a variety of physical and intellectual challenges study together at the Madonna Learning Center. Here, children grow and work toward independent living, thanks to a curriculum that’s tailored to the individual needs and learning style of each child. In addition to academics, students also receive instruction in music, art, nutrition and circuit training, even yoga. “These classes help students with breathing, posture and movement,” says executive director Gilbert. Since some kids tend to be inactive, it’s a way to change that mindset, to encourage them to be more active and think about making healthy choices.”
(left to right) Bodine School; Madonna Learning Center; Memphis Oral School for the Deaf
disorder that involves all aspects of language, hampering a child’s ability to recognize letters and words. The school was originally created as a high school, but as dyslexia has been identified earlier, Bodine has focused on lower grades, working with children to strengthen reading and language comprehension skills. Head of School John Murphy says Bodine’s aim today is different. “Our goal is to be a great elementary school that offers special instruction but also has a strong math program, extracurricular activities like soccer, music lessons and one of the best STEM labs in the state.” The school serves students in grades 1 to 6 because, “We see the most dramatic changes when students come early,” says Murphy. Children receive one-on-one instruction and work in a creative environment with technology that helps them learn and decode language. Students who attend Bodine go from being non-readers to strong readers, thanks to teachers who are specially trained in OrtonGillingham methodology, the most effective approach to teaching those with dyslexia. When kids first arrive at Bodine, “Many think they’re dumb, that they can’t learn,” says Murphy, due to failing in school before their disorder was identified. “You must have a good vocabulary and grasp of language to read. Being able to rhyme words, seeing connections between words like call/ball/tall. People with dyslexia have difficulty with sound/ symbol relationships,” says Murphy. Thanks to Bodine, children discover how to decode language and go on to become successful learners. Madonna Learning Center madonna-learning.org 7007 Poplar Avenue • 752-5767 Serving special needs students ages 4 to 19. School offers extended learning programs for young adults 19 to 22. In a warm, welcoming, faith-based environment, children with
Since Madonna is the only school in the Mid-South that teaches young children with developmental disabilities, families often move to the Germantown area to take advantage of their offerings, which includes Camp Fly High, an eight-week summer camp. Children who attend the school aren’t just learning but find camaraderie in a community that nurtures their mind and spirit. “Our families are supportive and develop long-lasting friendships,” says Gilbert. “They go to each other’s birthday parties and sleepovers, something they can’t always find elsewhere.” Once students reach age 19, they can attain life skills through Madonna’s life-centered and work-based learning programs. The two, two-year programs prepare young adults for independent living and working in the community. In fact, several Germantown companies have hired Madonna students, including Germantown Athletic Club, Germantown Library, Kingsway Christian Church and Great American Cookie Company.
“These classes help students with breathing, posture and movement,” says executive director Gilbert. Finally, Madonna collaborates with a number of Germantown organizations. Healthy Germantown recently collected materials for their bike camp and other schools and companies regularly work with Madonna in support of their mission. Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD) mosdkids.org 7901 Poplar Avenue • 758-2228 Teaching children ages 2 to 6 with hearing loss how to speak Laughter rings through the hallway at Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. Inside classrooms, you’ll find children ages 2 to 6 with a range of hearing losses learning how to listen and speak. For more than 50 years, this oral-based program has helped families learn how to adjust to hearing deficiencies while teaching preschoolers to thrive using spoken language skills instead of sign language. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, 1 to 6 per 1,000 newborns in the U.S. are born annually with congenital hearing loss. If a newborn fails the hearing test in Tennessee, parents are referred to the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) and begin receiving services. That is often when they first learn about the important work MOSD does. “You think about the limitations your child might have,” notes
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