Visual Secrets for School Success: Read Faster, Write Better, Master Math and Spelling

By Brenda Montecalvo

DON’T LET HOMEWORK RUIN YOUR FAMILY TIME TOGETHER.

Family members want to spend quality time together. Once kids begin school, much of the family's free time during the week can be spent doing homework, leaving little time for fun.

The truth is, it does not have to be this way. Students don’t need to spend hours and h

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Academy Elite
• Release date: Mar 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781640856523

Book preview

Endorsements

"Make room on your bookshelf. Dr. Brenda Montecalvo’s Visual Secrets for School Success is a treasure chest of insights and practical advice. Her secrets are a product of her personal and professional life. The story of how she came to them makes for fascinating and inspiring reading. What a gift to this generation of young learners and generations yet to come!"

—Adele Faber,

author of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen

& Listen So Kids Will Talk

As a parent, I can speak to the change Dr. Montecalvo’s prescribed vision therapy made in my son’s life. My husband and I attributed certain behaviors of our then early school-aged son to age or clumsiness or inattentiveness. This was particularly true after taking our son to see an eye doctor and getting him the prescribed glasses. However, the issues continued. It wasn’t until taking him to see Dr. Montecalvo that we discovered he had no depth perception, his prescription was incorrect, and his eyes were not working well together. This explained why he loved reading if we were reading to him--but was steadfastly reluctant to read on his own. As an educator, I am thankful for the succinct strategies this book provides for supporting our students who may be struggling. The book also helps us to consider seeking outside assistance when what we know how to do isn’t enough.

—Jill Holland Beiser,

Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, Director,

Black River School District

I found this book to be very well written, informative and easy to read. It makes an important contribution to the literature and will supply parents, teachers and other professions with critical information, which will help many children who are struggling to succeed in school and in life.

—Robert B. Sanet, OD, FCOVD,

Past President of COVD

Visual Secrets is an excellent book for anyone interested in helping kids learn more efficiently, and to ultimately allow them the emotional freedom to excel in whatever life brings them. As an associate principal who has worked with at-risk students for 28 years, I can definitely say that these techniques will have a positive and long-lasting impact on students of all ages.

—Jim Heinke, Associate Principal,

West De Pere High School, De Pere, WI

A must-read for parents whose child struggles in school. Dr. Montecalvo presents step-by-step instructions and engaging exercises that make schoolwork more manageable and even fun.

—Susan R. Barry, Ph.D.

Author of Fixing My Gaze:

A Scientist’s Journey Into Seeing In

Three Dimensions

"Highly recommended to anyone interested in exploring how to save time by using vision more efficiently. Read Visual Secrets for School Success and change your student’s life."

—Glen T. Steele, OD, FCOVD, FAAO,

Optometry Hall of Fame 2019 inductee,

and Professor of Pediatric Optometry at the

Southern College of Optometry

"A must for parents of school children. Visual Secrets for School Success is chock full of ideas to help make learning easier. Not only are Dr. Montecalvo’s techniques effective, they are fun, too!"

—Robert Fox, OD, FCOVD, FCSO,

Past Chair of the COVD International Examination

and Certification Board

Children don’t come with instruction sheets, but this book will help you with strategies that can help your child perform better with less effort.

—Curt Baxstrom, OD, FCOVD, FNORA,

Past President of NORA

"Time is valuable, and Visual Secrets for School Success is certainly a worthwhile investment! Dr. Montecalvo’s informative book will help students with writing, math, spelling and reading, giving them confidence and - best of all - free time!"

—Joanna Carter, OD, FCOVD,

Creator of VTODs on Facebook

A down-to-earth practical guide for parents and teachers to help their children learn to use their vision more efficiently. End result: school work becomes easier, more fun and successful!

—Lynn F. Hellerstein, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, Award-winning author of See It. Say It. Do It!

This book will be an important addition to my patient care. I have been effectively using many of the activities in this book for many years with my optometric vision therapy patients. It will be wonderful to have a resource to improve academic and study skills after we have corrected the functional vision problems!

