Below are some of the tools I use to support striving readers:

Core Skill Building

I teach the foundational mechanics of reading to help the student break down words systematically.

• Letter-Sound Mapping: We practice breaking apart the individual sounds in words and linking them to written letters.

• Vowel Flexibility: We explore how vowel sounds change.

• Pattern Practice: We read and spell targeted patterns to build automatic recognition.

• High-Frequency, Irregular Words: We untangle tricky, “heart words” that seem to break traditional spelling rules.

• Word Study Rules: We demystify the hidden rules of the English language.

• Morphology & Word Parts: We investigate prefixes, suffixes, and base words to understand how words are built, unlocking their meanings and spelling patterns.

Putting Skills into Practice

The student applies their new skills immediately through structured reading and writing activities.

• Targeted Reading: We use decodable books and grade-level passages to match the student’s readiness.

• Sequential Writing: We move step-by-step from writing single sounds, to whole words, to complete sentences.

A Personalized Approach

I adapt my instruction to match the student’s pace, balancing explicit practice with interactive learning.

• Tailored Lessons: I customize every session to what the student needs to review and work on next.

• Learning Through Play: I integrate hands-on educational games to keep learning active and engaging.