We Teach Reading

Parent Resources

2012-01-23T10:08:00.004-05:00

While we at Langsford Center love working one to one with our clients, the scope of our mission goes beyond that. We want to be able to help all in our community in whatever way we can. That's why we have parent workshops, professional trainings, newsletters, and this blog! Be sure to regularly check this blog for links to resources and information that can help you help your child. For

Happy Anniversary to Us!!!

2012-01-16T10:06:00.006-05:00

Happy 20th Anniversary!!!Wow! This month marks the 20th anniversary of the opening of Langsford Learning Acceleration Centers! We are so excited that we've decided to celebrate all year long!! Watch here and on our website for upcoming events, as we have many funs things planned. Speaking of Langsford Center, did you see the recent article on us in the Courier Journal? If not, click here!

Should I Wait for Their Reading to Get Better on its Own?

2011-12-28T14:43:00.008-05:00

“…. Although some children will learn to read in spite of incidental teaching, others never learn unless they are taught in an organized, systematic, efficient way by a knowledgeable teacher using a well-designed instructional approach.” (Moats, 1999)Dr. Louisa Cook Moats, is Vice President of the International Dyslexia Association. Dr. Moats

The Best Christmas Gift

2011-12-15T15:37:00.007-05:00

Sometimes the best Christmas gifts don't come in a package wrapped in shiny paper with a big red bow. Sometimes, like this year, they come in the form of a phone call or an email. We at Langsford like to think that we give the gift of learning to our clients. But we get back as much or more than we give when we hear things like the following. It is stories like this that fill our hearts with

The Magical World of Reading!

2011-11-23T13:28:00.006-05:00

BOOKSBooks are magical....they can take us to far away places, and introduce us to wonderous characters. Through books, make believe takes shape in our mind and anything is possible. One of the biggest joys of working at Langsford Center is being able to be a part of bringing this magic to new readers. This is Andrew. He is so excited to be reading! You can almost see the wonder in his eyes

Assessment Results: Behind the Scenes Action

2011-11-08T13:06:00.001-05:00

What happens once your child is tested?SCORING AND DATA COLLECTIONWhile many institutions do not second score their evaluations, we do. Raw scores are checked to insure accuracy and graphs and scores are printed that provide percentile scores, standard scores, and age and grade equivalents. Our assessment department, while small, documents and records all testing information and collects

Is It a Reading Disorder or a Developmental Lag?

2011-10-28T14:21:00.008-04:00

The three key research conclusions that support seeking reading intervention early are90 percent of children with reading difficulties will achieve grade level in reading if they receive help by the first grade. 75 percent of children whose help is delayed to age nine or later continue to struggle throughout their school careers. If help is given in fourth grade, rather than in late

What to Expect: Day of Assessment

2011-10-20T12:10:00.003-04:00

Once you've scheduled an assessment at Langsford Center, an intricate process begins taking place behind the scenes. All of the pieces of this process are specifically designed to insure that when we meet with you, we will have a clear understanding of your child and his or her specific needs.When you arrive for the assessment, you will be greeted by someone at the front desk, most likely Jenny

Your Initial Call to Langsford: Your First Step Toward Relief

2011-10-03T14:24:00.001-04:00

We take our intake process at Langsford very seriously. We know that the folks who call us are worried and seeking relief. We want to be that relief or, at the very least, be able to refer you appropriately so that your concerns are addressed. In order to get a clear picture of your concerns, we'll start out by asking you a few questions. Things like, "how old is your child?" and "are you

Mastering the art of spelling

2011-09-19T15:37:00.005-04:00

Our son needed help with spelling. Though he did well in school in general, he had long-struggled with knowing how to spell correctly. We had tried various interventions over the years, but at the age of 13 he was still testing in the 10 to 20th percentiles on standardized tests for spelling.When we presented the idea of another round of intervention to our son, he reacted very negatively. I

Puns for Fun!

2011-09-12T11:10:00.004-04:00

Looking to brighten someone's day?Words put together the right way are a sure way to a smile.Some Puns to Ponder......1) Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.2) A backward poet writes inverse.3) I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.4) Two silk worms had a race. They ended in a tie.5) Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to

Getting Ready for the new School Year

2011-08-15T11:29:00.004-04:00

Time for the new school year! New pencils? Check. New backpack? Check. Improved reading skills? Check! Check! This is Jayden. Jayden worked very hard this summer to improve his reading in preparation for this school year. He definitely deserved a celebration! We miss him already.....

Lolli's Lovely Letter to Langsford

2011-06-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

Where Is Everyone??

