Davis Dyslexia Materials — Buying Guide

Where do I start?

If you are a parent, tutor or teacher who wants to learn more about Davis methods, the best place to start is with the book, The Gift of Dyslexia. The book will provide you with a new perspective on dyslexia and explain the theory behind the Davis approach, and provides a step-by-step guide to all of the essential techniques that are used by licensed Davis Facilitators to help individuals overcome barriers to reading and other common difficulties associated with dyslexia.

I already have a copy of The Gift of Dyslexia. What's new in the 2010 revised and expanded edition?

The Gift of Dyslexia (Revised and Expanded) contains two new chapters detailing important techniques for controlling orientation, attention focus and energy level: Davis Alignment and Dial-Setting. If you had difficulty using and applying the Davis Perceptual Ability and Davis Orientation Counseling procedures described in the earlier edition, you may find these instructions helpful. Although there are other minor changes and revisions to the book and a new forward by Dr. Linda Kreger Silverman, these two chapters are the most significant change.

I would rather listen to the book than read. Which version should I buy?

The 1997 edition of The Gift of Dyslexia can be purchased as a set of Audio CD's or downloaded as an audio file for playing on your computer. Because this is the earlier version of the book, if you would like to read along as you listen, we recommend that you purchase The Gift of Dyslexia (Classic Edition).

Do your kits have all materials needed for working with a child or other dyslexic individual?

The Davis Young Learners Kit for Home Use contains all appropriate material for working with a young child, aged 5 to 8. The materials with this kit are geared to building early foundational skills for beginning readers, and are ideal for home schooling or for parents who would like to give their young children a head start or extra support during early primary years. Other Davis materials are geared toward older learners, and would not be needed when working with very young children.

You should use the child's age rather than reading level to guide you in the choice of a kit. If you are unsure of which kit to buy because your child's age is borderline (about 8 years old), we recommend starting with the Davis Young Learners Kit. We feel that it is better to start gently and lay a good foundation with a child, so that both the parent and child can have a successful and enjoyable experience.

The Davis Symbol Mastery Kit is geared to individuals age 8 and over, and comes in two versions. The Standard Kit provides support materials for the Davis Symbol Mastery (clay modeling) portion of the program only. This is a good option for families who already own a copy of The Gift of Dyslexia and have successfully worked through the parts of the book describing Davis Orientation and/or Davis Alignment.

Individuals who want support materials for Davis techniques for orientation and attention focus, should purchase the Deluxe Kit, which includes the following additional items:

• The Gift of Dyslexia (Classic Edition)
• The Davis Dyslexia Correction Orientation Procedures DVD (Supplements The Gift of Dyslexia; provides demonstrations and videos of various Davis techniques.)
• Set of two Koosh balls (Koosh balls are ideal for practice of Davis exercises to address coordination probems, improve attention focus, and help with left/right confusion)

The above items can also be purchased separately, at a somewhat higher cost than when included with the kit.

Buyers who want the most comprehensive and up-to-date support material may also consider purchasing:

• The book, The Gift of Dyslexia (Revised and Expanded)
• The Gift of Learning (Optional; provides guidelines and instructions for application of Davis technniques to problems with math, handwriting, and/or attention focus.}