Tutoring & Advocacy Services
Every student has the ability to find success.
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Decoding sounds & syllables
Accuracy
Fluency
Comprehension & vocabulary
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Encoding sounds & syllables
Spelling
Sentence structure, paragraphs, essays, Basic grammar rules
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Multi-sensory, explicitly taught study skills create an additional path to success. A productive study session includes skills such as:
elaborative interrogation (finding the why)
self explanation (how new information is related to known information)
distributed practice (spaced repetition)
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Students should be explicitly taught when to use accommodation(s) and how to advocate for them. I can help:
suggest appropriate and effective accommodations to meet your child’s needs.
show you/your child how to put accommodation(s) into action in the classroom, during extra-curricular activities, or in the workplace.
Embrace your learning differences and reach your goals.
Effective Reading Instruction
Structured Literacy & The Science of Reading
Reading is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for all other learning. Among the various instructional approaches developed, Structured Literacy has emerged as the most comprehensive and successful approach in promoting reading proficiency. This is not limited to a particular age group or reading level; it benefits learners of all backgrounds and abilities.
Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach that follows the science of reading (SoR) to teach individuals how to read and write. Through explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction, SoR not only fosters reading proficiency but also empowers individuals with the tools to navigate the complexities of written communication with confidence.
Whether you are just starting your reading journey or aiming to improve already proficient skills, you deserve a proven, dependable, and powerful approach.
Each tutoring session is designed to target specific areas that play a crucial role in reading literacy. Sessions include explicit, multi-sensory, and systematic reading instruction in:
phonemic awareness (understanding the sounds of language)
phonics (recognizing and connecting letters with sound)
fluency (reading smoothly)
vocabulary (comprehending the meaning of words)
comprehension (grasping the overall message conveyed by a text)
*By focusing on these key areas, struggling readers will be more equipped with the tools they need to overcome their challenges, and proficient readers will build up from a solid foundation, enhancing their ability to grow and extract deeper meaning from text.
Writing Skills
Structured Literacy not only focuses on decoding skills but also places a strong emphasis on encoding (spelling) and writing. Through explicit instruction in sound-symbol relationships, syllable types, and spelling patterns, children develop a greater understanding of the English language's complex orthographic system. This knowledge enables them to become more proficient spellers and writers. For older students, there is an option for additional focus on the organization of thoughts, sentence structure and essay organization.
A multi-sensory approach encourages students to engage their visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses simultaneously.
Tailored instruction is based on individual student need.
Dyslexia - Dysgraphia - ADHD - Slow Processing Speed - 2E
…and, do you need a diagnosis?
In general, approximately half of the students at My Learning Light have received a diagnosis of one or more specific learning disabilities. The remaining students may have suspected underlying learning needs or may simply seek to strengthen their reading proficiency to bolster academic achievements in the future. All students, no matter their level, belong here.
Note: The term "learning disability" is a legal designation and should not be considered a definitive indicator of future student success. This term is employed to recognize students entitled to rights under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and may provide a path to extra support services such as a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
My Learning Light does not provide educational assessments, however a list of resources can be located here. Please reach out at any time if you should need additional assistance.