2011-06-09T09:21:00.000-04:00

Not to worry--these books and backpacks and toys have only been abandoned momentarily! Come the next Langsford break there will be children crouched around this table laughing, playing, and talking. It's amazing how much fun and connectedness kids can have amongst themselves in 5 minutes! We grown-ups should take a lesson!

Langsford Center Celebrations

2011-05-10T13:53:00.001-04:00

Tucker's Birthday!At Langsford Center, we believe that life should be a celebration. We celebrate both large and small accomplishments of both our clients and our staff, as well as birthdays, anniversaries, and new babies. Usually our celebrations include Oreo cookies. But sometimes, there just has to be a birthday cake with all the trimmings to properly mark a special day. Wouldn't you

We Miss You, Carolyn

2011-04-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

As I pause to remember a dear coworker, Carolyn, who passed from this earth on this day last year, I am reminded of the words of the great Roman philosopher Seneca who observed that "things hard to bear are sweet to remember." Losing Carolyn was a painful blow to all who knew and loved her, and how could anyone not love her? Despite being more gravely ill than most of us realized, Carolyn was

Practice Deficit

2011-04-07T10:23:00.001-04:00

There are times in one's life when a little help is neededSome kids don't read as much as others. There can be a variety of reasons why:They may have inefficient skills and have to work harder than others to decode. Who wants to do something that is difficult for them? If their decoding skills are inefficient, they may be working so hard at decoding the words that they miss the meaning. Who

A Last Day Letter to Langsford From Max

2011-04-01T17:10:00.004-04:00

What I Learned at Langsford Langsford is a place that helps people with spelling, reading, handwriting, and comprehension. Something they do to help people is by doing the “board in the air” which helps you be able to see letters in your mind. The most helpful thing Langsford taught me was the board in the air, even though I didn’t like it. The thing I liked most at

Wondering What to do With Your Gifted Child?

2011-03-29T17:49:00.004-04:00

Do you have a gifted child whom you want to keep challenged? Do you ever wish that you had more support in raising your gifted child? The Center for Gifted Studies may be the answer you're looking for!"Located on the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky, The Center for Gifted Studies has been serving children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their

Top of the mornin' to you, lads and ladies!"

2011-03-04T14:27:00.004-05:00

Today at Eric's school, he and his classmates came dressed to reflect their favorite holidays. Since Eric likes Saint Patrick's Day, and in honor of his being part Irish, he went to school (and later came to Langsford) dressed in St. Paddy's attire befitting a proud lad of the Emerald Isle. Best wishes to you wee laddie, and the luck of the Irish to ya!

Two Friends Celebrating

2011-03-03T17:40:00.008-05:00

Garret (red) and Caulin (green) became fast friends while attending sessions at Langsford! They both came at the end of a school day, starting and ending close to the same time. Caulin and Garret ended up having their last day celebrations on the same day and at the same time too. The guys were surprised and delighted to find their families had brought a big cookie treat to congratulate them

A Peek into our Email

2011-02-22T14:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing makes our day better than when we hear from a parent that they are pleased with our services and that their child is doing well.Here's a peek at an excerpt from a recent email we received:Katie had a great time at her "last day" at Langsford yesterday! She loved the little party you had for her-thank you. And we will be reading the Fancy Nancy book you gave her....Thanks for everything!

Beware of the Developmental Lag Excuse!

2011-02-16T16:21:00.009-05:00

The National Institutes of Health state that 95 percent of poor readers can be brought up to grade level if they receive effective help early. The reality is, time is of the essence when it comes to addressing reading issues. Yet parents are often told not to worry, that Johnny or Suzy is just suffering a developmental lag and all will come together at some point in the future. Research

Lasting success

2011-01-30T17:10:00.026-05:00

"Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime."Tutoring and homework help are like giving a student a fish. They get the student through today, but tomorrow, the same problems remain.At Langsford, our testing figures out precisely where the underlying problem is, and then we strengthen the student's skills in that specific area. We teach

Dyslexia

2011-01-28T13:42:00.007-05:00

Dys------trouble lexia------wordsDyslexia=trouble with wordsLangsford Learning Acceleration Centers recently had the honor of participating in a teleconference with dyslexia expert, Tim Conway. Tim Conway is director of the Morris Center in Gainesville, FL, (which evaluates and treats language-based learning difficulties) and an investigator at the Brain Rehabilitation

