What Is Reading Comprehension?

Reading comprehension is the ability to read for understanding. Many families searching for reading tutoring in NYC may not realize that their child can have reading comprehension difficulties even when they read words accurately.

Strong reading comprehension skills enable children to identify key information, understand vocabulary, draw conclusions, determine the main idea of a passage, and answer questions about what they read. Reading comprehension involves a variety of skills working together, including:

• Decoding words accurately
• Reading with appropriate fluency
• Understanding vocabulary words
• Making inferences
• Grasping key details
• Synthesizing the main idea
• Applying information learned from text

A child with reading comprehension difficulties may struggle with one or several of these skills, which can make it hard for them to effectively grasp the material they are reading. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), many students struggle to read proficiently on grade level.

If your child struggles with reading comprehension, you might want to consider finding the right reading specialist in Manhattan to help build this skill. Learn more at What to Look for in a Reading Specialist in NYC- EBL Coaching.

Signs of Reading Comprehension Challenges

There are several signs that may suggest your child struggles with reading comprehension:

1. Your Child Can Read Words but Struggles to Explain What They Read

One of the most common reasons parents seek a reading specialist in NYC is that their child can read words accurately but struggles to explain what they have read.

To test this skill, have your child read a passage out loud to you and then ask them the following questions:

• What was the passage about?
• Who were the main characters?
• Where did the story take place?
• What was the main idea?
• Why do you think a particular event occurred?

If your child struggles to answer these questions, it may indicate that they are exerting so much effort into decoding words that little mental energy is left to process the information they are reading.

2. Trouble Answering Questions About Reading Assignments

Students who struggle with reading comprehension often have challenges answering questions about reading assignments, including:

• Direct questions from the passage
• Inferential questions
• Cause-and-effect scenarios
• Questions about predictions
• Questions that involve drawing conclusions

You may notice that your child can read a passage accurately but struggles with written responses, creating summaries, or performing well on reading tests.

Families who contact EBL Coaching for reading comprehension tutoring in NYC often indicate that they noticed these signs before seeking professional tutoring.

3. Difficulty Following Multi-Step Directions

Reading comprehension skills can affect many aspects of life beyond school. Children who have reading comprehension difficulties may also have trouble following rules and understanding directions at home.

For example, you might find that your child:

• Forgets steps when doing chores around the house
• Misinterprets directions
• Needs directions told to them multiple times
• Completes assignments incorrectly

4. Poor Vocabulary

Vocabulary can play a large role in reading comprehension. If your child regularly comes across words they don’t know the meaning of, they may struggle to understand the material they are reading.

Signs of a weak vocabulary include:

• Regularly asking for the meaning of words
• Using words incorrectly
• Avoiding reading complex books
• Experiencing challenges with grade-appropriate reading material

5. Trouble Identifying the Main Idea

Many students who struggle with reading can identify concrete details from the passage but have trouble grasping the overall main idea.

Your child may recall small details but has trouble explaining:

• The message author is trying to relay
• The main theme
• The author’s purpose in writing the passage

Challenges with identifying the main idea often become increasingly noticeable as students move through upper elementary school, into middle school, and beyond.

6. Reading Avoidance

Many students avoid tasks that they find to be challenging. Students who struggle with reading comprehension may avoid reading. Your child may do the following:

• Complain about reading homework
• Select books below their grade level
• Become easily distracted when reading
• Avoid reading for pleasure

Reading avoidance could indicate that reading comprehension is a challenge for your child.

7. Trouble Making Inferences

Students who excel at reading are usually able to combine information from the passage they read with their own background knowledge to make inferences.

Students with reading comprehension challenges often struggle to:

• Draw conclusions from information they read
• Explain why events may have occurred
• Grasp implied meanings
• Predict future scenarios

These higher-level comprehension skills become increasingly important as students progress through school and can significantly impact other subject areas.

8. Weak Performance Across Multiple Subjects

Some parents may think that reading comprehension only affects language arts. However, it plays a role in nearly every subject at school.
Students with reading comprehension challenges may struggle with:

• Science
• Social studies
• Languages
• Math, including problem solving
• Elective classes

Since learning information often depends on grasping new concepts, reading comprehension weaknesses can affect a child’s overall performance at school. If your child continues to struggle with their reading comprehension skills, you may want to have them evaluated for a possible learning disability.

Students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities often experience reading comprehension challenges. Learn more at Signs Your Child May Be Neurodivergent: ADHD, Dyslexia, And Autism – EBL Coaching.

Children who are receiving reading intervention in NYC often face challenges across multiple academic subjects.

What Causes Reading Comprehension Problems?

Reading comprehension challenges can have many causes, including:

Decoding Challenges

Students with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities may exert a great deal of effort decoding words; as a result, their comprehension of the material suffers. Some children may not have a diagnosed learning disability but still struggle with sounding out words.

Students seeking dyslexia tutoring in NYC often face reading comprehension challenges because so much mental energy is spent on decoding words. The Orton Gillingham approach is highly effective in developing students’ decoding skills.

Language Processing Weaknesses

Some children struggle with language processing, including understanding and organizing language. These weaknesses can make it challenging for them to understand complex sentences and paragraphs.

Limited Vocabulary

Students with a limited vocabulary may have difficulty understanding passages that become increasingly complex with higher level vocabulary words.

Attention Difficulties

Children who have attention challenges, including those with ADHD, may struggle to stay focused when reading. As a result, they may miss key information and have trouble comprehending what they read.

Executive Functioning Challenges

Executive functioning skills include planning, working memory, task completion, organization, and other related skills. Weak executive functioning skills can make it challenging for students to retain and process information when reading. Executive functioning coaching can help students build these key skills which can, in turn, help develop their reading comprehension skills.

Effective reading tutoring in Manhattan should utilize research-based, multi-sensory strategies to build your child’s reading comprehension skills. Learn more at Supporting Students with Reading Comprehension Issues | EBL Coaching.

Many parents looking for executive functioning coaching in NYC find that improving these skills can also strengthen their child’s reading comprehension skills.

How Reading Comprehension Difficulties Affect Self-Esteem

Students who consistently struggle to comprehend what they read may start to question their abilities.

They may make comments like:

• “I’m terrible at reading.”
• “I’m not smart.”
• “I can’t understand what I’m reading about.”
• “My friends are better readers than me.”

With continued struggles, these beliefs can negatively affect your child’s self-confidence, motivation, and overall academic achievement. However, reading comprehension skills can improve dramatically with the right specialized tutoring.

How Specialized Reading Tutoring Can Help

Effective reading tutoring in NYC should utilize research-based, multi-sensory strategies that address each student’s specific reading challenges.

Based on your child’s needs, the tutoring may include:

• Strengthening reading fluency
• Teaching active reading strategies
• Working on summarizing information
• Teaching students to highlight the topic, main idea, and important details using multi-colored highlighters
• Strengthening inferencing skills
• Building a broader vocabulary
• Strengthening executive functioning skills

Weak executive functioning skills can make it challenging for students to retain and process information when reading. Learn more at What Are Executive Functioning Skills? A Simple Guide for Parents – EBL Coaching.

With individualized, evidence-based tutoring, students can make significant progress in both their reading comprehension skills and their self-esteem.

When Should You Seek Help for Your Child?

You may want to explore specialized reading tutoring for your child if you notice they:

• Consistently struggle to comprehend what they read
• Struggle to perform well on reading comprehension tests
• Avoid reading for pleasure
• Slip below grade-level expectations
• Show signs of poor self-esteem related to reading

Early intervention with the right specialized tutoring can help your child develop their reading skills and prevent small challenges from becoming greater academic weaknesses.

Students with dyslexia often struggle with decoding words and reading fluency. Learn more about effective reading support at International Dyslexia Association – …until everyone can read!.

Why Parents Seek Reading Comprehension Tutoring in NYC

Many parents look for reading comprehension tutoring in NYC after noticing that their child can decode words well but struggle to understand what they read, complete their homework, or perform well on reading comprehension exams. Working with a reading specialist in NYC can help your child develop their reading comprehension skills using a targeted instructional plan.

