Strategies and Techniques for Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities: A Case Study of the Spring Reading Program

This case study explored strategies and techniques in order to assist individuals with learning disabilities in their academic achievement. Of particular focus was how a literacy-based program, titled The Spring Reading Program, utilizes effective tactics and approaches that result in academic growth. The Spring Reading Program, offered by the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region (LDANR) and partnered with John McNamara from Brock University, supports children with reading disabilities academically. In addition, the program helps children increase their confidence and motivation towards literacy. I began this study by outlining the importance of reading followed by and exploration of what educators and researchers have demonstrated regarding effective literacy instruction for children with learning disabilities. I studied effective strategies and techniques in the Spring Reading Program by conducting a qualitative case study of the program. This case study subsequently presents in depth, 4 specific strategies: Hands-on activities, motivation, engagement, and one-on-one instruction. Each strategy demonstrates its effectiveness through literature and examples from the Spring Reading Program.

Proceedings of the Court Martial Held by Order of Major Merritt

Proceedings of the court martial held by order of Major Merritt (1 double-sided page, handwritten): Captain Hamilton gave evidence against Caleb Cook (a private in Major Merritt’s Company of Light Dragoons) for disobedience and leaving quarters without leave of absence. Cook was fined and ordered to spend one month in prison. The document is stained and has holes in it along the middle fold. This does not affect the text, Aug. 7, 1812.

Letter to A.K. Boomer of the Niagara District Agricultural Society, 1845

Mr. Graham of the Bertie Agricultural Society is writing to obtain information from A.K. Boomer of the Niagara District Agricultural Society. The Niagara District Agricultural Society was established in 1793. Regular meetings and annual fairs were held by the society.

Indenture between Isaac Fuller of the Township of Niagara and George Upper of the Township of Niagara

Indenture between Isaac Fuller of the Township of Niagara and George Upper of the Township of Niagara for the west half of Lot no. 29 in the 2nd Concession of the Township of Nissouri, Jan. 29, 1830.

Indenture of deed of bargain and sale between Samuel Rock of Crowland Township and Samuel Street of the Town of Niagara

Indenture of deed of bargain and sale between Samuel Rock of Crowland Township and Samuel Street of the Town of Niagara for 1 acre in Lot no. 179 in the Town of Niagara – instrument no. 13070. A memorial of this record was made on Feb. 21, 1856, List B, Folio 169. An envelope addressed to Joseph Woodruff, Clerk of the Peace and postmarked Jan. 1857 was included with this document, July 17, 1840.

Indenture of bargain and sale between James and Ann Jane Butler of the Town of Niagara to Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara

Indenture of bargain and sale between James and Ann Jane Butler of the Town of Niagara to Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara for 50 acres composed of the west half of Lot no. 169 in the Township of Niagara – instrument no. 3309. This was recorded in the Niagara Township Register on Aug. 14, 1851, Book A, Folio 219, Aug. 12, 1851.

Indenture of quit claim between Thomas Fuller of the Township of Niagara and George Upper of the Township of Niagara

Indenture of quit claim between Thomas Fuller of the Township of Niagara and George Upper of the Township of Niagara for 100 acres in the back half of Lot no. 29 in the 2nd Concession in the Township of Niagara, Oct. 26, 1852.

Indenture between Robert Miller of the County of La Porte, Indiana and Asat Carpenter of the Town of Niagara regarding 50 acres in the Township of Southwold, Middlesex

Indenture between Robert Miller of the County of La Porte, Indiana and Asat Carpenter of the Town of Niagara regarding 50 acres in the Township of Southwold, Middlesex. There are 2 copies of this document tin which the wording seems slightly different. The 1st copy is slightly burned on the side and extremely faded, making it completely illegible. The 2nd copy is legible. Feb. 15, 1853

Indenture of quit claim between John and Nancy Ann Kerlin of the Township of Grantham to Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara

Indenture of quit claim between John and Nancy Ann Kerlin of the Township of Grantham to Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara for 100 acres in the west half of Lot no. 29 in the 2nd Concession in the Township of Nissouri, Middlesex, April 29, 1853.

Indenture of quit claim between John and Deborah Ann McNeilly of the Town of Niagara and Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara

Indenture of quit claim between John and Deborah Ann McNeilly of the Town of Niagara and Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara regarding 4 acres on the west side of King Street in Niagara, Dec. 4, 1853.

Indenture of bargain and sale between James and Margaret Boulton of the City of Toronto and to Joseph A. Woodruff of the Town of Niagara

Indenture of bargain and sale between James and Margaret Boulton of the City of Toronto and to Joseph A. Woodruff of the Town of Niagara for 2 acres in Lot no. 279 and 280 in the Town of Niagara, Mar. 20, 1854.

Indenture of bargain and sale between Henry and Mary Miller of the Town of Niagara to Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara

Indenture of bargain and sale between Henry and Mary Miller of the Town of Niagara to Joseph Augustus Woodruff of the Town of Niagara for 50 acres in the east half of Lot no. 15 in the 1st Concession in the Township of Southwold in Elgin County, April 2, 1853.

Discharge of Mortgage signed by Henry Kalar, President of the Niagara Permanent Building Society

Discharge of Mortgage signed by Henry Kalar, President of the Niagara Permanent Building Society stating that John McNeilly [?] has satisfied all money due and the mortgage is therefore discharged. The right hand side of this document is burned. Text is slightly affected, Aug. 8, 1853.

Indenture between Richard Leonard, sheriff of the District of Niagara (regarding lands seized from John Donald McKay) to Robert Dickson

Indenture between Richard Leonard, sheriff of the District of Niagara (regarding lands seized from John Donald McKay) to Robert Dickson. The land consists of ½ an acre located in Lot no. 96 in the Town of Niagara – instrument no. 8600. This was recorded on May 4th, 1832 in Book N, folio 276- 277 in the registry of Lincoln and Haldimand Counties, Oct. 13, 1824.

Indenture –sheriff’s deed (vellum) between William Kingsmill, sheriff of the Niagara District and Walter H. Dickson

Indenture –sheriff’s deed (vellum) between William Kingsmill, sheriff of the Niagara District and Walter H. Dickson for 23 acres in the Town of Niagara – instrument no. 1158, Oct. 29, 1842