Staff Spotlight On Tony

2011-01-26T13:19:00.005-05:00

Tony Pursley Where were you born and how long have you lived in Louisville? Born in Cincinnati and grew up in Goshen, OH and later Independence, KY. I’ve lived in Louisville for 5 years. My school/work background is: Bachelor’s in Music Ed Cumberland College; Master of Divinity at Southern Baptist Seminary. Minister of Music at Hebron Church and now at Victory Memorial Baptist Church. When

New York Times list of 100 Notable Books of 2010

2011-01-12T16:39:00.005-05:00

Winter is here and the holidays have passed. Many of us find ourselves with extra time and not feeling particularly enthused about going anywhere that requires leaving the house and braving the elements. So why not while away a snowy afternoon with a good book?Click here to see the New York Time's list of 100 Notable Books of 2010.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE LANGSFORD STAFF

2010-12-22T10:33:00.004-05:00

Wishing you Happy Holidays and all the best in the new year!!

Some Pictures from the Holiday Party!

2010-12-17T12:19:00.015-05:00

Rhonda gets a new pair of earrings for Christmas!Tony and Toni enjoying the applause they got for their duetLinda and KristinA great shot of Kara!Kim, oblivious to the fact that Margaret is about to pounce upon her!OOOOHHHH.....the party is TONIGHT!Chef Callie and her lovely assistantJerry's wife telling an embarrassing story about him??Karen, Kathleen and CallieClaudia--the charming hostess

A Peek into the Langsford Holiday Party

2010-12-16T12:02:00.007-05:00

Every year in December, Claudia and Stephen graciously invite all of the Langsford staff and their families into their home to celebrate the holidays. A gourmet dinner, prepared by Stephen's mother, Callie, is served. The house is always beautifully decorated for the holidays, and a good time is had by all.In the past, we always had a white elephant exchange, and boy, did some crazy gifts show up

Jack Speaks Out About Langsford Center

2010-12-14T14:16:00.009-05:00

Last time you heard from Brion. Here is something another client wrote. This is from Jack, who is a second grader working on his reading and his handwriting.What Jack has to say:I go to Langsford. You do straight lines and curved lines. You read 5 minutes and do the vowel circle. And write in the air. You get a break for 5 minutes. You can play games and get candy. My favorite game is pin

What Brion Has to Say About Langsford Center

2010-12-06T15:25:00.003-05:00

I recently asked some of our current clients if they'd like to write about their experience at Langsford. Brion was the first to finish his paper. He actually worked on it at home! Brion is in the 3rd grade and has been coming to Langsford for a little over 3 weeks. Here is what Brion had to say:About LangsfordLangsford is good. It helps you with all the sounds. I have not been here very

3 Reasons to do Intervention Early

2010-11-17T16:21:00.005-05:00

Every parent of a struggling 1st grader has probably wondered...."If we just give it some time, will they start reading on their own?" Some sobering statistics below:The three key research conclusions that support seeking help early are:90 percent of children with reading difficulties will achieve grade level in reading if they receive help by the first grade.75 percent of children whose help is

Announcing a New Arrival!

2010-11-02T16:30:00.005-04:00

Joy MarieOne of our instructors has a new addition to his family. We congratulate Joseph and Jessica on the birth of their daughter, Joy Marie. We hear that her three older brothers love having a new baby sister! And what a little angel she is!

On-Going Training

2010-10-20T16:23:00.006-04:00

At Langsford, training is forever. We believe in lifelong learning--teaching our clients to be lifelong learners, and practicing it ourselves. To that end, we regularly meet to look at new research, share ideas, review what we've previously learned, and to train on new things so that we are at the top of our game when it comes to teaching reading and addressing areas that can impact

3 Critical Skills for Emerging Readers

2010-10-11T10:23:00.008-04:00

Quiz Question for parents and teachers of emerging readers:What are the 3 critical skills that reading researchers have identified as the most important predictors of future reading success?Not sure? Find out what they are at:www.WeTeachReading.com/3CriticalSkillsAlso, listen to what G. Reid Lyon says about the reading process:Meet the Experts: G. Reid Lyon (The Reading Process)

10 Professionals Who Can Help Your Struggling Child

2010-09-21T13:42:00.008-04:00

There are many trained professionals who can help your child be successful despite any difficulties he or she may be encountering. The list below contains 10 professionals you might want to consider when exploring options to help your child.1) Classroom teacher--works with your child on a daily basis and can provide insightful information related to how your child learns, how attentive he or she

Talk to Me!