Why NYC Students Often Need Reading Comprehension Support

Parents in New York City often notice their children are struggling to keep up with their increasingly demanding schoolwork, especially as the level of required reading increases. As students progress through school, strong reading comprehension skills become critical for success in essentially every subject.

Students who attend NYC public schools, private schools, parochial schools, and specialized schools are often expected to read complex texts, analyze information, create written responses, and complete standardized assessments that integrate extensive reading comprehension. When a student has difficulty comprehending what they read, it can affect their performance in English language arts, science, social studies, math word problems, and even elective classes.

Parents throughout New York City often seek specialized reading tutoring when they notice their child is:

• Struggling with reading comprehension tests
• Avoiding reading
• Falling below grade-level expectations
• Having trouble completing homework related to reading
• Becoming increasingly frustrated with schoolwork

Early remediation and individualized instruction can help students strengthen their reading comprehension skills and develop stronger self-confidence.

Reading Comprehension Tutoring in NYC at EBL Coaching

At EBL Coaching, we specialize in providing one-on-one individualized reading tutoring to students who struggle with all aspects of reading (including reading comprehension) using evidence-based, multi-sensory techniques that are customized to each student’s needs. We help students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, and general academic skills challenges.

For our tutoring in Manhattan, we begin by assessing each student’s strengths and weaknesses and then create an individualized instructional plan to develop the skill areas they need help with, including reading comprehension, fluency, decoding, vocabulary, and other academic skills.

Using evidence-based tutoring and individualized support, we have helped thousands of students develop the academic skills and self-confidence they need to become stronger, more effective readers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reading Comprehension Tutoring in NYC

Can a child have strong decoding skills but weak reading comprehension?
Yes!  Some students can read words accurately but struggle to understand what they read. Many children exert a great deal of energy when reading words that they miss out on the overall gist of what they are reading.

Are reading comprehension problems a sign of dyslexia?
Reading comprehension problems can be a sign of dyslexia, but that’s not always the case. Students with dyslexia often struggle with decoding words and reading fluently. Comprehension difficulties can also be a result of language processing challenges, ADHD, poor executive functioning skills, or a weak vocabulary.

What age should parents become concerned about reading comprehension?
There is no specific age when you should become concerned about reading comprehension struggles, as every child is different. However, if you notice that your child is consistently struggling to understand what they read, you may want to explore specialized reading tutoring.

Can reading comprehension improve with tutoring?
Yes, absolutely! Evidence-based reading tutoring that is individualized to your child’s areas of weakness, including reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and other related skill areas, can help your child make significant gains in their reading comprehension abilities.

How can I tell if my child needs a reading tutor?
If you notice that your child consistently has difficulties answering reading comprehension questions, avoids reading, falls behind peers academically, or is becoming increasingly frustrated when reading, you may want to explore specialized reading support for them.

How Can I Find a Reading Comprehension Tutor in NYC?
When looking for a reading comprehension tutor in NYC, try to find someone who specializes in helping students specifically develop their reading comprehension skills – not someone who just specializes in decoding or reading fluency. Look for a tutor who uses research-based methods, conducts an initial assessment to gauge your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and develops an individualized tutoring plan prior to the start of sessions.

What Should I Look for in a Reading Specialist in NYC?
When searching for a reading specialist in NYC, look for a tutor who specializes in evidence-based reading instruction and has extensive experience working with neurodiverse students, including those who have reading difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities. The right reading specialist should address your child’s reading skills using an individualized instructional plan. It is also important to choose a reading tutor who uses research-based, multi-sensory techniques and regularly monitors your child’s progress to ensure they are consistently improving.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students build their reading skills over the past twenty years using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is the author of the Strategies for Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series. She speaks nationally at educational conferences and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Reading Comprehension Difficulties: 8 Signs Your Child Needs Help appeared first on EBL Coaching.

The best reading tutors in NYC should do more than just help students complete their homework assignments. They should identify specific skills challenges and academic gaps, and use research-based, multi-sensory techniques to help students build these skills and become stronger, more confident readers.

What Makes a Great Reading Tutor?

The best reading tutors in NYC should have several qualities, as follows:

Expertise in Orton Gillingham Tutoring

Students who struggle with reading typically require more than traditional tutoring. They need specialized instruction using research-based techniques such as the Orton Gillingham method, which teaches reading skills in a structured, multi-sensory manner. Research indicates that Orton Gillingham tutoring is one of the most effective approaches for helping struggling readers build their reading skills, including those with dyslexia.

Learn more about Orton Gillingham tutoring in NYC for dyslexia and struggling readers at What Is Orton-Gillingham Tutoring? Multi-Sensory, Structured Help | EBL Coaching.

Experience Working with Learning Challenges

Students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other language-based learning disabilities generally respond best to individualized one-on-one instruction. When looking for a tutor in NYC, try to find someone who specializes in working with neurodiverse students and will create an individualized tutoring plan using evidence-based techniques that specifically address their needs.

Confidence-Building Approach

Many children who struggle with reading lose confidence and start to feel that they are incapable of reading well. A strong tutor should focus on reading development along with helping students strengthen their self-confidence and develop a positive attitude toward learning.

Individualized Instruction

Each child has their own unique profile and needs. Effective reading tutors should start with an initial assessment to gauge your child’s strengths and weaknesses and then come up with an individualized learning plan that targets their specific areas of weakness using evidence-based techniques that are most appropriate for them.

Learn how to choose the right reading specialist in NYC for your child at What to Look for in a Reading Specialist in NYC- EBL Coaching.

Signs Your Child May Need a Reading Tutor

Some parents feel their child will “catch up” on reading with time and practice. However, most struggling readers need the right intervention to effectively develop their reading skills. Some common signs that suggest your child may need a tutor are:

• Trouble sounding out words when reading
• Slow or choppy reading
• Weak reading comprehension
• Reading avoidance
• Trouble learning sight words
• Frustration with reading homework
• Poor self-esteem
• A diagnosis of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another learning disability

The earlier you can find the right tutor for your child, the more you can prevent future challenges. Research indicates that early intervention can help students make stronger progress than those who wait until their reading difficulties become more severe.

What Reading Tutoring Should Include

An effective reading tutoring program should integrate multiple aspects of reading based on the student’s areas of need, including:

Phonological Awareness

Strong phonological awareness is a key component of reading success. It covers skills such as rhyming; recognizing sounds; manipulating sounds in words, phonemic blending; combining sounds to form words; and other related skills.

Decoding

To read effectively, children need to learn the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds, and how to blend those sounds together to form words. During tutoring sessions, they should learn how to decode words independently with accuracy.

Reading Fluency

Reading tutors should help students build their fluency skills, including reading text accurately and at an appropriate pace with proper expression. This helps students comprehend material more effectively.

Vocabulary Development

Strong vocabulary skills are an important component of reading tutoring and can help further strengthen reading comprehension skills.

Reading Comprehension

Being able to effectively comprehend material is a key aspect of successful reading. During reading tutoring sessions, students can build this skill with strategies such as learning to visualize information; highlighting the topic, main idea, and important details; summarizing information; making inferences, and other related strategies.

Explore our guide to dyslexia tutoring in NYC using the Orton Gillingham approach at Best Tutoring for Dyslexia: Orton Gillingham, Reading, and Writing Support for Children – EBL Coaching.

Why Families Choose EBL Coaching for Private Tutoring in NYC

For more than 20 years, EBL Coaching has helped students throughout New York City develop their reading skills and enhance their self-esteem.  At EBL Coaching, we specialize in helping students with specific learning needs, including those who have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities, build their core academic and executive functioning skills.

Our reading tutoring in Manhattan includes:

• One-on-one individualized instruction
• Initial assessments before sessions begin
• Orton Gillingham tutoring
• Reading comprehension techniques
• Reading fluency and vocabulary development
• Multi-sensory learning strategies
• In-person and virtual tutoring
• Tutoring for students in grades PreK–12
• Home tutoring in New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, and New Jersey

While some tutoring programs may focus only on homework help or general skills building, our highly specialized reading tutoring sessions integrate diagnostic and prescriptive instructional plans that are individualized to the needs of each student.

