The Truth About Old Dogs

The Truth About Old Dogs

In the previous newsletter, I promised to discuss alphabet mastery and how it can evolve human evolution. Today, I’m weaving this topic into a myth that I am happy to bust…

The saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" suggests that people, especially older adults, are resistant to learning new skills or changing long-established habits. This perspective has been pervasive in both educational settings and the workplace, often leading to a fixed mindset about the potential for growth and development as people age. However, modern science, particularly the study of neuroplasticity, has debunked this myth, revealing that humans are capable of learning and growth at any age. This understanding has significant implications for educators and HR professionals, particularly in addressing learning challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Remarkable Adaptability

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This capability for adaptation and change means that the brain can modify its structure and function in response to experiences, learning, and environmental changes. Neuroplasticity is not limited to a specific age; it occurs from infancy through old age, although the rate and ease of these changes can vary at different life stages.

Implications for Education and the Workplace

Lifelong Learning and Skill Development

The understanding of neuroplasticity underscores the importance of lifelong learning and skill development. For educators, this means that students of all ages and perceived abilities have the potential to improve and acquire new skills. For HR professionals, it highlights the value of continuous professional development and training programs for employees, regardless of their age. This shift in perspective encourages a growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance.

Addressing Learning Challenges: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADD

Neuroplasticity offers promising solutions for individuals facing learning challenges such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADD. These conditions, traditionally viewed as static and unchangeable, can be significantly improved through targeted interventions that leverage the brain's ability to adapt.

1. Dyslexia: Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with reading, spelling, and writing. Current intensive, phonics-based reading interventions and multisensory learning approaches can help to rewire the brain to process language more effectively.? However, for the 25 years I’ve been working in the literacy world, I’ve seen that most of these systems fail to establish essential mastery of the alphabet before applying processes for developing phonemic awareness, spelling, writing and reading. Building on gaps limits potential. Master the alphabet and watch how all reading systems will have improved results.
2. Dysgraphia: Dysgraphia affects writing abilities, making it difficult for individuals to write according to conventional rules, spell accurately, or express their thoughts in written form. Traditional structured handwriting practice may create new neural pathways to support writing for some, but not all –and at the cost of joy. Hands-on alphabet mastery is a game changer for dysgraphia, is engaging and brain-building and can usually be achieved in under 2 days!
3. ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is characterized by difficulties with attention, organization, and impulse control. Alphabet mastery can be a fun and effective way to ensure that gaps in alphabet foundation are not creating chronic distractions that impact one’s ability to adapt, connect and communicate. Holistic approaches to ADD rarely consider, let alone resolve, literacy gaps. With a fresh approach, it’s possible to establish new mindfulness habits that enhance productivity and focus, leading to better performance and job satisfaction.

What is Alphabet Mastery?

Alphabet mastery is a process of unlearning and relearning every letter of the alphabet. You replace your immature or limited comprehension of the symbols with a deeper and more human-activating version. The system aligns your mind, body, and imagination to establish fresh neurons that access creativity, critical thinking, and connection (to yourself, others and nature).

The benefits flow regardless of

• age (my oldest student so far was 77 years old),
• labels (it's more helpful to look at symptoms and resolve them) and
• whether English is your first, second or fifth language.

One student told me that her Arabic writing improved, an unexpected but exciting result!

The best part of being “Alphabetter” is that you are also prepared to thrive with AI. You are capable of leveraging AI with new self-awareness, self-mastery and self-expression. This is essential not only for schools, but every workplace will demand these skills to keep up with the exponential shifts AI is creating in the world.

Special Offer

To explore more education myths and offer a taste of what it means to be Alphabetter, I’m offering a complimentary webinar each month. For more information and to register, click here. If the link is not working, go to The Learning Force dot com

See you soon…