & Reading Overview

Fast ForWord is a series of 11 programs, with 50+ games, in two over-lapping pahses, typically completed in 3-6 months:

1. Cognitive Training Software. Exercises that treat the underlying cognitive weaknesses that impede reading and learning progress.


2. Reading Software Series. Develops reading speed and comprehension skills, using a series of age appropriate games that also fill in spelling, vocabulary and other skill gaps.

Protocols By Age
Gemm Learning develops an individualized protocol for each student, selecting from age appropriate Fast ForWord games and programs for elementary age and for middle and high school.

Phase 1: Build Cognitive Skills
Using Fast ForWord Language or Literacy

All Fast ForWord program students start with Fast ForWord Language (5-10 years of age) or Literacy (11 and up), and then most advance to either Language to Reading or Literacy Advanced.

These programs build the cognitive skills required to read and learn. And yes, it is a "reading" program, but there is no text. To be a reader, first a student must be able to process and understand the language accurately and effortlessly. Fast ForWord Language and Literacy works on just that. For reluctant readers this text free start is appealing. For students needing help with language, attention deficits or other learning help, these programs are the primary focus.

Phase 2: Develop Reading Skills
Using Fast ForWord Reading Series

The Fast ForWord Reading series starts off with exercises that build fluency, spelling and grammar fundamentals, progresses through reading comprehension finally to exercises that build critical thinking and inferential skills. The goals are automatic and effortless decoding and the ability to think while reading. Most Gemm Learning students complete one or two reading programs.
Learn about Fast ForWord Reading

Program Descriptions

Fast ForWord Language

Fast ForWord Language and the teenage/adult version, Fast ForWord Literacy, are the most important Fast ForWord programs -- they start the cogntive training, setting the foundation for what is to come. Fast ForWord Language develops processing and retention skills so that children can listen and read efficiently. Most students are able to complete this program and achieve these goals, including many children with autism.

Targeted cognitive skills include processing speed, attention stamina, working memory and sequencing. There are seven adaptive exercises that work together and individually to build new neural pathways that in most cases transform how a child reads and learns. Students take 4-12 weeks to complete Fast ForWord Language, depending on the starting cognitive ability level.
Fast ForWord Language

Fast ForWord Language to Reading v2

Developing the link between spoken and written language. Fast ForWord Language to Reading v2 adds syllables in text form to the mix, and continues to target fundamental reading and learning skills in an effort to correct any weaknesses that will impede reading success. It aims to take essential learning skills as far as they will go. It can also take 4-12 weeks to complete.
Fast ForWord Language to Reading

Fast ForWord to Literacy and Literacy Advanced

These two programs are adolescent/adult versions of Fast ForWord Language and Language to Reading. They have a cool, space age feel to them, to keep middle and high schoolers and adults engaged.

The goals of Literacy and Literacy Advanced are to improve language processing so that a student can automate decoding, to make an exhausting reading style more efficient, freeing up brain capacity for much stronger reading comprehension.
Fast ForWord Literacy

Fast ForWord Reading Series

The second phase of the Fast ForWord reading program is a series of age appropriate programs, escalating in difficulty and sophistication, that aims to undo bad reading habits and reset a reading foundation capable of handling the escalating difficulty of reading comprehension through the grades.

Reading 1 is K-2 level, through Reading 5 which is primarily aimed at 8th grade through adult. Common themes in all Fast ForWord reading programs are fundamentals such as spelling coupled with exercising the higher level skill of critical thinking while reading.
Fast ForWord Reading series in detail

Looking for Fast Forward?

Fast ForWord is a clever name, evoking rapid acquisition of language skills. But it is confusing. If you are looking for fastfoward, fast_forward, fastforward software, fast for word, fast for words, fast for words program, fastforward.com or our most common mispelling, fast forward, you have come to the right place.