Reading Tutoring for Students with Dyslexia

Parents seeking the best reading tutors in NYC are often looking for support for their child with dyslexia. Dyslexia can affect many aspects of reading, including decoding, reading fluency, and comprehension. It can also affect spelling and writing skills. However, with the right research-based, multi-sensory tutoring, students with dyslexia can make significant progress.

At EBL Coaching, we use multi-sensory techniques and Orton Gillingham instruction to help students build their decoding, spelling, reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills. We also specialize in individualized intervention for students with dyslexia.

How to Choose the Best Reading Tutor in NYC

When searching for the best tutor in NYC, you may want to ask the following questions:

• Do you start with an initial assessment before tutoring sessions begin?
• Do you use research-based, multi-sensory techniques?
• Do you specialize in helping students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities?
• Are the tutoring sessions one-on-one?
• Do you provide tutoring in-person or virtually?
• Do you provide in-home tutoring?
• Are parents provided with regular progress updates?

The answers to these questions can help you identify the best tutor for your child, based on their unique needs and overall learning profile.

Review these important questions to ask before hiring a private tutor in NYC at What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Tutor in NYC? – EBL Coaching.

Reading Tutoring Throughout New York City

Families in all areas of New York City turn to EBL Coaching for one-on-one reading tutoring and academic remediation. We provide reading tutoring to students in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as nearby areas including Westchester County, Long Island, and northern New Jersey.

At EBL Coaching, we work with students who struggle with phonics, reading fluency, reading comprehension, as well as students who have dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities. We help students who attend public schools, private schools, charter schools, and specialized schools, and create individualized tutoring plans tailored to each student’s unique needs.

Reading Tutoring in Manhattan

EBL Coaching provides individualized reading tutoring throughout Manhattan, including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Chelsea, Tribeca, SoHo, Greenwich Village, the Financial District, and surrounding neighborhoods. Our Manhattan reading tutoring helps students build their phonics and fluency skills, strengthen their reading comprehension skills, and become more confident readers.

Reading Tutoring in Brooklyn

Families throughout Brooklyn often look for reading tutoring for their children who need support developing their decoding, reading fluency, spelling, writing, and comprehension skills. We work with students who live in neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn and provide individualized instruction based on each child’s learning profile.

Reading Tutoring in Queens

Our reading tutoring helps students throughout Queens who need reading remediation, dyslexia intervention, executive functioning coaching, writing development, math enrichment, and help with other academic skills. We use research-based, multi-sensory techniques to aid students in becoming stronger, more effective readers.

Reading Tutoring in the Bronx and Staten Island

Students in the Bronx and Staten Island benefit from one-on-one reading tutoring that builds academic skills and helps remediate learning challenges. Through this one-on-one tutoring, students receive individualized support to help them improve their reading skills and overall academic performance.

In-Person and Virtual Reading Tutoring

EBL Coaching offers both in-person and virtual tutoring options. If you are looking for a reading tutor in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, or New Jersey, we can help with individualized support that meets your child’s unique academic needs.

Through initial assessments, individualized tutoring plans, and evidence-based instruction, we help struggling readers develop stronger reading skills, strengthen their self-confidence, and achieve long-term success at school.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Reading Tutors in NYC

What is the best reading tutoring method for students with dyslexia?
The Orton Gillingham approach is an ideal method for helping students with dyslexia strengthen their reading and writing skills. At EBL Coaching, we have helped thousands of students develop their reading skills through Orton Gillingham tutoring

How often should my child receive reading tutoring?
The recommended frequency of reading tutoring varies based on each student’s needs and levels. An initial assessment can help determine the appropriate frequency; some students only need 1-2 sessions per week, while those with more profound learning needs may benefit from much more frequent weekly sessions.

Can reading tutoring in NYC help with reading comprehension?
Yes, absolutely! Reading tutoring can help students develop their reading comprehension skills using a variety of strategies, including visualizing; chunking information; highlighting the topic, main idea, and important details; making inferences; and other related techniques.

Does EBL Coaching offer virtual reading tutoring?
Yes!  EBL Coaching offers both in-person and virtual tutoring for students throughout NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and surrounding areas.

How long does it take to see progress?
The rate of progress varies based on each student’s needs and overall profile. However, with the right evidence-based techniques and appropriate frequency, many students show progress within the first month of tutoring.

Get Help from One of the Best Reading Tutoring Programs in NYC

If your child is struggling with reading, EBL Coaching can help! We specialize in providing one-on-one, research-based instruction individualized to the needs of each student. We have expertise in helping students with ADHD, autism, specific learning disabilities, and other specialized learning needs.
Contact EBL Coaching today to learn how our reading tutoring can help your child thrive in school.

Learn more about effective dyslexia remediation at The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity – Yale School of Medicine.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students build their reading skills over the past twenty years using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is the author of the Strategies for Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series. She speaks nationally at educational conferences and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Best Reading Tutors in NYC for Struggling Readers appeared first on EBL Coaching.

If you are looking for the best reading tutor on the Upper East Side for your child, it is important to know what differentiates an effective reading tutor from a more generic tutor or homework helper.

Students who struggle with reading can benefit from individualized instruction from an experienced reading tutor. Learn more about reading tutoring in NYC at Best Reading Tutors in NYC for Struggling Readers – EBL Coaching.

EBL Coaching was founded by Dr. Emily Levy, an educational specialist who has helped thousands of students improve their reading skills over the past two decades.

Why Reading Skills Matter

Strong reading skills contribute to success in nearly all aspects of school. It plays a role in subjects including science, history, math, and even elective classes.

Reading involves multiple skills, including:

• Phonemic awareness
• Phonics
• Fluency
• Vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Inferencing

If any of these skills are weak, your child may struggle to perform well at school.

Supporting Students from Upper East Side Schools

The Upper East Side has numerous academically rigorous schools. As reading expectations rise from year to year, many students benefit from one-on-one tutoring to develop their decoding, reading fluency, comprehension, spelling, and writing skills.

Students from schools throughout the Upper East Side, including public schools, independent schools, and parochial schools, may need reading tutoring to strengthen their confidence and improve their overall academic performance.

Signs Your Child May Need a Reading Tutor

Some parents may think that time or extra practice will be enough for their child’s literacy skills to improve. However, most students who struggle with reading benefit from specialized reading tutoring.

Some signs that indicate your child may benefit from a reading tutor include:

Trouble Decoding Words

Many students who have difficulty decoding words have weaknesses in foundational literacy skills, including phonics and phonemic awareness.

Slow Reading

When a child struggles with reading fluency, it can affect their ability to understand and retain information from text. Many students devote so much energy to reading that they struggle to understand the material.

Poor Reading Comprehension

Some students develop accurate word-reading skills but continue to experience challenges with comprehension, analysis, and retaining information from text.

Learn more about reading comprehension tutoring and how it can help students improve their understanding of what they read at Reading Comprehension Difficulties: 8 Signs Your Child Needs Help – EBL Coaching.

Avoidance of Reading

Students who avoid reading often complain that reading is challenging or become frustrated when reading and can benefit from specialized reading instruction.

Grades are Slipping

Reading challenges can affect a student’s performance in nearly every academic subject. A child who has difficulty reading may experience a drop in their school grades across the board.

What Makes a Great Reading Tutor?

Not all reading tutors are the same. The most effective reading specialists and literacy instructors share several important qualities, including:

Individualized Instruction

All children have their own unique profile. A strong reading specialist should create an individualized instructional plan for the tutoring using research-based, multi-sensory techniques instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach that may only work for some students.

Evidence-Based Methods

Research-based reading instruction is critical to helping students who struggle with reading make significant gains. Students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, need evidence-based instruction even more, ideally through Orton Gillingham tutoring.

Initial Assessment

The most effective tutors should start with an initial assessment to gauge the child’s strengths and weaknesses and the types of research-based methods that would be best for them.

Expertise in Learning Challenges

Students with ADHD and learning disabilities, including dyslexia, typically require specialized instructional techniques for reading development.

Reading Challenges That May Require Specialized Instruction

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and writing. Students with dyslexia often benefit from multi-sensory literacy instruction and structured approaches such as Orton Gillingham.

