Phase 1 - Cognitive Processing Programs

When we are born, our brains are wired to respond to sounds, sights, touch and smells. A baby crawls and suckles without instruction. These sensory motor skills allow the baby to interact with the environment.

Language and thought are paired with these sensory motor experiences as the brain incorporates new information and skills. Memory, attention to detail, problem solving skills are all learned through our life experiences.

These are examples of the processing or learning skills which children in turn use when they enter school to make sense out of the reading and mathematics instruction that they are exposed to.

If these processing skills are not efficient, learning is challenging and children soon realize that they are not acquiring new skills and information as quickly as their peers. This is demoralizing.

Because processing and cognitive skills are learned, they can be strengthened by instruction and practice. This is what the PACE, Cogmed and Pay Attention Programs do so efficiently.

The PACE Program - training more confident, competent and competitive learners

This research based program is designed to change learning skills. It is a rigorous program and just like an athletic training program, it requires effort on the part of the athlete/learner. Challenging activities are done to build attention skills, speed of processing skills, memory skills, auditory skills and dynamic vision skills. It is a fast moving, intensive program that does not teach academic skills, but rather strengthens the underlying processing skills needed for better academic performance.

The Cogmed Working Memory Training is an evidence-based program for helping children, adolescents and adults sustainably improve attention by training their working memory. It is a home based program of 25 sessions of 30-40 minutes each, done over 5 weeks with weekly coaching from The Kelter Center Cogmed coach. After training, people improve their ability to concentrate, control impulsive behavior and better utilize complex reasoning skills. In the end, better academic and professional performance can be achieved.

The Pay Attention Program has activities that develop a student's sustained and selective attention.

At The Kelter Center, the coach/teacher gives students specific feedback, moral support and encouragement to become more efficient, aware and self regulating learners.

These Cognitive Processing Programs are often precursors to our educational therapy program.