The Gift of Learning

In Ronald D. Davis's first book, The Gift of Dyslexia, he shared his own experiences of living with the condition and overcoming difficulties through methods he personally devised, based on his ability to think in pictures instead of words. In this follow-up book, he applies the same techniques to supporting learners with attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia and dysgraphia.

In section one, the author describes these disabilities and the learning process, while extolling the virtues of his own Davis Theory. Section two offers basic tools for developing techniques to support learners, while the final three sections address individual techniques to support those with ADD, ADHD, or difficulties with mathematics or handwriting. Only a third of the book describes these techniques, while the rest is spent on case studies and Davis's theories about how people with learning disabilities think.

The book provides specific tools to supplement the detailed instructions in The Gift of Dyslexia. Parents and teachers who have been working with students using Davis's techniques will find this book provides additional exercises for improving basic learning skills. However, although it is very readable and offers practical support, it should be stressed that it does follow the Davis approach, which uses mental imaging combined with multi-sensory approaches to language learning and will not be appropriate for all learners.- Lorraine Petersen, chief executive officer, Nasen (formerly the National Association for Special Educational Needs)