Reading Comprehension Challenges

Some students can read accurately and with appropriate fluency but have difficulty understanding, analyzing, retaining, and recalling information that they read. Specialized reading comprehension tutoring can teach students strategies for improving their ability to process what they read and develop their ability to draw conclusions and make inferences.

ADHD and Reading

Students with ADHD often struggle to stay focused when reading, which can negatively impact their ability to comprehend and recall what they read. Specialized ADHD tutoring can help students develop these skills.

Specific Learning Disabilities

Students with diagnosed learning disabilities often require direct, multi-sensory instruction in decoding, reading fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, and writing, depending on their specific needs.

Why Upper East Side Families Choose One-on-One Reading Tutoring

The Upper East Side of Manhattan had exceptional public, private, and parochial schools. Many of these schools are academically rigorous with reading demands that increase rapidly as students move through school.

One-on-one tutoring offers several benefits:

• Individualized instruction
• Improved academic skills
• Flexible lesson pacing
• Confidence development
• Research-based teaching methods
• Development of academic skill gaps

Since one-on-one tutoring is customized to each student’s specific needs, growth is often faster than in group settings.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Reading Tutor

When choosing a reading tutor for your child, there are several questions you should ask, including:

• Which methodologies do you use for teaching reading?
• Do you have expertise working with students who have dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities?
• Do you begin by assessing a student’s reading skills?
• Do you use a multi-sensory approach to teaching?
• How often do you provide tutoring?
• Do you communicate regularly with parents?

The answers to these questions can help you choose the best Upper East Side tutor for your child.

Why Early Intervention is Important

Reading challenges don’t usually resolve on their own without targeted support. As students move through school, the reading and overall academic demands increase significantly.

Early intervention can help:

• Prevent reading challenges from becoming greater
• Fill in skills gaps
• Improve self-confidence
• Build foundational skills
• Increase motivation
• Help achieve long-term academic success

Students who receive specialized tutoring early often experience stronger outcomes than those who wait until their challenges become more severe to receive intervention.

Reading Tutoring at EBL Coaching

EBL Coaching is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and specializes in providing one-on-one reading tutoring to students in grades PreK-12. We begin with an initial assessment to identify each student’s strengths and areas of need and then create an individualized instructional plan for the tutoring using research-based, multi-sensory teaching methods.

EBL Coaching specializes in reading intervention, literacy instruction, writing remediation, dyslexia support, Orton-Gillingham instruction, ADHD tutoring, and executive functioning coaching. Tutoring sessions are available in person or virtually, at your home or at our Upper East Side learning center. Our Upper East Side learning center is located at 17 East 89th Street, making it accessible for families seeking in-person reading support.

Our goal is not just to help students complete their homework assignments effectively. We specialize in helping students develop stronger reading skills, build their self-confidence, and learn the strategies they need to thrive in school.

Families throughout the Upper East Side, including Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, Lenox Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods use EBL Coaching for individualized one-on-one reading tutoring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Tutoring on the Upper East Side

How do I know if my child needs a reading tutor?
If your child is struggling with decoding, reading fluency, reading comprehension, spelling, writing, or confidence in their reading abilities, they may benefit from specialized reading tutoring. Reduced motivation and increased frustration with reading can also be a common sign.

At what age should a child start to receive reading tutoring?
The right age to start reading tutoring is when you notice your child consistently struggling. If they are having difficulty learning the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds as early as pre-kindergarten, that might be the right time for them to start tutoring. Other students may need a tutor later when they start to experience reading challenges. In general, early intervention can help prevent future academic challenges.

Can a reading tutor help with dyslexia?
Yes, absolutely. The right tutor for a child with dyslexia is one who specializes in using research-based, multi-sensory methodologies for teaching reading. Orton Gillingham tutoring is ideal for students with dyslexia.

Learn more about Orton Gillingham tutoring for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges at Best Tutoring for Dyslexia: Orton Gillingham, Reading, and Writing Support for Children – EBL Coaching.

How often should my child meet with a reading tutor?
The frequency that a child should receive tutoring varies based on their needs, levels, and overall profile. Some students only need 1-2 sessions per week while others with more severe reading challenges benefit from more frequent weekly tutoring sessions.

How long does it take to see improvement?
The rate of progress from tutoring varies based on the needs and overall profile of each student. With the right methodologies, tutor, and frequency of instruction, however, many students show progress within the first month of tutoring.

Can reading tutoring improve reading comprehension?
Yes! With reading comprehension tutoring, students can learn strategies for identifying important details, grasping the main idea, making inferences, summarizing information, making predictions, and improving their overall understanding of what they read.

Is online reading tutoring effective?
Yes, absolutely. Many students can make significant progress through online reading tutoring. However, it’s important that the instruction is individualized, utilizes research-based techniques, and is provided by an experienced tutor.

What is Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Orton Gillingham is a systematic, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading. It was originally designed for students with dyslexia but all students who struggle with reading can benefit from this approach.

Does EBL Coaching offer reading tutoring on the Upper East Side?
Yes! EBL Coaching specializes in providing one-on-one research-based reading tutoring at its Upper East Side learning center, in students’ homes, and online. Tutoring sessions begin with an initial assessment and then an individualized tutoring plan is created to meet the unique needs of each student.

EBL Coaching’s Upper East Side learning center is located at 17 East 89th Street and provides one-on-one reading tutoring, writing remediation, math development, learning disability intervention, Orton Gillingham instruction, ADHD tutoring, and executive functioning coaching to students in grades PreK–12.

Learn more about our private tutoring Services in NYC at How to Find the Best Private Tutor in NYC for Your Child – EBL Coaching.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students develop their reading skills over the past twenty years. She is the author of the Strategies for Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series. She speaks nationally at educational conferences and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Best Upper East Side Reading Tutoring for Struggling Readers appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Summer reading programs for dyslexia are essential for preventing learning loss and helping students build stronger reading skills during the break from school. The key is choosing a reading program designed for students with dyslexia that uses research-based, multi-sensory methods for reading and writing development.

Why Summer is So Important for Students with Dyslexia

Students with dyslexia need consistent instruction throughout the year to maintain and develop their reading skills. Without this continuous learning, progress they made during the school year can quickly decline.

Over the summer, students with dyslexia often face:

• Diminished decoding and spelling skills
• Slower pace of reading
• Reduced self-esteem
• Increased frustration
• Reading avoidance

An effective summer reading program can prevent these challenges and help your child jump-start the school year on a positive note.

Explore the best summer reading programs for dyslexia in NYC and find the right fit for your child at https://eblcoaching.com/best-summer-tutoring-programs-in-nyc-for-kids-with-learning-disabilities/.

Who Should Participate in Summer Reading Programs for Dyslexia?

Students who should participate in a summer reading program include:

• Struggling readers
• Students with diagnosed dyslexia
• Students who are falling behind in school

What Works for Dyslexia: Evidence-Based Reading Instruction

Students with dyslexia typically need more than traditional tutoring or homework help. Not all summer reading programs for dyslexia use evidence-based methods. Students with dyslexia need the following:

1.Orton Gillingham Instruction

An ideal summer reading program for your child should include structured literacy instruction, particularly using the Orton Gillingham approach.

This approach is:

• Explicit – students are directly taught letter names, sounds, and rules
• Sequential and cumulative – concepts build upon one another in a step-by-step manner
• Multi-sensory – the visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic modalities are integrated into teaching
• Research-based – research indicates that children with dyslexia learn best with a multi-sensory approach

Structured literacy programs, including Orton Gillingham summer tutoring, are among the most effective summer reading programs for dyslexia. Finding a tutoring program that uses this type of systematic, hands-on, research-based approach can help your child excel academically.

2. Multi-sensory Instruction

Reading methodologies that engage multiple senses simultaneously are far more effective than passive learning, which may include only using workbooks or providing homework help.

Examples of multi-sensory instruction include:

• Tracing letters in colored sand or shaving cream
• Saying letter formations aloud when writing letters
• Using tools like magnetic tiles to create words
• Using audio-visual flash cards with key pictures

This type of instruction helps students learn and retain new concepts for the long run.