2010-09-14T08:25:00.001-04:00

I've been thinking this weekend about what I want to accomplish with my blog posts and I've decided that what I want is CONVERSATION! I've been trying to supply my readers with useful information. But I realize I haven't tapped an incredibly knowledgeable resource pool--YOU!Duh! It should have been the first thing I thought of when I started writing the blog! A few years back Langsford started a

Early Reader Screenings

2010-09-08T10:46:00.006-04:00

This is the time of year when many schools are administering Early Reader Screenings. These screenings consist of a few key measurements intended to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties. The results of these screenings help to identify which students should be closely monitored and/or would benefit from further, more in-depth, assessment.Research shows that learning to

QUESTION: How Many Boys Does it Take to Operate a Robot?

2010-08-25T16:31:00.007-04:00

Answer: A Center full of boys! At least that's what it took one recent day in the Langsford lobby. The big boy with the directions is our Director, Stephen McCrocklin. It's his robot too. Stephen is a child at heart and couldn't resist coming out to play with the kids on break.Of course boys will be boys and they always like to show off their favorite toys. And it just so happens that

How Early Should I be Worried About My Child's Reading? 3 Warning Signs

2010-08-10T10:56:00.002-04:00

One of the most commonly asked questions we hear at Langsford Learning Acceleration Centers is, "How early should I be worried about my child's reading skills?" Closely related is, "When should work on reading skills start?" Research clearly indicates that what preschoolers know before they enter school is strongly related to how easily they learn to read in first grade.Three Predictors of

An American Hero

2010-08-03T10:27:00.010-04:00

Langsford salutes Virgil, retired military veteran, who recently completed a phase of reading and spelling work. With his strong work ethic, determination and drive, Virgil truly is an American Hero, on and off the battlefield. His smile says it all! We at Langsford Learning Centers are honored for having known and worked with him.

"So, You Think You Can Draw?"

2010-08-02T15:51:00.006-04:00

Every where you look on TV, people are competing. Network shows are designed around finding new talent across the country. Singers, dancers, survivalists......When they finally come up with an Etch A Sketch illustrationist competition, I'm sure Pierce will be in the final running!Pierce just finished up some reading and spelling work here at Langsford Learning Centers' Louisville location.

Word Retrieval Problems

2010-07-26T14:30:00.004-04:00

"Gosh....it's on the tip of my tongue....."The term "word retrieval" refers to the processes involved in mentally identifying and then producing the word or words necessary to express a thought or name an object. Word retrieval difficulties sometimes occur in isolation, but they are often accompanied by problems in other areas of language function. Students with a wide variety of learning

Jacksen: A Star Student

2010-07-20T08:15:00.002-04:00

Jacksen came to Langsford Center with an amazing thirst to learn. He came in each day with a dazzling smile and ready to work. Dad, in a conversation with Jacksen's Learning Coordinator, shared that after three short weeks he knew they were in the right place for Jacksen.Jacksen improved his reading significantly while here, and school reported that his reading rate had increased from 47 WPM (

More on Brain Rewiring

2010-07-12T09:02:00.003-04:00

We know that brain scans have proven remedial instruction in reading can improve one's decoding skills. But what about spelling? Can remedial work in spelling rewire the brain in the same fashion? Research indicates it can!Researchers have found that humans code words in three forms while learning to spell. Each of the three draw on different, unique brain circuits. The brain codes words by

Brain Rewiring in Children

2010-07-09T08:23:00.002-04:00

"GET HELP WITH YOUR READING! YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!"Exciting news for struggling readers! A recent article in Science Daily discusses how scientists have uncovered evidence that intensive instruction to improve reading skills in young children causes the brain to physically rewire itself. Researchers report that a study using brain imagery to compare the brains of good readers and poor

For Fun!

2010-07-01T13:46:00.004-04:00

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.Inside of a dog it's too dark to read. ~Groucho Marx

Langsford Cornhole Tournament

2010-06-23T13:47:00.014-04:00

The "Langsford family" got together in the parking lot one recent evening and a rowdy good time was had by all! After a dinner of Mexican food, we paired up and battled each other for bragging rights for winning the cornhole competition. It was a tough competition and finally we all let Jenny and Jeff win. (Just kidding-they won fair and square!) Here's a picture of the winning cornhole duo:

A Magical Young Lady

2010-06-16T12:06:00.000-04:00

Ode to the Mystical UnicornO, unicorn with coat so whiteYour beauty is divine.With all my heart and soulI wish you could be mine.For if you were, I'd love you soAnd protect you from all harm.So all the world would come to knowthe magic of your charm.--Author UnknownCallie mesmerized us all from her first day at Langsford with her soulful eyes, serene presence, and mysterious smile. She has all

Looking for Some Fun Summer Reading for Your "Wimpy Kid" Fan?