—Kellye Knueppel OD, FCOVD,

Wisconsin Optometrist of the Year

Visual Secrets

for School Success

Read Faster, Write Better, Master Math and Spelling

Dr. Brenda Montecalvo

Visual Secrets for School Success ©2020 by Brenda Montecalvo.

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Published by Author Academy Elite

P.O. Box 43, Powell, OH 43035

All rights reserved. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without express written permission from the author

Identifiers

CCN: 2019938866

ISBN: 978-1-64085-650-9 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-64085-651-6 (hardback)

ISBN: 978-1-64085-652-3 (ebook)

Available in paperback, hardback, e-book, and audiobook.

Any internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers printed in this book are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Author Academy Elite, nor does Author Academy Elite vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of this book.

Illustrations by Madilyn Heinke and Natalie Montecalvo, MS, OD

Disclaimer

The author and publisher of this book have used their best efforts in preparing the materials and activities described herein. The information in this book is for educational purposes only. It does not replace any medical advice by your optometrist or physician. The reader should regularly consult with a licensed optometrist for vision-related issues. The information provided herein is provided without any representations or warranties, be they expressed or implied. Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities does not imply endorsement by the author or publisher, nor does mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities imply that they endorse this book, its author, or publisher. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any medical outcomes or physical complications that may occur as a result of the application of methods suggested in this book.

Some names and identifying details in this book have been changed for confidentiality.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Andrew, Clarice, and Natalie, who inspired me to gather the ideas shared here so we could spend more quality time together.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Whose Kids Are They?

Part I:

The Trap: Overloaded with Homework

Chapter 1: No More Homework?

More Time for Family and Friends

Chapter 2: Stop Students’ Struggles!

Set the Stage for School Success

Chapter 3: What Is Vision?

20/20 Eyesight Is Not Enough to Succeed in School

Part II:

The Technique: Visual Secrets for Learning

Chapter 4: Visual Secrets for Handwriting

Handwriting and First Impressions Last a Lifetime

Chapter 5: Visual Secrets for Spelling

Misspelled Words Can Give a Negative First Impression

Chapter 6: Visual Secrets for Composition

Great Writers Win Scholarships

Chapter 7: Visual Secrets for Math

Better Job with Exceptional Mathematics Skills

Chapter 8: Visual Secrets for Reading Comprehension

Self-Esteem and Reading Ability

Part III:

The Treasure: Time to Excel

Chapter 9: Taking Advantage of Spare Time in School

Time Should Not Be Wasted

Chapter 10: Staying Organized

Create Focused Productivity

Chapter 11: Working Smarter, Not Harder

Choose Your Life

Appendices

References

About the Author

Take Your Next Step

Acknowledgments

Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Ameil Franke heard my ideas about improving academic performance and said, Brenda, you need to write a book. I have not forgotten that moment, and finally it is a reality. Thank you to Dr. Franke for believing in this book’s potential.

Deepest gratitude and thanks go to my mentors, colleagues and friends that have challenged me, given me guidance, and made me think: Dr. Marilyn Heinke, Dr. John Streff, Dr. Baxter Swartwout, Dr. Robert and Linda Sanet, Dr. Al Sutton, Dr. William and Diana Ludlam, Dr. Donald Heiden, Dr. Donald Getz, Dr. Gerry Getman, Dr. Harold Haynes, Dr. Felisa Fernandez Lombardero, Dr. Cordula Stocker-Klug, Dr. Kellye Knueppel, Dr. Robert Fox, Dr. Brandon Begotka, Dr. John Pulaski, Dr. Valerie Frazer, Dr. Jeff Getzell, Dr. Mary VanHoy, Dr. Curt Baxstrom, Dr. Dean Streff, Dr. Carl Hillier, Dr. Lynn Hellerstein, Dr. Glen Steele, Dr. Glen Swartwout, Dr. Gary Busch, Dr. Rachael White, Dr. Michael Earley, and Dr. Susan Barry.

