Ever felt like reading is just scanning through endless symbols? The Davis Method introduces a fun, easy way to change that! It's like adding colour and life to the words on a page, making everything you read not just understandable but memorable. Here's how it works, explained in a way that's as easy as pie:
Think of punctuation as pause buttons: Imagine full stops, exclamation marks, and question marks as cues to take a tiny break. These aren't just grammar rules; they're your checkpoints to soak in the story or facts you're reading.
A complete thought can be pictured or "felt": "There was a woman standing by the..." doesn't make a picture — right? To make a picture, you need to complete the thought. Finish the sentence, "There was a woman standing by the kiosk," and suddenly, there's a scene in your mind.
Punctuation signals the end of a complete thought: As you read, think of punctuation marks as signposts saying, "Hey, got the picture?" They remind us to check if we've painted a mental image of what we just read.
Let's take this idea for a spin with a story example, like the beginning of Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis." Try pausing at each of these punctuation mark in the text to picture what's happening:
“As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams, | he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect. | He was lying on his hard, as it were armor-plated, back, | and when he lifted his head a little he could see his dome-like brown belly divided into stiff arched segments, | on top of which the bed quilt could hardly keep in position and was about to slide off completely. | His numerous legs, | which were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk, | waved helplessly before his eyes."
Suddenly, Gregor Samsa's transformation into a gigantic insect becomes a mini-movie in your mind. This isn't just about enjoying novels; it's a trick that can make any reading material, even complex texts, more engaging and understandable.
But what about factual texts?
You might wonder, "This sounds great for stories, but what about my textbook?" Good question! When reading something packed with information, like economics or chemistry, this method still works. If you hit a sentence and can't summon an image, it's a clue. Maybe there's a word or concept you're not familiar with. This isn't a roadblock; it's a golden opportunity to dig deeper and understand something new.
Let's take this passage from a Sixth Form economics textbook:
“What is the impact of outward UK direct and portfolio investment? In the short term, overseas investment sees money leaving the country and so worsens the current account. In the long term, income earned from these UK assets owned overseas is a credit item in the income section of the current account. As a result of past overseas investment, the current account improves.”[1]
For example, if the phrase "outward UK direct and portfolio investment" feels like gibberish, it's time to become a detective. Chat with someone knowledgeable, search on Google, ask ChatGPT, or even look at pictures online. Every unknown word is a chance to expand your knowledge and make that mental image clearer.
Bringing it all together
The Davis Method isn't just about making reading fun. It's a powerful tool for learning and remembering more of what you read. Whether it's a fantastical story or a dense textbook, this approach can turn reading into a vivid experience that sticks with you long after you've turned the page. And if you ever get stuck, remember: every challenge is just an invitation to learn something new. Dive in, explore, and watch as the world of reading opens up like never before.
Success Stories:
Edward's story
Diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 7, Edward faced considerable challenges in his learning journey. Traditional methods of addressing his dyslexia had not only failed but also added to his stress, impacting his self-esteem severely. By the time he was 10, with secondary school on the horizon, his mother, Marie, sought alternative solutions, desperate to find a method that could offer her son the support he needed.
It was at this critical juncture that Margarita, a Davis Programme Facilitator, entered Edward's life. Margarita's ability to establish a strong rapport with Edward from the outset was pivotal. She provided invaluable guidance, helping Marie to support her son effectively, emphasizing the importance of returning to the basics in a manner that bolstered Edward's confidence rather than diminishing it.
The positive changes in Edward became evident shortly after completing the initial phase of the programme. Edward began reading independently, a milestone that filled Marie with immense pride. The joy of hearing him read chapters aloud was a clear indicator of his significant progress.
Edward's success continued to flourish as he transitioned into secondary school. He not only moved up in academic sets but also developed a newfound passion for learning. Margarita's intervention was instrumental in this transformation. She equipped Edward with the tools to manage his dyslexia, taught him to embrace his unique learning style without fear or embarrassment, and significantly boosted his confidence in his abilities.
[1] Source: Tutor2U - http://www.tutor2u.net/