2010-06-09T12:18:00.003-04:00

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has taken the elementary schools by storm. One mother recently likened being able to read it to a "rite of passage." The kids LOVE these books!But what about after they've been read? What about the kids who can't quite handle the series' reading level yet? What other books can you get to entice your reluctant reader?Here's a suggestion: another diary-format

Summer Suggestions

2010-06-02T14:18:00.003-04:00

Wondering what you should do to keep your child's skills sharp or to better prepare him or her for school next fall? There are 5 key areas you should think about.Each will take only minutes a day. Why not set aside an hour a day this summer to keep your child's academic momentum going?SUGGESTIONS FOR READING AND WRITING PRACTICE1) Read! 20 to 30 minutes daily. Sometimes challenging material

If You See a Friend Without a Smile, Give Him One of Yours

2010-05-27T14:14:00.003-04:00

Zac is a 7th grader who's been doing work in reading and spelling at our Middletown office. It's hard not to be charmed by him when he flashes his big awesome smile. While Zac says that he was very surprised to find that he wasn't bored coming here, it's not to say he didn't try to use his smile on us from time to time. Zac says that his smile doesn't work for him at home or school, but it

Can You Read This?

2010-05-19T13:29:00.006-04:00

Aoccdring to rscheearch at Cmadrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.How'd you do? Were you surprised at how

For the Love of Reading

2010-05-13T12:28:00.006-04:00

"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray,Go throw your TV set away,And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall."— Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryNothing is more rewarding than seeing children become excited about reading. Will is a first grader who recently completed sessions with us. You can see by the look on his face in this picture that he was happy to

Dressed for Success!

2010-05-06T17:38:00.009-04:00

This is Jack! Jack did work to improve his reading and spelling skills at Langsford Center. Mom reports that his grades have improved and he's now near the top of his class! With his dapper good looks and his improved skills, we think the sky's the limit for Jack!

In Memory of Carolyn

2010-04-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

Carolyn and her son Andrew at 2009 staff Christmas partyThere are some people you meet in this world who are truly special. They have a certain something about them that draws you to them. Carolyn was such a person. Carolyn worked here at Langsford Center for almost five years. For a good portion of that time, she was battling cancer, although most people outside of our staff did not know it.

Client Update

2010-04-27T14:23:00.005-04:00

Just had a previous client stop by after finding one of our books at home. Mom reports that daughter is doing great and reading voraciously! While only in 2nd grade, she is reading 3rd and 4th grade books! We love to hear these stories!If you'd like to share an update on your child, leave us a post in the comments section. We'd love to hear from you too!

Defining a "Reading Problem"

2010-04-15T15:35:00.003-04:00

"Why Can't I get this?"Oftentimes there is some confusion about the underlying cause of a student's academic problems. They are often associated with reading, but reading is not a single process and, when we talk about reading, we could be meaning different things. The end goal of reading is, of course, comprehension of the material. But poor reading comprehension is not necessarily the result

Should We Do Summer Work?

2010-04-05T15:34:00.014-04:00

Summer is quickly coming upon us. As the days grow sunnier and warmer, spring fever begins to set in. Our thoughts wander to the delights of summer--afternoons at the pool, a trip to the beach, summer camps and other fun things!Thoughts of school fade to the background. However, summer is an ideal time to enrich or remediate reading, spelling, and comprehension skills! An hour or two a day

Spring Break 2010!

2010-04-01T15:37:00.008-04:00

The upcoming week is spring break for many in this area. What will you be doing on your spring break? Going to the beach? Visiting relatives? Perhaps taking a "stay-cation" at home?No matter what your plans are, a good book should be included in them. Reading for pleasure is one of life's greatest joys! You can learn about different people and cultures, travel to faraway lands, immerse

Special Ties

2010-03-24T14:16:00.002-04:00

One of the greatest things about working at Langsford Learning Acceleration Centers is getting to meet so many amazing kids! Working together closely to achieve success in reading can create some everlasting bonds.Recently we had the pleasure of working with a fireball of energy and enthusiasm named Allie! One of our directors, Claudia McCrocklin, was Allie's Learning Coordinator. Simply put,

A Thank You That Warmed Our Hearts!

2010-03-18T13:25:00.001-04:00

We just love getting feedback from the kids we work with! This is Will and he wrote something special for us and read it at his last day celebration.It said: "I can't believe how much better my reading got. Thank you Langsford."Will: we are so glad your reading got better! We truly enjoyed working with you!

