Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re just getting started or have been using our program for years, we’re here to help! Explore our most frequently asked questions below, organized by topic.

1. Getting Started

Where should I begin if my child is struggling with learning?

We recommend starting with our Identifying & Correcting Blocked Learning Gates Checklist.

This resource helps you identify characteristics associated with the four learning gates and provides recommendations for choosing appropriate teaching strategies and resources.

You can also explore our Where Do I Start? workshop for a more detailed explanation.

How do I know which products my child needs?

Every child learns differently, so we encourage families to begin by identifying their student’s primary learning challenges rather than purchasing multiple resources at once.

Our approach focuses on three complementary areas:

Brain Integration Therapy: Exercises designed to support the learning processes involved in reading, writing, and processing information.
Right Brain Teaching Strategies: Visual teaching methods that help students learn reading, spelling, math, and writing skills.
Biology of Behavior: Nutritional education and strategies intended to support overall wellness, attention, and behavior.

Not every student needs every component. Our goal is to help you choose the resources that best address your child’s individual needs.

Does my child need an official diagnosis to use your program?

No. Families and educators can use our teaching resources whether or not a student has received a formal diagnosis.

Our materials are designed for bright but struggling learners who may experience difficulties with reading, spelling, writing, attention, or processing information.

Our program is educational and does not replace professional evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

Can I use the program with more than one child?

Absolutely! Many families use our resources with multiple children of different ages and abilities.

While some daily activities can be completed together, individual Brain Training sessions and academic instruction should be tailored to each student’s specific needs.

Where can I find your free resources and lesson plans?

We offer a collection of free articles, instructional guides, checklists, and daily lesson plans to help you get started.

Visit our Free Downloads & Helpful Resources section below for direct links.

2. Reading, Phonics & Sight Words

What is the difference between the Dolch 220 Sight Word Cards and the sight word cards included with the Craft Right Brain Readers?

The Dolch 220 Sight Word Cards and the sight word cards included with our Craft Right Brain Readers are two separate resources designed to complement one another.

The Dolch 220 is a collection of 220 high-frequency words that students benefit from recognizing quickly and automatically in reading and spelling.

Our Craft Right Brain Readers (1st–3rd Grade) introduce all 220 Dolch words, but not all of them are taught as sight words.

148 Dolch words are introduced as sight word cards accompanying the readers.
72 Dolch words are introduced as phonetic words in the word lists at the beginning of the appropriate reading units.

This distinction is intentional. Words that can be taught through phonetic patterns are introduced at the appropriate reading level, while other words are taught using our Right Brain Sight Word method.

Additionally, the reader sight word cards include many words that are not part of the Dolch 220 list. These words are selected specifically for the stories students will be reading.

The two resources are not interchangeable. Each serves a different purpose in helping students become confident readers.

Do I need to purchase the Dolch 220 Sight Word Cards if I already have the Craft Right Brain Readers?

Not necessarily! It depends on which resources you own and your student’s learning needs.

Option 1: Purchase the Complete Dolch 220 Sight Word Card Package

If you do not plan to use the complete Craft Right Brain Reader series (1st–3rd Grade), the Dolch 220 package provides all 220 words together for convenient, systematic practice in both reading and spelling.

Option 2: Use Your Readers and Create Additional Cards as Needed

If you own the complete Craft Right Brain Reader series, your student will be introduced to all 220 Dolch words throughout the program.

However, 72 of those words are taught phonetically rather than through our Right Brain Sight Word Cards.

If your student needs additional visual reinforcement for quick recall in reading or spelling, you can make Right Brain Sight Word Cards for those specific words at home.

This allows you to provide extra practice without purchasing duplicate cards.

Can I purchase the Craft Right Brain Readers without their accompanying sight word cards?

We recommend keeping the sight word cards with their corresponding readers.

Unlike the Dolch 220 cards, the reader sight word cards are selected specifically for the vocabulary introduced in each story.

Practicing these cards before oral reading helps students become familiar with words they will encounter, allowing them to focus more comfortably on reading the story.

Because the reader cards include many words outside the Dolch 220 list, the separate Dolch cards are not a complete replacement for them.

My child is progressing through sight word cards faster than the readers. Should we move to the next reading level?

Not necessarily! Sight word recognition and oral reading fluency do not have to progress at exactly the same pace.

If your child is mastering sight words quickly, you can introduce more advanced Dolch words during a separate practice session while continuing with readers at an appropriate instructional level.

For example, a student working through the First Grade Readers may be ready to practice Second Grade Dolch Sight Word Cards.

We encourage families to move forward based on the student’s readiness rather than feeling that both components must advance together.

How many sight words should we practice each week?

We recommend practicing a minimum of five sight word cards each week, adjusting the pace to your student’s needs.

