Visual Phonics with Sandi Snow, MA

 See the Sound/Visual Phonics Workshop

 “I have always felt that there must be a way for all of us who are capable of thought to be able to learn to the best of our ability. With the formation of the International Communication Learning Institute (ICLI) in 1982 and the bringing forth of Visual Phonics, we finally have a way to help all people learn in the way that is best for them. Visual Phonics puts into perspective not just the written form of language but the real power of language, which is sound.” (Millie Snow, founder of ICLI.)

Just as visual languages such as ASL are based on movement, all spoken languages are based on sound. Some people need a little extra help processing that sound in order to learn to speak and read easily. Just as Braille adds a kinesthetic component to the written form of a language, Visual Phonics adds a visual and kinesthetic component to the sounds of a language. It is not a standalone program for either reading or speech, but rather makes any good program more accessible to those with auditory processing challenges.

Visual Phonics is a system of 45 hand gestures and written symbols that visually represent the sounds of English. Just as finger spelling represents the letters of the alphabet, Visual Phonics represents the sounds. Each hand gesture mimics something about how the sound is produced and each symbol is a written representation of the hand gesture. The written symbols are used underneath printed words to help a person “decode” that word without confusion.

In the words “through” and “though”, for example, the “ough” would be represented by different symbols because it represents different sounds. Because each symbol represents one and only one sound, a person does not need to hesitate and ultimately guess at what the word might be. Meaning and comprehension becomes the outcome, not just successfully decoded words. Once a person recognizes a word without having to “sound it out” the symbols are no longer needed.

Visual Phonics is easily and quickly learned by anyone who can already read and speak. In this seminar you will learn the system well enough and have all the materials you need to begin using it with your students. In a mid-year follow-up seminar we will answer any questions and make some fun games and activities to help you further incorporate Visual Phonics into your curriculum.

Sandi Snow, presenter

Sandi Snow has been associated with Visual Phonics and ICLI since its incorporation in 1982. She has a BA in Zoology, Chemistry, and Music; and a MA in Spanish and Instructional Science. She has taught English, Statistics, and Spanish at a major University and was the director of the reading lab at a community college. Most recently she is a home-school mom to five children with educational challenges ranging from severely dyslexic to highly gifted. Most importantly she is Millie Snow’s daughter-in-law who taught her “everything she knows.”

Disclaimer:

CESA 6 makes every effort to accommodate basic dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten free and basic food allergies. Because of the number of meals served and the number of items used each day, along with food product changes from our food vendors, we cannot guarantee that every allergen in the food served will be identified and labeled. Guests concerned with food allergies must be aware of this risk. CESA 6 does not assume liability for adverse reactions to food consumed or items one may come into contact with while eating at a CESA 6 event. To better serve our guests with dietary restrictions or allergies, please go into your myQuickReg account and update the special accommodations section. Notice of a special dietary need must be made in advance of the event.

Cancellation Policy:

Any registration cancellation must be received at least 8 business days before event in order for a full conference fee refund to be issued (full refunds do not include service fees. Service fees are nonrefundable).Registration cancellations received 1-7 business days before an event, a refund, minus $50 for each participant, will be issued. Persons who are registered, but not in attendance on the day of the session ("no call, no show") will be charged the full registration fee. CESA 6 reserves the right to cancel any session due to insufficient enrollment. Participants will be notified by email if a cancellation occurs.