Jonathan was in second grade when he came to Huntington in Livingston, NJ. He was seven years old and had moved to the United States from Brazil just two years prior. When Jonathan's mom called, she said that Jonathan's basic skills were poor and he was below grade level. He had been working with a reading specialist at school for the past year, but nothing was working. What his mom really wanted was for Jonathan to perform on grade level and increase his confidence.

When Jonathan first started at Huntington, he was very unhappy and did not think that his program would help him. He said that he already knew everything and always put up a fight with his mom even about coming. During his sessions he often refused to write or even speak to his teachers. It was a constant struggle to get him to do his work and trust that Huntington would help.

NOW...

Jonathan has completed his initial program and is continuing to work on his sentence writing and independence. His mom was very happy with his grades at the end of second grade and feels that his reading is so much better. When Jonathan comes into the center now he smiles and says hello instead of walking by the teachers without saying anything. His teachers all say that he has a completely different attitude toward his work and is much more cooperative. His writing has greatly improved and we are no longer fighting with him to put a pencil to paper. Jonathan's teacher in school has commented that he is working much more independently and no longer needs to be continually redirected.

Jonathan has gone from a student who would not speak to us to a student who comes in excited and ready to work. Before he leaves each day, he makes sure to say goodbye to us and tell us something positive about his session.

FROM: Jonathan