The goal is quick, automatic recognition rather than simply memorizing a large number of words.

Many families find it helpful to practice sight words separately from their oral reading lesson. Review previously learned words regularly and introduce new words as your student demonstrates mastery.

What is the difference between Right Brain Phonics and traditional phonics instruction?

Our Right Brain Phonics approach combines Orton-Gillingham structured phonics instruction with visual memory supports such as pictures, color, and embedded imagery.

These visual cues are designed to help students remember letter sounds and phonetic patterns that may otherwise be difficult to retain.

Our method is particularly intended to support students who struggle to remember phonics rules through conventional instruction alone.

3. Brain Integration Therapy

What is Brain Integration Therapy?

Brain Integration Therapy (BIT) is a structured program of exercises and activities organized by Dianne Craft to support students who experience learning and processing difficulties.

The program includes short daily exercises and a weekly Brain Training session, along with specialized teaching strategies to help children catch up to grade level in subjects they struggle with.

What ages can use Brain Integration Therapy?

Our materials have been used with children, teenagers, and adults. Many families start as young as 5 years old, though Dianne generally recommended considering the program when characteristics associated with blocked learning gates persist around age seven or beyond.

Our team also works with many PT’s, OT’s, and nurses as they implement this program with individuals with PTSD, TBI and strokes.

How often should we do Brain Integration Therapy?

The recommended schedule is:

Daily exercises: Four days per week, approximately 20 minutes per session if all exercises are done at once.
Brain Training: One 20-minute session each week, following the instructions in the manual. This day is separate from the daily exercises.

A typical schedule is daily exercises Monday through Thursday and Brain Training on Friday.

Consistency is important, but the schedule can be adjusted to accommodate your family’s routine. In some cases, families can only maintain 3 days of the daily midline exercises. The most important piece is doing the once-a-week brain training.

Does Brain Training have to be completed on Friday?

No! Friday is simply the suggested day.

You can complete the weekly Brain Training session on Saturday or another day that works for your family, provided you maintain the recommended schedule and follow the instructions in your manual. It is always recommended to keep the brain training sessions 5 days apart from the last.

What is the difference between daily exercises and Brain Training?

The daily exercises and weekly Brain Training session both complement each other and serve different purposes within the program.

Daily exercises provide regular practice of the movements and activities outlined in the manual. Think of these as “keeping the pathways open”.

Brain Training combines specific exercises to address each individual learning gate. Think of this step as what initially “opens the gates”.

Although some activities may look similar, Brain Training follows a distinct sequence and should not be replaced with the daily exercises alone.

Can multiple children complete the daily exercises together?

Yes! Many families find it convenient to complete the daily exercises together.

However, each child should have an individualized Brain Training schedule based on their specific learning needs.

Should I assess my child before starting Brain Integration Therapy?

We recommend completing the Identifying Blocked Learning Gates Checklist and recording your child’s starting abilities before beginning the program so you know where to track improvement.

Formal academic testing is not required. Simple observations and examples of reading, writing, spelling, or processing difficulties can provide a helpful starting point for tracking progress.

Do we have to follow the recommended sequence of visual, writing, and auditory exercises?

We recommend following the sequence outlined in the Brain Integration Therapy Manual rather than choosing the order independently.

The program is designed to address specific learning challenges systematically.

If your child has needs in multiple areas, use the manual’s guidance to determine the appropriate starting point and progression.

How long should we work on each learning gate?

The length of time varies depending on the student and the learning gate being addressed.

Follow the recommended training period in your manual, while also observing how easily your child completes the exercises.

If a skill still requires significant effort, additional practice may be appropriate before moving ahead. Our Certified Learning Specialists can help you evaluate your student’s progress. Be sure to email us at customersuccess@diannecraft.org with questions.

What if my child struggles to complete the Writing Eight exercise?

If your child becomes fatigued or uses significant effort to complete the full alphabet, you may temporarily divide the practice into two sections:

Monday: A–O
Tuesday: O–Z
Wednesday: A–O
Thursday: O–Z

This adjustment is intended for students who are struggling to complete the exercise within approximately 10–15 minutes.

As the exercise becomes easier, work toward completing the full alphabet smoothly in one session, following the guidance in your manual.

4. Writing, Dysgraphia & Spelling

Where can I purchase the Writing Eight Sheet Tablet?

The Writing Eight Sheet Tablet is available to families who already own the instructional resources needed to use the exercise correctly.

Eligible resources include the Brain Integration Therapy Manual, Smart Kids Who Hate to Write Workshop, or Dysgraphia Package.

Because proper instruction is important, we may ask you to verify ownership before completing your purchase.

Why can’t I purchase the Writing Eight Sheet Tablet by itself?