3. One-on-One Tutoring or Small Group Instruction

Students with dyslexia typically need highly individualized instruction to make the most progress. One-on-one tutoring tends to be most impactful.

Effective reading programs for dyslexia should:

• Provide an initial assessment to gauge the student’s strengths and weaknesses
• Address specific skill gaps, such as decoding, reading fluency, or reading comprehension
• Adjust the pacing of lessons based on student performance
• Provide direct feedback

Group programs often lack the ability to truly individualize the instruction to the needs of each student.

4. Consistency and Intensity

When a child has dyslexia, they typically need intensive reading remediation to develop core skills. Once-per-week sessions are usually not enough.

Effective summer reading programs often include multiple sessions per week with practice in between sessions to provide optimal instruction for students with dyslexia. Summer is an ideal time to do more frequent tutoring and accelerate a student’s progress.

5. Specialized Instructors

Some tutors may specialize in math, science, or other subjects, but not all of them specialize in helping students with dyslexia.

When finding the right summer reading tutor for your child, look for instructors who:

• Specialize in Orton Gillingham tutoring
• Provide initial assessments to gauge students’ needs
• Understand how to target reading gaps
• Can adjust the pace of instruction based on how your child progresses

Specialized instructors can make a significant difference in your child’s performance.

What Doesn’t Work for Dyslexia 

Many reading programs exist, but not all of them are designed to meet the needs of students with dyslexia.

When looking for a dyslexia tutoring program for your child, be wary of:

• General reading programs that aren’t research-based
• One-size-fits-all approaches to tutoring
• Large classroom-style programs
• Apps or independent programs that lack direct instruction
• Inconsistent and infrequent tutoring schedules

These reading programs may keep children engaged, but they are not ideal for students with dyslexia who have specialized learning needs.

What to Look for in a Summer Reading Program

When choosing a summer reading program for your child, ask the following questions:

• Does the tutoring program integrate Orton Gillingham instruction?
• Will my child receive an initial assessment to gauge their needs?
• Is one-on-one tutoring offered?
• How often will sessions take place?
• Which specific reading skills will be addressed?

Seeking answers to these questions will help you identify the right summer reading program for your child.

Learn what to look for in a reading specialist for dyslexia in NYC before choosing a program at https://eblcoaching.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-reading-specialist-in-nyc/.

Best Summer Reading Programs for Dyslexia

The best summer reading programs for dyslexia include key components, such as:

• Orton Gillingham instruction
• Initial assessments to gauge areas of need
• One-on-one tutoring
• In-home or online options
• Intensive scheduling availability

Summer Reading Programs for Dyslexia in NYC

Families searching for summer reading programs for dyslexia in New York City may be exploring a wide variety of options, but not all programs provide the structured, individualized tutoring that students with dyslexia need.

In an academically rigorous environment like New York City, many students with dyslexia benefit from consistent, one-on-one tutoring during the summer to avoid regression and build important reading skills before the new school year begins.

Throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Westchester, and New Jersey, many parents are seeking:

• Orton Gillingham tutoring
• One-on-one, individualized instruction
• Intensive summer tutoring programs
• Experienced tutors who understand dyslexia

While group programs and general enrichment camps are available throughout NYC, they often do not provide the level of support and personalization that students with dyslexia need for meaningful progress in reading.

How EBL Coaching Helps Students with Dyslexia During the Summer

At EBL Coaching, our summer reading programs are designed for students with dyslexia and learning challenges.

In these tutoring sessions, students receive:

• Initial assessments to gauge their strengths and weaknesses
• Individualized, one-on-one tutoring tailored to their needs
• Evidence-based, multi-sensory teaching methods
• Targeted support in reading, spelling, writing, math, and executive functioning skills
• In-home and virtual tutoring options
• Flexible scheduling

The goal over the summer is not just to maintain previously learned skills but to make meaningful progress and start the new school year strong. Contact us today to see how we can help your child thrive with our individualized summer tutoring programs.

Closing Thoughts

Finding the right summer reading program for your child with dyslexia can make a significant difference in their academic performance.

With systematic, research-based, one-on-one tutoring, your child can:

• Strengthen their decoding, reading fluency, and comprehension skills
• Develop stronger spelling and writing skills
• Build self-confidence
• Reduce frustration and increase motivation

Choosing the right summer reading program for dyslexia can make a lasting difference in your child’s academic success.

FAQs About Summer Reading Programs for Dyslexia 

How long should a summer reading program last?
Summer reading programs should be customized to your child’s needs. Your child should first receive an initial assessment. Then, an individualized summer reading program should be created to address their specific needs.

Can my child with dyslexia make a lot of reading progress over the summer?
Yes, absolutely! With one-on-one Orton Gillingham tutoring and a multi-sensory approach, your child can make significant reading progress over the summer:

Can online tutoring be effective for dyslexia?
Yes, online tutoring can be effective for students with dyslexia, as long as research-based, multi-sensory techniques are used and instruction is consistent throughout the summer.

Learn how online tutoring for dyslexia can support your child’s reading at https://eblcoaching.com/can-virtual-tutoring-help-my-child/.

When should my child with dyslexia begin receiving reading remediation?
Your child should receive reading remediation as soon as you notice struggles. Early intervention can make an immense difference in your child’s performance and can help prevent future challenges down the road.

Learn more about dyslexia and evidence-based reading instruction from the International Dyslexia Association at International Dyslexia Association – …until everyone can read!

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students with dyslexia build their reading skills over the past twenty years. She is the author of the Strategies for Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series. She speaks nationally at educational conferences and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert. She has also been featured in publications including Newsweek, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, Epoch Times, and Macaroni Kids.

The post Summer Reading Programs for Dyslexia: What Actually Works? appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Summer is an ideal time to begin Orton Gillingham summer tutoring in New York City and New Jersey, when students can focus on building core reading skills without the pressure of the school year. Students can receive intensive summer reading tutoring and consistent structured literacy instruction, helping them make significant progress during the summer.

Families throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, as well as in New Jersey communities, often use the summer months to focus on structured reading intervention, including Orton Gillingham tutoring, to help their child build important skills and prevent learning loss.

What Is Orton Gillingham Tutoring?

The Orton Gillingham approach is a research-based, multi-sensory methodology designed to help students develop stronger reading and spelling skills. It was originally created for students with dyslexia, but all students who struggle with reading and writing can benefit from this approach.

Orton Gillingham is a highly effective reading tutoring method because it:

• Follows a systematic scope and sequence
• Integrates multi-sensory tools, such as colored sand, magnetic tiles, and shaving cream
• Teaches students how to decode and spell words in a direct, sequential way
• Moves from individual letters and sounds to words containing blends, consonant digraphs, vowel digraphs, silent e patterns, and multi-syllabic patterns
• Using engaging, hands-on techniques
• Is individualized to the levels of each student

Orton Gillingham tutoring is particularly effective for students with language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia, but this approach can help any child who needs reading support.

Learn more about this approach in our guide to What Is Orton-Gillingham Tutoring? Multi-Sensory, Structured Help at What Is Orton-Gillingham Tutoring? Multi-Sensory, Structured Help | EBL Coaching.

Why Summer Is the Best Time for Reading Intervention for Struggling Readers

Summer is an ideal time for reading intervention and dyslexia tutoring, especially through an Orton Gillingham summer program, for several key reasons:

1. Fewer Academic Constraints

During the school year, students tend to have a lot on their plate – sports, dance, clubs, homework, tests, quizzes, and so much more. This can make it hard to find time for consistent intensive reading remediation.

During the summer, however, students often find that they have:

• Less homework
• Reduced stress
• Fewer scheduling constraints
• More time and energy for learning

This time of year allows students to fully engage in Orton Gillingham tutoring sessions with fewer distractions and time constraints.

2. Opportunity for Intensive, Consistent Reading Remediation

Students who have a learning disability or struggle with reading need consistency and repetition when learning new concepts, both of which can be hard to achieve during the school year.