To my patients, who are also my teachers, thank you. From you I learn a little more each day. I appreciate your trust in my skills and in my ideas to help you reach your goals.

To the staff at Nova Vision Care, I am indebted to the entire team for your support. You are always there at a moment’s notice to help and serve each other and our patients. Each day we change lives together; without your dedication this would not be possible. Thank you for your patience through this long book-writing process.

To Anthony Montecalvo, Dr. Kellye Knueppel, Megan Hook, Dr. Clarice Montecalvo, Dr. Natalie Montecalvo, and Laura Zeitner, I am so fortunate to have such dedicated editors. Your patience, guidance, and attention to detail have helped me create a remarkable finished product. Thank you Dr. Jamie Jacobs, Jennifer Buzecky, Charleen Heinke, Jim Heinke, Madilyn Heinke, Dr. Cathy Stern, and Dr. Joanna Carter for reading the draft manuscript and providing feedback.

To my strong, cheering, unstoppable mother, Dr. Marilyn Brenne Heinke, you are a beacon in my life both for your professional excellence and dedication to our family. Your belief in me and your guidance to the field of optometry have allowed me to continue the excellent care you gave your patients for 70 years. You were always looking for better ways to help people be more successful. I pray that I can continue to model your love for our profession and optometric vision therapy.

To my wonderful family, thank you for your love and support. Andrew, your hugs and kind, loving personality are such a joy to me and fills my heart. Clarice, your depth of caring and dedicated spirit to friends and family inspires me to see the beauty in everything. Natalie, your sensitivity and willingness to be supportive means the world to me. I know the three of you will always be there for me, no matter what.

To Anthony, my loving husband and the most important person in my life. You are my rock. You constantly help, guide, and inspire me. Without you I would not be who I am today. There are no words that can describe all that you mean to our family. Thank you so much for the many years of support, your excellent proofreading ability, and your coaching me to be better. I love you more than I can say or write. I am so blessed that God chose you for me. I love you.

Finally, I thank my Lord and Savior for all that He has sacrificed for me and for the many blessings He has given me. I strive each day to try to be a servant to others, as He taught us to be.

Introduction:

Whose Kids Are They?

On a blustery November day I peered out of my dining room window, spied the bright yellow school bus rounding the curve, and watched it approach our driveway. After the bus stopped with red lights flashing, the doors flung open and our three young children emerged. Smiles adorned their faces as they ran down the driveway with nearly empty backpacks slung over their shoulders. Seeing this filled my heart with love and joy, even though I had been a little anxious because that day was report card day.

Back in September, life had been drastically different. Earlier that summer, our family had moved from the suburbs to the country. Our new home was near a small town, which meant our children would encounter not just a new school system, but an entirely different academic program. At our previous home, our children were enrolled in a private Montessori school where they had enjoyed learning. It was acceptable to be a minute late. They never had to wear shoes in the classroom. They could learn at their own paces. They never had homework and were not given grades. Since our new home was too far from the nearest Montessori school, we enrolled them in the local public school. The school year started out with some stress, which included mounds of homework, having to wear shoes all day, and the fear of being given detention, not to mention a whole new set of potential friends.

Trying to figure out a new school system quite different from what we were used to had been tougher than I had anticipated, but we rose to the occasion. We made many adjustments to how the children approached completing all of their assignments. On Thursday of the second week of school, Andrew had a list of words in his homework folder. I asked him what he needed to do with them. His response was, Nothing, Mom. I suggested he learn to spell them just in case there was a test. With a moderate amount of resistance, he agreed. Sure enough, the next day there was a test on the words. Being the new kid from a Montessori school, he was not accustomed to a weekly spelling test. The fifth grade class had a spelling test every Friday, and all the kids knew this except for Andrew.

Performance feedback was also different for our children. Clarice took her first timed math test in third grade. Even though she had been able to multiply and divide three-digit numbers at the Montessori school, she had never