Reimagining Reading Through a Right-Brain Lens
Method Background
The Right Brain Reading Method is an extension of a pre-existing method designed by Leslie Broun and Patricia Olewin (2007) for exceptional learners, such as students with Down Syndrome or Autism. Neuroimaging research, heavily influenced by Zvia Breznitz’s work, was a basis for trying this method with chronic non-readers.
The Right Brain Reading method was the focus of my thesis, where I used this with 3 chronic non-readers, with good outcomes. Click here to read my thesis.
The Right Brain Reading method was then used for struggling readers in Grades One through Four in 2015-2016 & 2016-2017, with impressive growth shown by all students. See results page for more information.
Students that received this intervention were targeted by their teacher because they were not yet meeting expectations and were significantly behind in their reading development. Most of the students had also been identified as being at ‘High Risk’ for reading difficulties due to their difficulties with segmenting, blending and sounding out words.
This intervention method was originally designed to be used in a one on one setting, but due to the realities of learning support required for so many students, we had to work with up to 4 students in a group at one time. We accommodated that by creating a daily work plan that outlined what their learning task for the day was. Repeated practice with their words helped them retain them.
Teach Reading in a Way That Works
Learn to Teach the Right Brain Reading Method
Meet Jennifer Hedican
I’m Jennifer Hedican, an experienced Learning Support and primary classroom teacher with over 30 years in education. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with countless students—many of whom thrived using traditional phonetic methods. But there were always a few who, despite every effort, continued to struggle with reading.
That’s what led me to create the Right Brain Reading Method.
While completing my Master’s in Educational Leadership, I focused my research on neuroimaging studies that revealed something critical: not all brains learn to read the same way. Some learners process language differently, and for them, phonetic strategies simply aren’t enough.
Right Brain Reading is designed for those students. It’s a fun, engaging, and neurologically supported method that helps beginning and struggling readers find success—often for the first time. Parents and teachers are amazed by the transformation they see, not only in reading ability, but in confidence and self-belief.
Over the years, I’ve shared the Right Brain Reading Method with hundreds of educators, and the feedback is always the same: “It works.”