Exactly What is a Reading Problem?

2010-03-17T11:45:00.007-04:00

Reading Rocks!

2010-03-11T09:37:00.008-05:00

Check this out and see how much fun reading can be! This video reflects how we feel about reading at Langsford Learning Acceleration Centers!

Huh?

2010-03-10T10:23:00.020-05:00

Hmmmmmmm.......I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure that what you heard is what I actually meant!Have you ever been on either end of this scenario? It is frustrating for both parties. Language comprehension is essential for one to communicate effectively with others. A person must be able to not only receptively understand language, but to also be able to

A Couple of Brainy Boys!

2010-03-05T13:46:00.004-05:00

Zach and Grant didn't know each other before coming to Langsford Center, but they became fast friends. On breaks they bragged to each other about how much they'd read the night before, each trying to outdo the other! We always retest our clients upon completion of their work, and Zach and Grant were excited to find that they were both testing on the same day. They both worked extra hard to do

Creating Readers in Dolly Parton's Hometown

2010-03-04T13:45:00.003-05:00

Wouldn't it be great if you could figure out a way to foster a love for reading in children?Dolly Parton, of country music fame, did when she launched an effort called the Imagination Library. Dolly wanted to foster a love of reading among her hometown's preschool children and their families in east Tennessee. She wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic they can create.

When Your Child has a Reading Problem....and ADHD

2010-02-22T12:46:00.002-05:00

Learning difficulties don't like to travel alone. They almost always have another issue accompanying them. Often times, this "companion" is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).A diagnosis of ADHD is based on behavioral symptoms of inattention. But evidence suggests that children with ADHD also often exhibit cognitive weaknesses in other areas essential to learning, including: 1)

STAFF Spotlight

2010-02-19T14:52:00.003-05:00

Marsha AhrensThis is Marsha-the Langsford Center bookkeeper You may have talked to her about a billing question. We all love her because she makes sure we get our paychecks! We asked Marsha a few questions so that you can get to know her better. Here is what she said:Where were you born and how long have you lived in Louisville? I was born in Parkersburg, WV and have lived in the Louisville

Ode to Ian

2010-02-15T18:20:00.007-05:00

There once was a boy named Ian,with a smile that could light up the sky.He came to Langsford for reading,and left with his head held high.He accomplished his goals,and made friends to boot!He captured our hearts, like a robber does loot!We will miss him like crazy,'cause boy, was he fun!But alas, he is leaving, his work here is done.So Good-bye, Ian!Thanks for all the good times!Keep on reading

Everything is More Fun With a Friend!

2010-02-11T15:02:00.010-05:00

Allie and Kara go to the same school. Kara started at Langsford about a month beforAllie. On Allie's first day, she and Kara were totally surprised to run into each other. They excitedly ran up to each other and shared a huge hug! They ended up carpooling to and from school and each provided moral support for the other. It was hard when Kara finished before Allie. But Allie stuck with it

Putting his Spelling Skills to Good Use!

2010-02-05T15:22:00.007-05:00

You never know when you'll run into someone you know. Over Christmas break, one of the Middletown clients did sessions at our Highlands office and ran into one of his friends from Tae Kwon Do!Griffin recently returned to the Highlands office to retest and see what kind of gains he made while attending sessions here. He asked about his friend and found out that it just happened to be his

"You signed me up for what?!"

2010-01-29T11:49:00.004-05:00

This is for all you kids out there who have just been told by your parents that they have signed you up to come to Langsford.I know what you must be thinking. "What a bummer--working on my summer break, " or, "oh man, I have to go there everyday AND after school?!" But I think you'll be very surprised once you get here. We will be doing things that are very different from what you've done at

Literacy Milestones From Birth to Age Six

2010-01-21T17:25:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder whether your young child is on track in his or her reading development? Click on the site below for information provided by the U.S. Dept. of Education.Literacy Milestones From Birth to Age SixPosted using ShareThis

STAFF Spotlight

2010-01-13T16:00:00.005-05:00

Christopher Skye--A Little About MeI was born in Springfield, Ohio. I washed up on the Falls of the Ohio in 1987 and scamped about the Highlands for a few years before heading west. Louisville has been my residence since 1998.I've been a cook, fisherman, tree-planter, and mountain man at various times. I used to read a lot about eastern religions and earned a degree in Humanities from the

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE LANGSFORD STAFF

2009-12-22T16:33:00.012-05:00

All of us at Langsford Learning Center would like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Here's a little peek at our Langsford staff and their families at our annual Christmas Party. Enjoy!