During the summer, students may be available for:

• More frequent weekly tutoring sessions
• Longer, more targeted lessons
• More time spent on practice and repetition
• Activities that reinforce lessons in between tutoring sessions

Frequent, intensive summer reading tutoring programs can accelerate progress far more quickly than during the school year, especially for students receiving Orton Gillingham instruction.

3. Preventing the Summer Slide

Many students experience summer learning loss in reading, often referred to as the “summer slide,” which can significantly impact struggling readers. For students with learning challenges, this loss can be even greater.

Orton Gillingham summer tutoring can help students:

• Prevent the summer slide
• Maintain skills learned during the school year
• Strengthen foundational reading skills
• Fill in learning gaps
• Prevent academic regression
• Build self-confidence and motivation

Instead of watching your child experience the dreaded summer slide and fall behind, help them move ahead and start the new school year with greater confidence with summer Orton Gillingham tutoring.

4. Build Self-Confidence

Many students watch their peers read much more advanced books than they can and feel poorly about their abilities. This can be discouraging for students who struggle with reading and can take a toll on their self-esteem.

A structured Orton Gillingham summer tutoring program provides an empowering environment where students can build their reading skills and confidence. Some advantages of summer Orton Gillingham instruction include:

• Less peer comparison
• Reduced anxiety
• Individualized, one-on-one support
• Opportunity to build skills and motivation

As your child’s reading skills improve, their self-confidence will likely improve as well, helping them feel better about their skills and abilities. This is especially important for students in academically competitive areas like New York City, where reading challenges can affect their performance across various subjects.

5. Customized Tutoring at Your Child’s Pace

One of the greatest advantages of Orton Gillingham tutoring is that it is truly individualized to the needs of each student.

During summer Orton Gillingham tutoring sessions, tutors can:

• Identify specific skills challenges through an initial assessment
• Create an individualized Orton Gillingham tutoring plan
• Move at your child’s pace
• Adjust the pace of lessons based on your child’s progress
• Focus on the specific skills your child needs help with

This customized approach to learning leads to more efficient instruction and greater progress.

Read more about who benefits from Orton Gillingham tutoring in NYC at Who Benefits from Orton Gillingham Tutoring? – EBL Coaching.

What Does an Orton Gillingham Summer Tutoring Program Include?

High-quality Orton Gillingham tutoring in New York City and New Jersey should always be individualized to meet each student’s specific reading and spelling needs. However, most Orton Gillingham tutoring lessons include:

• An initial assessment to identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses
• Systematic, sequential lessons in decoding and spelling
• Multi-sensory instruction, including integrating visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic tools
• Modified pace of instruction based on how your child responds

Many parents choose intensive summer Orton Gillingham tutoring for their child to take advantage of the summer and maximize progress.

How Much Progress Can Students Make with Summer Reading Tutoring?

Every child has unique needs and starts at different levels, so their rate of progress can vary. However, consistent summer reading tutoring in NYC and NJ using the Orton Gillingham can lead to:

• Understanding sound-letter relationships
• Improved decoding and reading fluency skills
• Stronger spelling skills
• Reduced fatigue from reading
• Increased confidence and motivation

For some students, summer is the time when reading “clicks” and significant improvement is seen.

How to Choose the Right Orton Gillingham Tutor

Not all reading tutors in New York City or New Jersey offer the same level of expertise. It’s important that you find the right Orton Gillingham tutor for your child. Look for a tutor who has:

• Training in the Orton Gillingham approach
• Experience working with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities
• Expertise in creating individualized Orton Gillingham tutoring plans
• The ability to provide one-on-one instruction
• Flexible summer scheduling options

If you’re searching locally, explore our guide on what to look for in a reading specialist in NYC at What to Look for in a Reading Specialist in NYC- EBL Coaching.

Summer Reading Tutoring in NYC and NJ

For students in New York City and New Jersey, summer is an ideal time to receive targeted reading support. With fewer academic demands and more flexible schedules, your child can benefit from consistent, individualized instruction that is often challenging to incorporate during the school year.

Summer reading tutoring programs in NYC and NJ are designed to provide intensive, individualized tutoring to students who struggle with reading, including those with dyslexia and other language-based learning challenges. Many families seek Orton Gillingham summer tutoring for their child because of its structured, research-based, multi-sensory approach, which helps students build core skills in decoding, spelling, and reading fluency.

In areas including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and nearby New Jersey communities, parents often look for programs that offer:

• One-on-one tutoring tailored to their child’s needs
• Flexible summer scheduling options
• Experienced tutors trained in structured literacy approaches
• Specialized instruction for dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges
• In-person and virtual tutoring options

Because summer often allows for more frequent sessions, students can make significant progress in a relatively short time. Whether your child needs to catch up on their reading skills, build stronger reading foundations, or prevent academic regression, a summer reading tutoring program can help them have a much more successful school year.

For many students in NYC and NJ, reading intervention during the summer is one of the most effective ways to help your child build confidence and long-term academic skills.

A Trusted Option: EBL Coaching

If you’re looking for Orton Gillingham summer tutoring in New York City or New Jersey, EBL Coaching offers a highly individualized, research-based approach to reading intervention.

At EBL Coaching, we specialize in:

• One-on-one Orton Gillingham tutoring
• Initial assessments prior to the start of tutoring
• Individualized tutoring plans based on your child’s unique needs
• Research-based, multi-sensory approach
• Dyslexia tutoring in NYC and NJ
• ADHD coaching in Manhattan and NJ
• Reading remediation in NYC and NJ
• Orton Gillingham tutoring in Manhattan and NJ
• In-person and virtual Orton Gillingham sessions

Our emphasis on individualized one-on-one instruction and multi-sensory teaching helps students who struggle with reading, especially during the summer when we can provide more intensive reading remediation. Contact us to see how we can hep your child improve their reading skills through our Orton Gillingham summer tutoring programs.

Closing Thoughts

Summer is a time for rest and relaxation, but it is also a time when students often experience academic skills regression. For many students, especially those with learning disabilities, it is an ideal time for more intensive reading tutoring.

With Orton Gillingham summer tutoring or a structured dyslexia summer program, your child can:

• Improve their decoding, spelling, reading fluency, and reading comprehension skills
• Fill in learning gaps
• Develop stronger reading foundations
• Strengthen their self-confidence

Instead of worrying about the summer slide, use this season to help your child enhance their skills and start the new school year strong.

FAQs about Summer Orton Gillingham tutoring 

How often should my child receive Orton Gillingham tutoring in NYC or NJ during the summer?
The frequency of your child’s Orton Gillingham summer tutoring should vary based on their individual needs and availability. Some students may only need 1-2 sessions per week but other students, especially those with learning disabilities, may benefit from more frequent sessions over the summer.

Is summer long enough to see improvement from Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Yes, absolutely! Summer is an ideal time for more intensive Orton Gillingham tutoring. With consistent sessions, many children show significant improvement during the summer.

Is online Orton Gillingham tutoring effective for summer reading intervention?
Yes! Orton Gillingham tutoring can be provided efficiently online. Students can still receive interactive, multi-sensory support through online tutoring if they are working with the right tutor who provides consistent support to them.

Learn more about the benefits of virtual tutoring for students with reading challenges at Can Virtual Tutoring Help My Child?.

Is Orton Gillingham tutoring only for students with dyslexia?
No, absolutely not. While Orton Gillingham was originally designed for students with dyslexia, it can help any student who is struggling with reading or spelling. It is a highly effective, research-based approach to teaching reading and spelling.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of students with specialized learning needs build their reading skills with Orton Gillingham tutoring over the past twenty years. She is the author of the Strategies do Study Success student workbook series, the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook program, and the Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook series. She speaks nationally at educational conferences and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert.

The post Orton Gillingham Summer Tutoring: Why Summer Is the Best Time for Reading Intervention appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Which academic delays can occur in kindergarten?

Academic delays in young children can show up in various forms. There are early signs that can help determine whether your child may benefit from extra support. Some common areas of challenge include:

• Recognizing the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds
• Writing letters
• Writing numbers
• Counting numbers
• Following multi-step directions
• Focusing during lessons

Each child progresses at a different pace, but if you notice your child struggling with any of these skills, take action. The academic demands of school will only continue to increase, and targeted support can make an immense difference.