The Writing Eight Exercise involves specific movements, verbal cues, and instructional steps.

We want families to understand how to complete the exercise correctly before beginning.

For this reason, the tablet is intended as a supplemental supply for families who already have access to the appropriate instructions. Our main goal is for every child, teen, and adult to find success with this program.

Do I need to purchase the newest Brain Integration Therapy Manual if I have an older edition?

The 2020 edition includes clearer explanations, updated lesson plans, and simplified instructions, while retaining many of the core exercises found in earlier editions.

If you are comfortable using your older manual, you may be able to continue using it effectively.

Families who want additional demonstrations can also purchase the Brain Integration Therapy Explanation & Demonstration Workshop separately.

Where can I find instructions for Right Brain Spelling?

Our free 1200 Most Commonly Used Words packet includes spelling words and instructions for implementing the Right Brain Spelling method.

This can be used alongside your student’s reading and writing instruction.

5. Biology of Behavior & Nutrition

What is the Biology of Behavior program?

Biology of Behavior is the nutritional education component of the Dianne Craft Learning System.

It explores the relationship between nutrition, general wellness, attention, and behavior, and introduces dietary and nutritional strategies for families to consider.

Nutritional needs vary by individual. We recommend discussing supplements and dietary changes with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly when working with children.

Can adults use the Biology of Behavior program?

Adults may also benefit from learning about the nutritional principles discussed in Biology of Behavior.

However, supplement types and amounts should be selected according to individual health needs, medications, and professional guidance rather than assuming that children and adults should follow identical schedules.

What if my child cannot swallow capsules?

Some supplements may be available in alternative forms, and certain capsules may be opened and mixed into food.

However, this depends on the specific product. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a pharmacist before opening capsules or changing how a supplement is administered.

Do we have to follow the supplement schedule exactly?

The original Biology of Behavior materials describe a particular nutritional schedule.

However, supplement recommendations, formulations, and individual health needs can change. Always follow current product labeling and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before beginning or modifying a supplement regimen.

What should we do about supplements during travel or camp?

Consistency is important when following the Biology of Behavior nutritional program, and we encourage families to maintain their regular routine as much as possible. However, we also understand that life happens! Vacations, summer camps, and busy schedules can sometimes make it difficult to stay on track.

If your child needs to take a short break, even for a week, there’s no need to feel discouraged. Simply resume the program when you’re able, with the goal of completing a full 12 weeks of use for each supplement, rather than counting the time spent on a break toward that total.

As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult your child’s healthcare provider regarding individual supplement needs.

6. Orders, Products & Online Access

How long does it take to process and ship my order?

Please allow up to seven business days for order processing. Our regular shipping days are Tuesday and Thursday.

Shipping transit times begin after your order has been processed and shipped.

We appreciate your patience as our small, family-owned team carefully prepares each order.

Do you offer free shipping?

We offer free shipping on qualifying U.S. learning-product orders over $75 placed through our website.

International orders are not qualified for free shipping.

Supplement orders may have different shipping requirements and are not included in this offer.

What is your return policy?

Eligible learning products may be returned within 30 days, subject to our return conditions.

The Brain Integration Therapy Manual has a separate return window of 10 days, provided its digital access code has not been redeemed.

Supplements are non-returnable.

Please contact our customer service team before returning an item so we can confirm eligibility and provide instructions.

How do I access workshops purchased online?

Online workshops are accessed through the account associated with your purchase.

If you are unable to locate your workshop, please contact us with your order information so we can help.

Can I purchase workshops on a USB drive instead of accessing them online?

Select workshops may be available on USB drives for families who prefer offline access or have limited internet connectivity.

Please contact us to confirm availability for the workshop you’re interested in.

Can I transfer online workshop access to another person?

Please contact our team before transferring purchased workshop access.

We may need to verify the original purchase and obtain authorization from the purchaser before making account changes.

How can I contact someone for help choosing or using the program?

We’re happy to help!

If you’re unsure where to begin, have questions about your student’s progress, or need assistance selecting resources, please reach out to our customer service team.

Email: customersuccess@diannecraft.org

7. Free Downloads & Helpful Resources

We offer a collection of free resources to help families and educators understand learning challenges and implement effective teaching strategies.

Getting Started & Learning Challenges

Reading & Spelling

Writing & Brain Integration Therapy

Nutrition & Wellness

Some archived educational resources reflect recommendations and terminology from earlier editions. Consult current instructional materials and qualified professionals for individualized guidance.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help you feel confident as you support your student’s learning journey.

Contact us: customersuccess@diannecraft.org

Dianne Craft Right Brain Learning System
Making learning easier, building confidence, and helping every child reach their God-given potential.