Created by The Gow School founder Peter Gow, Jr. in 1926, with guidance from famed neurologist

Dr. Samuel T. Orton, Reconstructive Language is a remedial language skills program taught with a

multi-sensory, structured approach.

"Teaching teachers to teach reading, spelling, writing, and language is quite an involved

and long-term process. This isn't something people can acquire overnight."
Louisa Moats, Director of Professional Development and Research Initiatives with Sopris West Educational Services

What is multi-sensory teaching?
Multi-sensory teaching is simultaneously visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile to enhance memory and learning. Links are consistently made between the visual (what we see), auditory (what we hear), and kinesthetic-tactile (what we feel) pathways in learning to read and spell.

To find out more about multi-sensory teaching click here.

Information provided by the International Dyslexia Association

The Reconstructive Language curriculum breaks down the sound, spelling rules and grammar of the English language. The program centers on structured instruction, memorization, recitation, and practice in reading and writing.

All students work to master the 116-card phonetic deck as well as roots and affixes. These skills are perfected as students learn word identification and spelling, while fluency and comprehension strategies are taught and practiced through regular oral reading and related activities.

Kathy Rose and her colleagues, like Mari Jo Clayback, at The Gow School work rigorously and consistently with their secondary students in an effort to bridge the gap between seeing and saying letters and being able to decode reading words.

Helena Ortiz-Smith is an inspiring special education teacher at Edgewood Elementary in Baltimore who opened her mind and classroom to a nationally recognized reading intervention program, called Project Read. Project Read is transforming the lives of her students.

"Whenever anyone comes into my classroom,

they're always amazed at how bright these children are."
Helena Ortiz-Smith

Maryann Povell is a reading specialist with great expertise and compassion for her students. She conducts outreach for the Jemicy School, bringing Project Read to schools in need. Maryann is doing everything in her power to improve the reading practices of as many teachers as possible.

"What is working in regular education for the majority of kids simply isn't going to work with these kids...but that's not the end of the road...there are other ways to get the information across."
Maryann Povell, Reading Specialist, Jemicy School Outreach Department

and Project Read