Early signs your child may need kindergarten tutoring

You might be unsure about whether your child is following their own developmental track or is falling behind. While some children may grasp foundational academic skills with time, others might benefit from a tutor to help them build these skills.  Here are some signs that your child may benefit from tutoring:

• Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
• Trouble with rhyming
• Challenges with identifying beginning and ending sounds in words
• Avoiding reading and writing tasks
• Struggling with holding a pencil, cutting, and other fine motor skills
• Difficulty learning how to count and recognize numbers
• Trouble staying on task for long stretches of time

If your child is struggling with any of these tasks, tutoring can help them build these foundational skills and prevent future challenges.

Why kindergarten tutoring helps

Kindergarten is a time when many early academic skills are taught. Foundational reading, writing, and math skills are introduced, and students need to grasp these basic skills in order to learn more complex material. If your child is having trouble learning these skills, they may benefit from kindergarten tutoring in NYC.

Early tutoring can help them:

• Build foundational reading, writing, and math skills
• Fill in any learning gaps they may have
• Prevent these gaps from turning into larger challenges
• Build their self-confidence
• Help them enjoy learning
• Reduce frustration
• Set them up for future academic success

If your child is struggling in school or has a diagnosed learning disability, tutoring can make an immense difference in their academic trajectory and help them feel confident in school.

What does effective kindergarten tutoring in NYC look like?

Many tutors have their own niche specialties. Some tutors are high level math specialists; others might be pros at teaching paragraph and essay writing; and some specialize in working with young learners, including kindergarten students. When students are in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, the tutoring sessions should be fun and engaging, helping them enjoy the process while learning key skills. The ideal kindergarten tutoring approach should be:

1. Multi-Sensory

Young children tend to learn best when the visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic modalities are integrated into teaching. Students should be able to see, hear, and touch new concepts being introduced during tutoring sessions. Multi-sensory tutoring lessons might include:

• Tracing letters in sand or shaving cream
• Creating words using magnetic tiles
• Tracing numbers on sandpaper
• Using manipulatives for math
• Integrating learning games to reinforce content covered

2. Structured and systematic

Most young children benefit from clear, step-by-step instructions that follow a systematic plan. This structured approach to teaching can help children effectively develop all core skills, including reading, writing, and math.

A sample structured reading tutoring lesson might include:

1. Teaching individual consonants and short vowels along with their corresponding sounds, including how to identify and write these letters.
2. Blending sounds together to form basic words, working in groups of four consonants and one short vowel, learning to read words such as at, in, fun, pat, & rug.
3. Moving on to reading and spelling words containing blends, consonant digraphs, vowel digraphs, and multi-syllabic word patterns.
4. Integrating oral sentences and story reading that reinforce concepts taught once the student is ready.

3. Individualized tutoring

Every child has unique learning needs, and tutoring sessions should be individualized to these needs. An effective tutoring program will:

• Start with an initial evaluation to assess your child’s current skill levels
• Create an individualized tutoring plan
• Tweak the lessons based on how your child responds

4. Engaging, fun, and positive

Kindergarten students should have fun during tutoring sessions and enjoy the learning process, helping them feel successful and motivated to learn. Tutoring sessions should be:

• Fun and engaging
• Positive and uplifting
• Self-esteem building
• Hands-on

One-on-one tutoring vs. group programs for kindergarten instruction

For pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students who have learning delays, one-on-one tutoring in NYC is generally the most effective option, allowing the instruction to truly be tailored to their needs. Students with dyslexia and other reading challenges may benefit from specialized Orton Gillingham tutoring.

Benefits of one-on-one tutoring:

• Tutoring sessions are individualized to your child’s specific needs
• Pacing is flexible based on how your child responds
• New lessons are introduced when your child is ready
• Previously taught concepts are reinforced as needed, based on your child’s grasp of the material
• Stronger connection with the tutor

Challenges with group programs:

• Less individualized instruction
• A specific curriculum is often followed that may not be best for your child
• Pace may not match your child’s needs
• Limited ability to tweak instruction based on your child’s response to lessons

At this young age, individualized instruction is particularly important, as this is a time when the foundations of learning are still being established. Without these foundations, students will likely continue to struggle in school and may develop learning gaps. Note that if your child has a diagnosed learning disability or ADHD, one-on-one tutoring is even more important.

Learn more about signs your child may be neurodivergent at Signs Your Child May Be Neurodivergent: ADHD, Dyslexia, And Autism

Which subjects can kindergarten tutoring in NYC help with?

While every child is different and should be assessed before tutoring sessions begin, kindergarten tutoring generally focuses on foundational skills building. These skills might include:

Pre-Reading & Reading 

• Letter recognition
• Sound recognition
• Phonemic awareness, including rhyming and identifying sounds in words
• Blending sounds to form basic words

Writing

• Writing letters properly, using top to bottom formation
• Fine motor skills
• Writing their name
• Blending sounds together to write basic words

Math

• Counting skills
• Number recognition
• Simple addition concepts
• Simple subtraction concepts
• Recognizing Patterns
• Sorting objects

Executive Functioning

• Staying focused on tasks
• Following directions
• Initiating tasks

How often should kindergarten tutoring occur?

The frequency at which a kindergarten student should receive tutoring varies based on their needs. Some students need one or two sessions per week, while others may need much more, depending on the severity of their needs. Summer tutoring is also a great way to focus on core skills building before the new school year begins. The key is receiving regular, consistent instruction.

Read more about summer tutoring at One-on-One Summer Tutoring Near Me: What to Look For

Supporting your child at home

When your child receives tutoring, it’s helpful to reinforce the concepts covered during tutoring sessions at home. Remember to keep the reinforcement work fun and engaging. Learning should be enjoyable for your child at this stage. While you should coordinate with your child’s tutor to reinforce what they are working on, some ideas for helping your child at home might include:

• Reading together every day and engaging your child in the book with questions about the characters, setting, and plot
• Practicing letter formations by having your child trace letters in salt or sand at the beach
• Playing learning games
• Encouraging drawing and writing to build fine motor skills

Remember to keep these activities positive, engaging, and encouraging.

Concluding thoughts

If your kindergarten child is showing signs of academic delays, one-on-one tutoring can make a lasting difference. With tutoring, your child will not only strengthen their academic skills but will likely become more confident and enjoy the process of learning.

Are you looking for kindergarten tutoring in NYC or NJ? We can help! EBL Coaching specializes in one-on-one tutoring for young children with academic delays using multi-sensory, research-based methods. In addition to kindergarten tutoring, we have expertise in ADHD coaching in NYC, dyslexia tutoring in NYC, learning disability instruction in NYC, and Orton Gillingham tutoring in NYC. Contact us today to see how we can help your child with individualized tutoring!

Our NYC learning center is located at 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, New York, NY 10128 and our New Jersey learning center is located at 50 East Palisade Avenue, Suite 201, Englewood, NJ 07631.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten Tutoring 

Is kindergarten too early for tutoring?
Absolutely not! Kindergarten is a time when academic foundations are still being established. If your child is having difficulty learning basis skills, tutoring can help them immensely, especially if the sessions are fun and engaging.

What type of tutor should I look for?
When looking for a tutor for your child, try to find someone with expertise in early childhood education. Also look for someone who will use a structured, multi-sensory approach to teaching, including tools such as colored sand, magnetic tiles, and shaving cream to help engage your child in the learning process.

Learn more about what to look for in a reading tutor in NYC at What to Look for in a Reading Specialist in NYC

Can kindergarten tutoring help if my child doesn’t have a diagnosis?
Yes! Many children benefit from tutoring even when they don’t have an official diagnosis. If you notice your child struggling, don’t wait! If they miss out on learning foundational academic skills, they will likely continue to struggle as they move through school without effective remediation.

How long does it take to see progress from tutoring?
Every child improves at a different rate. Some students progress quickly, while others take much longer. However, with the right tutor, frequency, and methodologies, many students show progress within the first month of tutoring.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, has helped thousands of early childhood students improve their academic skills over the past twenty years. She is the author of the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham workbook series, the Flags and Stars multi-sensory math student workbook program, and the Strategies for Study Success study skills workbook series. She regularly writes educational articles for publications and frequently appears on podcasts as an educational expert.

