Reading Skills Testimonials

How Our Intervention Helps Reading

These testimonials about improvements in reading skills from children of all ages are taken from emails from parents, whose children have completed at least two reading programs. If you would like to talk to a prior Gemm Learning client, please let us know.

"Last week Andrew bought a wrestling book at the book fair. He came home and read it to his grandfather (maybe forced his g-pa to listen) and Lupita said that she had to hide in the other room because she was brought to tears at how well he read the entire thing, huge improvement."

"All three of our children have used Fast ForWord with powerful results that show in their grades, the way they express themselves & willingness to do homework!"

"The program was fun as well as effective. Staff were knowledgeable, helpful, and available when needed. Terrific experience."

"This program has exceeded our wildest expectations. When I asked her what she wanted for Chanukah, among other things, she told me she'd give me a list of books! She is reading voraciously now. It's a delight." (10th grader)

"Asa was frustrated with reading, and would never pick up a book. All the books at his reading level were boring. Now he has read every Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and is reading the Big Nate books. He stays up at night to read. We have to tell him to turn off his light, just like my parents did when I was a kid. It's such a relief that he is over this huge hump." (3rd grader)

"After a four month Gemm Fast ForWord program during the spring and summer months, our son returned to school. His teacher approached us after about a week and asked us "what did you guys do with your son over the summer? There's been such an improvement". His teachers noticed a distinct change in our son's reading abilities and level of focus. We attribute this in large part to Gemm." (4th grader)

"He is not as frustrated while reading. It's still slow, and still sounding things out - but has more confidence to even try. I have noticed a difference in his PERSONAL confidence in every day life. I had spoken to a Sunday School teacher about his newly discovered disorder and our plan of action and HE mentioned to me that he interacts with the other boys differently. Not sitting by himself and being withdrawn. (Which I didn't even know he was doing - about made me CRY!) So - YES we are noticing differences."(3rd grader)

“His reading score went up almost two full grades over summer due to Gemm Learning! Over summer, when we were more worried about him losing ground. He is still getting help at school but he is almost at grade level now and we see at home that his confidence when reading and his reading fluency is so much better that he will be out of special ed soon. I have to tell you also that he picked up a big chapter book to read! This is from a boy that before Gemm would not even look at a book.” (5th grader)

"We were thrilled to find out that his reading went up almost 5 grade levels in the four months he did Gemm. We can see his reading comprehension in particular is much stronger. Even he is noticing the difference. We recommend you to everyone we know." (11th grader)

"I love that he spends so much time reading now. He was reluctant to even go near a book last year. I was hoping that your program would help him get over his fear of reading, but it has far exceeded our expectations. He is not only an enthusiastic reader he is also ambitious, reading all kinds of books well above his grade. It's a delight and a huge weight off my mind that I no longer have to worry about him and his reading struggles." (3rd grader)

"Notice definite difference in reading ability. It took 3-4 months, but now reading seems to flow better -- more fluency and comprehension. He is able to extract info from paragraphs and answer questions with more ease. His ability used to be very choppy and inconsistent. Also, he has much more stamina to sit for long periods and remain focused."

"The other day my daughter said she needed quiet time and just wanted to read! She has never said anything like that before. Also, thanks for the info. The service from everyone has been so great. You guys are so enthusiastic!"

“We definitely see her progress. Emily reads faster and her comprehension is much better. She can read 50 pages in one day before this was not possible.” (4th grader)

"She takes a reading test at school in the fall and in the spring. In the fall she was in the 40th percentile. This most recent one she scored somewhere in the high 80s. The only thing that we are doing differently is that over the Winter we did Gemm, so thank you! We owe all this to you." (7th grader)

Most reading difficulties stem from an underlying cognitive weakness, most notably phonological awareness. Over time the symptoms change -- a slow start to reading may morph into fluency difficulties, then in later grades, reading comprehension problems and/or an unwillingness to read -- but the underlying glitch does not. Our programs for reading treat this underlying glitch, varying according to the age appropriate reading needs and goals of children or adults.

Feedback From Adults

"I was skeptical but my husband persuaded me to give your Fast Forward a try. I am so happy I did. My reading is easier -- better focus, less re-reading. Sometimes, I'm reading a book or article and get stuck... My focus wanders or maybe I come to a concept that I don't understand. To my surprise, one of the Gemm exercises comes back to me... almost like an inner reading tutor... not the whole exercise, just a sound or one round of an exercise. Next moment I'm back on track and the problem is resolved!" (Jen, 40 years old)

"My college age son has seen such gains from this program. He says he finds reading more comfortable and less exhausting. He has a heavy workload this semester and says this has made a huge difference to his college experience. He texted me from a plane on his way back to college yesterday. He said he was too busy reading to talk!"

"This has been a great journey. Reading I do for work, and every day reading -- like the newspaper -- coming more easily. Also, Level 5 exercises really show me the struggles I've had... very hard to remember facts and figures, names, and other details."