Tutoring Services
English is a highly complex code. To teach children to read confidently and accurately, it is important to teach the code in a systematic and integrated way. This is because, in English, the same sound can have many different spelling. And the same spelling can have different sounds.
Think of all the different spellings for the long e sound:
​
ee (beef), ea (meat), ie (thief), y (silly), i (medium), e (me), ey (key), ei (receive).
​
And think of all the sounds for the spelling ‘ea’:
team, great, bread, heart.
​
At Learn with Alyssa we use a Structured Linguist Literacy approach which is explicit, systematic, and integrated, to ensure effective and efficient learning and instruction for all types of learners at any age (learn why here). Our instruction is good AND fast.
Practices to Accelerate Student Reading:
(Image from Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI))
Learning the English code is easy for a small group of children (only about 5 to 10% of the population to be exact), challenging for most, and very difficult for others who will require many repetitions and direct instruction. Ideally, schools formally teach decoding in kindergarten through second grade, but this isn’t always the case as the “reading wars” in education have strayed us away from following what is known as the Science of Reading (Learn more here).
​
Even with a school’s multi-tiered approach, there will be many kids who do not learn how to read accurately or who are always “hanging on the edge”, not getting the individualized attention they need to succeed. Due to poor teacher prep programs, growing class sizes and impossible demands placed on schools, about 65% of our children in the U.S. are slipping through the cracks. When reading challenges go undetected, the problem only exacerbates and low literacy can lead to childhood trauma and present as depression or behavior challenges, especially by the time 2nd/3rd grade rolls around and the literacy demands grow. Take a proactive approach to your child’s literacy journey and get them the research-based support they need today. You have the power to change your child's trajectory.
In-Person Tutoring
Marin County Residents Only
LWA offers in-person, one-on-one, evidence-based literacy instruction as well as lessons for small groups or "pods".* Adjusting to different personalities and specific academic needs, we always find what works best. We are neuro-affirming and create emotionally sound environments. We use a multi-sensory and structured approach and supply all necessary materials. This is truly a 1:1 service, supporting you every step of the way, from meetings with the school to editing IEP goals with you to answering your emails and inquiries on demand. I am happy to serve you at my San Rafael office, local library, or your child’s school located in Marin County.**
​
*Mask wearing is optional at this time.
**A travel fee may be applied.
Online Tutoring
For Anyone, Anywhere
At LWA we tailor online instruction to fit each of our students’ unique needs and circumstances, across the globe. Virtual, year round, tutoring gives your child access to the services from highly trained professionals that they need and deserve.
Our online lessons are one-on-one and can accommodate your lifestyle and busy schedule. By utilizing evidence-based materials and practices, we deliver engaging, hands-on quality lessons and use technology to enhance learning. Care packages, books, and materials will be sent right to your inbox and your front door. It's 21st century education at its finest!
Book a free mini-lesson today to see if online tutoring is right for you.
Does my child need a reading tutor?
Do not be fooled by the myth that reading happens naturally (read more here). Research shows that 80% of students who struggle with reading by the end of first grade will still be struggling readers by the fourth grade (Sparks, Patton, & Murdoch, 2014). If you suspect your child is not learning to decode and is only memorizing words in the early stages of reading, then they will benefit greatly from one-on-one instruction with a tutor. You don't want your child to become just another statistic. According to extensive research, tutoring is one of the most versatile and transformative educational tools in use today (Nickow et al, 2020). Tutoring from highly qualified teachers and specialists, who are not overwhelmed by large class sizes and tied down by the red-tape and bureaucracies of public institutions, yield consistent and substantial positive impacts on learning outcomes.
​
​
" The earlier we start in the child's school life, the easier it is, in general, but it is never too late to start, and it is always too soon to give up"
If your child was seemingly “doing fine” in the early stages of reading or was told they will “catch up”, but is now getting frustrated in third or fourth grades and beyond, then they have a lack of knowledge on how to decode (read) and encode (write) multisyllabic words. If your upper elementary or middle school child stumbles over words, omits and inserts words, and misreads words, this problem is not going to go away on its own. A tutor can help remediate these challenges quickly with one-on-one instruction. Regardless of a learning challenge or just a lack of good instruction, one-on-one instruction with a highly qualified tutor from Learn with Alyssa will change your child’s reading trajectory and academic future. Finding a tutor that connects the Science of Reading research to practice in an integrated manner, will get you quick results that will last a lifetime (read why here).