September, 2001

Name: Cally
Gender: Female
Chronological Age: 10 years

Parent Feedback: Cally's Mom
"The things I noticed most were that Cally was more independent, and she had more self-confidence. She was more responsible. She's also more affectionate. She comes to me more now and wants to sit in my lap or wants a hug. I noticed her talking more, especially with other adults who aren't real close - like neighbors and acquaintances. When you'd make a joke or explain something, she really got the gist of it and she would 'get it' faster. She seemed to be focusing more and showed improvement in social interactions. With other people, whereas she wouldn't initiate a conversation before, she'd really talk with them and would carry on a conversation - like small talk. As far as in school, it's helped. She still has a little weakness in the math area, but it doesn't seem to be as evident as before. Otherwise, she's doing really well in school. Her reading has improved, she doesn't have to go to RIP (Reading Improvement Program) anymore, and her comprehension seems to have improved.

My friend noticed that Cally would sit close to her, that she was more talkative and willing to volunteer information. Before, when Cally was asked a question, she could just say "yes" or "no". Now Cally tended to elaborate a lot more and just seemed a lot more confident in speaking to people. She's also speaking more clearly. I noticed she was asking a lot of questions, more so than before. My other daughter noticed and said "Why is Cally asking so many questions?". Cally was remembering names better and her observation skills improved. For example, we were at the Hearst Castle watching a movie about William Randolph Hearst's house and they showed some of the parties he'd had. They had the dining room table all set up for this party and it was just a real quick flash of the table. Cally said, "Oh, Mommy's got your dishes!" She was real quick to notice stuff like that, I guess a little more observant. Cally initiates reading. She really loves to read now and I don't know if that's directly from the program, but I notice she does pull out a book and start reading without me having to ask her to do it. She does it for fun, not just for school. Overall I think it's done a lot for her self-confidence."

Krishun, Boulder City, NV