Robin,

Several years ago when Parents As Teachers focused on brain development,
they talked about windows of opportunity for learning.  They stressed that
although the window is closed, it is possible to ³shout through the window².
During the training I received, it was stressed that there is always a
possibility for learning.

Regarding the phonemic awareness issue, I read, but can not cite, an
interesting experiment.  The focus of the experiment was to train Japanese
adults to hear the difference between the r and l sounds.  The process was
to use a speaking computer and have the sounds drawn out very, very slowly.
The concept was that teachers do not speak slowly enough or consistently
enough to have an impact.  [I have noticed, for example, that some adults
who have been to speech therapy will say Œarah¹ for r.  We all tend to add a
sound to consonants.]  The result of this experiment was the the subjects
were able to hear the difference in the two sounds and, having heard it,
they were able to correct their pronunciation.


Sarah Beaman-Jones 
Literacy Program Director

LIFT-Missouri
815 Olive Street, Suite 22
St. Louis, Missouri  63101

1-800-729-4443 ext. 206
www.lift-missouri.org



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