Why is Language / Maths / Focus so Difficult?

The Davis programme is grounded in the idea that many difficulties with reading, maths, writing, focus and learning arise not from low ability, but from disorientation.

So what is Disorientation?

Disorientation is a state where a person’s perceptions of letters, numerals, symbols, space, and sequence become confused or distorted.

Here’s how the clay-based approach corrects disorientation:

1. Understanding Disorientation

   • People with dyslexia or related learning difficulties often think in pictures rather than in words.

   • When they encounter abstract symbols (letters, numbers, punctuation) that don’t make sense, their minds can “disoriente” by mentally rotating or altering the perception of the symbol.

   • This leads to misreading, reversals, or skipping of words.

2. Clay as a Grounding Tool

   • Clay is used because it is tactile, visual, and kinesthetic, engaging multiple senses at once.

   • Learners create three-dimensional models of words, symbols, or concepts in clay.

   • By physically shaping the letters and the meaning of words, the learner creates a stable mental image that replaces the distorted perception.

3. Correcting Symbol Confusion

   • The Davis Programme identifies trigger words (common words such as “and,” “the,” “is”) that don’t have concrete pictures in the learner’s mind and often cause disorientation.

   • With clay, the learner models both the word itself and its meaning (e.g., sculpting “the” along with a simple scene showing its use).

   • This anchors abstract language in something concrete and understandable, and ultimately resulting in mastery.

4. Establishing Orientation

   • Before and during clay work, the learner is taught self-regulation techniques.

   • This helps the learner recognize when disorientation occurs and consciously return to a stable, focused state.

   • Once oriented, the clay modeling reinforces the correct perception of words and symbols.

5. Permanent Correction

   • Because the learner builds a personal, hands-on “dictionary” of modeled words and concepts, while in an orientated state, the corrections are embedded.

   • Instead of relying on rote memorization, the learner develops a grounded, clear understanding that prevents future disorientation.