Erick--A Mighty Learning Warrior

2009-12-15T16:45:00.006-05:00

Sometimes learning new material can seem like a major battle, sometimes it's just a little skirmish. It is different for everyone. But every single individual, regardless of their level of skill, can benefit from learning strategies designed to aid language comprehension. This mighty warrior, Erick, accepted the challenge of enriching his skills and came to Langsford prepared to face any

Coincidence? Anomaly? A Mother's Imagination?

2009-11-23T10:48:00.007-05:00

Recently a mother of one of our new students was talking to Jenny, our scheduler and office manager, and said, "It is probably a coincidence, but maybe not. I am not sure what is going on, but my husband and I have both seen some very positive changes already in Griffin." She said that it did not make any sense to her that after only 3 days at Langsford they could already be noticing changes,

Some Electrified Thinking!

2009-11-16T13:00:00.001-05:00

WOW!!!I've heard of people being so scared that their hair stood on end, but never that someone was thinking so hard that their hair stood on end! But that's exactly what happened to Clayton during a recent learning session at Langsford! He came into the session with normal looking hair and walked out looking like.........

The Chicken Farmer that's a Chicken Charmer!

2009-11-09T16:12:00.010-05:00

This summer we had the honor of working with Vance, who lives in Barbourville, KY and loves working on the farm with his granddad, Pap.Vance is a chicken farmer. Everyday he feeds and waters his chickens and then gathers the eggs!Vance's family has nicknamed him the Chicken Charmer because the chickens are so calm around him and gather at his feet when he is around. While here in town, Vance

2009-11-09T15:28:00.002-05:00

This summer we had the honor of working with Vance, who lives in Barbourville, KY and loves working on the farm with his granddad, Pap. Vance is a chicken farmer. Everyday he feeds and waters his chickens and then gathers the eggs!Vance's family has nicknamed him the Chicken Charmer because the chickens are so calm around him and gather at his feet when he is around. While here in town, Vance

A Model Family

2009-11-04T17:15:00.005-05:00

Recently we celebrated Jolie's completion of a phase of work at LLAC devoted to improving her reading and spelling skills. Since Jolie's older sister who lives in Chicago was in town, it was a rare photo op for the family!

Two Young Heart-throbs

2009-11-02T15:29:00.003-05:00

All of our female staff this summer stayed in a state of infatuation. And who could blame them with these two boys around. Toooooo cute! We all had crushes on them. Henry and Mitchell came to Langsford over the summer to work on their reading skills. We suspect they'll be needing those skills in the near future for reading love letters from their girl classmates.These two are surely going

A Mother's Love

2009-10-26T14:42:00.005-04:00

You've heard the phrase, "It takes a village......" Indeed, everyone involved working together has proven to be the best way to assist children in the development of their reading skills. One of the most important people on this "team," is often the child's mother. Since Mom generally practices the new concepts needing mastered and helps with the homework assignments, she is often in the best

Sarah's Got Talent!

2009-10-20T18:15:00.008-04:00

While this may look like a new singing group auditioning for "America's Got Talent," the show in this picture is all about Sarah! One of Sarah's many talents include winning the hearts of the Middletown Langsford Staff. On Sarah's last day of sessions, everyone wanted to get into the act for her celebration!In this picture, from left to right, are Sarah's supporting cast: Fran, suffering a

Failure Is Necessary for Success

2009-09-28T07:00:00.007-04:00

For some reason our society often teaches that failure is something to be avoided at all costs. We fear failure.To avoid failing, many of us simply stop trying. We stop taking risks. We play it safe and never go outside of our predefined boundaries. Even worse, we may let others define these boundaries for us.When we put all of our energy into avoiding failure, we are missing out on the best

Langsford Lecture at University of Louisville

2009-09-21T07:49:00.020-04:00

The photos above were taken last week, when our Director Stephen McCrocklin gave a presentation at the University of Louisville. This lecture was part of the curriculum for graduate students enrolled in the Doctor of Audiology Program in the Department of Surgery.Stephen’s talk explained how the brain works in connection with auditory processing and learning. He described how auditory processing

Back to School!

2009-08-20T09:23:00.006-04:00

It's that time of year again! The days are getting shorter, the kids are getting up earlier, and the smell of schoolbus exhaust is in the air. Schools are going back to sessions! We had lots of kids come to Langsford over the summer to work on their skills. Some wanted to catch up, some wanted a jump-start on the upcoming year, and some were returning clients wanting a review and the chance

Ready for Second Grade!

2009-08-12T12:00:00.011-04:00

Nothing is worse than having to dread school starting up in the fall! Collin and his family won't have to do that this year, as Collin has been working all summer to prepare! He completed his session work with us in June, with a promise of continuing on his own this summer so that he would be well-prepared for second grade. Collin's Learning Coordinator, Kristin, sent home sight words to

All Work and No Play Makes for No Fun!

2009-08-05T15:32:00.005-04:00

Have you ever noticed that boys will be boys, wherever they are? Although the breaks are short between sessions at Langsford, the kids seem to make fast friends. Several kids at the Middletown office have recently had their mothers make play dates for them with their new found friends. The boys, in particular, like to outdo each other figuring out the complex puzzles in the waiting area. And

The Family Who Reads Together, Learns Together

2009-07-28T09:02:00.005-04:00

DAD AN INSPIRATION For some Langsford families, reading is a family affair. Parents who lead by example and make reading a family-centered activity are creating an environment which fosters life-long readers.Ethan and his dad, David (right), are a perfect example. Ethan came to Langsford throughout the spring to work on reading and spelling. Often, while Ethan was in

Staff Spotlight

2009-07-22T09:37:00.010-04:00

Gemma Newland Where were you born and how long have you lived in Louisville? Born in Louisville, spent 2 years in Germany, reluctantly became a Hoosier 22 years ago. My school/work background is: Associate degree in Science Allied Health, UK; Lab Tech, Respiratory Therapist, phlebotomist. Home-schooled 2 of 4 children for 5 years. I discovered Langsford when we were referred here for my son

Lucky Langsford

2009-07-10T15:58:00.002-04:00

At Langsford, we feel like there’s plenty of good luck to go around. Students get to improve their reading skills, and we get to help them. How can you get much luckier than that? That’s a great question for this Langsford client, Mitchell, and the turtle he rescued and named Lucky. One day, a parent came into the Middletown Langsford office and reported a turtle in the

Kristin's Decade at Langsford

2009-07-10T15:52:00.012-04:00

Recently, one of our Learning Coordinators, Kristin, celebrated her tenth anniversary working with Langsford. As a celebratory gift, Kristin received a beautiful cut-glass bowl engraved with a special thank-you for her years of enthusiastic commitment. Regarding her decade at Langsford, Kristin says, “This is by far the best job I've ever had AND the best working environment. Working with people

POWER OUTAGE HITS LANGSFORD! STUDENTS CONTINUE WORK WITHOUT A HITCH!

2009-07-07T15:00:00.004-04:00

What does dedication look like? It looks like this! Recently Langsford was struck by an afternoon power outage. In a building with very few windows, this could certainly be a problem. But, as you can see, where there's a will, there's a way! After just a few moments of scurrying, everyone was quickly back to work. Grace and her instructor Kara found an office desk next to a window to work

Letters From Home

2009-06-26T09:00:00.008-04:00

At Langsford, we talk a lot about letters of the alphabet, and we read a lot of stories. But hands down, our favorite letters and stories are the ones we get from parents and relatives reporting success, confidence, happiness, and accomplishment for past clients. Each one is gratifying and heart-warming for instructors, learning coordinators, and administrators alike. Here are a few we just had

Broadway Bound

2009-06-22T09:00:00.004-04:00

In 2002, this creative young man, Max, was a second grader struggling with reading and spelling. After working at Langsford, Max became a voracious reader and writer. Today, Max is headed for high school as a published playwright. This spring, Max became the youngest playwright ever to have a ten-minute play produced as part of Actor's Theater's Humana Festival of New American plays. But wait,

How Three Months Can Change A Life

2009-06-17T11:51:00.016-04:00

In the course of a K-12 education, three months usually doesn't amount to much. Three months is hardly a blip for most students. But for a child struggling with reading, three months can create such a tidal wave of change that it sends out ripples for a lifetime.One of Langsford's past clients, Rachel Stivers-Bender, was recently honored by Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson as the 2009 Outstanding

Staff Spotlight on Rachel

2009-06-11T14:47:00.014-04:00

Where were you born and how long have you lived in Louisville?Sacramento, CA. I’ve lived in Louisville 3 years. My school/work background is: BA in Biblical Studies – Master’s College in Southern CA; Courthouse intern for several years, school office manager and at Southern Seminary When I was a child, when I grew up I wanted to be… A stage actress People say I… Am chatty. Of course we