The post Kindergarten Tutoring for Children with Academic Delays: What Parents Need to Know appeared first on EBL Coaching.

The National Council of Teachers (NCTE) 2019 report underlines that independent reading is one of the most influential practices affecting learners’ reading success, weighing more than guided reading, drills of skills, and work with assigned texts.

Benefits of Independent Reading for Students

• Reading fluency and vocabulary. Once students read more, they encounter new words naturally. The same NCTE statement says the development of vocabulary has a direct link to the activities students do during self-selected reading.
• Reading comprehension. Similarly, as young students practice more, they better synthesize information and infer meaning in the long run. According to the School Library Research Journal report by Bernice E. Cullinan, the amount a 5-year-old read directly affects reading comprehension when they are 7 years old.
• Empathy. Reading, not only fiction but stories with diverse help develop empathy. The 2025 National Literacy Trust post declares that reading helps readers see views of others (32.8%) and understand more about other people (32.4%).
• Stress reduction. Learners may feel relaxed while reading, even for a short time. The 2025 research results by Project Tomorrow, an education nonprofit, underline that large print books can decrease stress even more.
• Reading habits. Daily reading sets reading preferences and habits for the future. According to a 2026 Purdue University post by Breanya Hogue, Yilin Shen, and Jorge Perez De Jesus, even a few focused minutes a day can help to develop a habit

What the Research Says About Independent Reading

Research pieces admit that independent reading strategies can be beneficial and provide reasons for using them at home and school.

• The main support comes from the already mentioned NCTE statement from 2019, underlining the effect of independent reading on the students’ development and reading achievement.
• At the same time, the 2000 foundational report by the National Reading Panel is more neutral, admitting the popularity of the independent reading concept and its effect on fluency, but finding no support for it. The report is still used today due to its extensive description of reading components, which is still used today.
• However, a 2024 Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report hints that though interest in reading and reading habits for fun decline, around 50% still believe reading for enjoyment is crucial. It supports that such a reading practice definitely answers students’ needs.

When Do Students Start Reading Independently?

Most students begin reading simple books independently in Grade 1 (ages 6-7), since they know the foundational phonics and decoding. So, by grade 3, or age 9, they transform into independent readers who can focus on texts that are longer and more complicated.

Nevertheless, everything depends on the reader and their skills. A student who is great at reading in Grade 3 and reads freely, in Grade 5, may need structured support to continue to do so.

How to Incorporate Independent Reading into the Classroom

To incorporate independent reading in the classroom, you should ensure that it happens regularly, and at the same time, students can pick what to read, and a teacher leads or models.

Focusing on these conditions will allow you to build a structure that helps protect free choice reading as a habit, even if the schedule is packed.

Schedule a Daily Independent Reading Block

A dedicated, separate block offers a predictable and consistent time to practice every day. It’s possible when students have a fixed slot for practice. Dedicated independent reading time will allow to develop a habit, have structure, and build reading stamina.

Here are the best ways to incorporate blocks into students’ day:

• For K-2 students, after a meeting or in transition between activities.
• For students in grades 3-5, 15 minutes of sustained silent reading at a specific time (accommodate the environment for it if possible).
• For middle and high school students, make sure you always have 10-15 minutes for independent reading in ELA (or other) class; reduce time, but don’t cut this block out.

Help Students Choose the Right Books

The rationale behind picking certain books is that when books correspond to students’ levels, it’s easier to advance comprehension and learning. Focus on books that a kid will be comfortable with.

Yet, don’t limit students to a certain reading level, especially if they are interested in specific books. If an independent reader is passionate about a topic, they may push through a challenging text without losing reading motivation.

Model Reading Behavior

It’s one of the simplest independent reading strategies for a teacher or educator to try. When teachers are reading, and students see them, they receive a signal: “That’s not just an assignment.” Young learners often look at what the figures they see as authority do rather than listen to them.

Build a Classroom Library Students Want to Use

Students should be able to choose a reading that meets their needs and interests. For this, a teacher should focus on creating a decent library with relevant materials. It may be small, but well curated, and it will outperform a large and ignored one. There, you can:

• Collect fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and high-interest books that suit different needs.
• Regularly update libraries with popular books, relevant topics, and new editions.
• Encourage students to use library cards and access the school library or digital platforms.

How Parents Can Support Independent Reading at Home

To support the self-directed reading programs at home, parents should ensure kids practice reading independently. In this case, they may try to mirror the independent learning strategies, develop routines, and arrange space for it.

Choose Books That Match Interest and Level

Just like with an independent reading strategy in the classroom, at home, a parent should take into account both interest and level. Nevertheless, at home, a child should have more freedom.

Thus, the best recommendation for a parent is to let your kid lead, pick a topic first, then a level. To support their interest, take notes, and find relevant similar options.

Create a Reading Space at Home

Just like in school, an independent reading at home needs a dedicated reading space. A parent should provide an environment where children have no distractions and can maintain reading focus. On the other hand, it should be cozy and add to the reading as an enjoyable experience. When a child finds space with comfort and books, the habit of voluntary reading can stick longer.

Set a Regular Reading Time Together

Joint reading is one of the popular activities to improve kids’ reading skills at home. And in the case of independent reading, it may work as well. Just think of making a place and time for reading together. You can make it solely about reading, or leave room for discussion as well.

Nonetheless, it can happen that independent learning may not be enough. And that’s when families may want to resort to structured support.

For such families, the Brighterly reading program can offer personalized plans, rich and interactive classes, and targeted intervention from tutors. There, a priority is to develop useful habits.

Independent Reading Activities for Students

Reading journals, book talks, and library visits are the independent reading activities that can develop the reading habit and avoid adding pressure.

Reading Logs and Journals

As an educator, encourage learners to have an active reading log or make notes in a journal. Ask kids to regularly include in their things the title, date, and two sentences of reaction.

Records, either in a notebook or a digital app, would help students build accountability and remember the value. Later, you can use these logs to start a conversation.

Book Talks and Group Discussions

Next, try to ignite a conversation in a class. How? Invite one or two students to give a small pitch about their reading. There, the 5WH1 framework may do the trick. Yet, make sure you ensure that participation is voluntary.

A good pitch and a good book may easily ignite a conversation and add to the reading group discussion in a class.

Library Visits and Digital Access

Also, schedule a visit to the library, whether physical or digital, at the start of a semester and instruct kids on how to look for and request books. For digital platforms, share with them how to create free accounts and which platform to use: Sora, Libby, or Hoppia. Once it’s done, focus on teaching to find relevant books.

Conclusion

In a classroom, an independent reading is all about consistency and freedom. It provides consistent practice to help to build fluency, vocabulary, and reading stamina. And that’s why independent reading is so important.

Importantly, if a student needs a structured approach to support independent practice at home, the Brighterly reading comprehension program can help via 1:1 sessions and customized lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Audiobooks Count as Independent Reading?
Yes, audiobooks count as independent reading, especially for students who develop fluency or experience reading challenges like dyslexia. Exposure to audiobooks that are well narrated adds to vocabulary and comprehension.

What Is the Difference Between Independent Reading and Guided Reading?
The difference lies in the involvement levels of a teacher, student autonomy, role of instructions. Independent reading is when students read silently and autonomously the text they choose to develop a reading habit. Guided reading is teacher-led, where students get text with direct instruction and prompts to target specific skills.

How Do I Know If a Book Is Too Hard or Too Easy for a Student?
Apply the 5-finger rule and ask a student to read one page. If there are zero or one unfamiliar words, it may be too easy; 4 or 5 may be too hard. You can also use a “just right” principle.

Is Independent Reading Effective for Struggling Readers?
Yes, independent reading can be effective for struggling readers if teachers use it with appropriate strategies like scaffolding. Students are to benefit the most from the self-selected reading texts that are paired with structured support and guidance from a teacher or tutor.

How Do I Track Independent Reading Without Quizzes or Tests?
To track independent reading without quizzes and tests, you can resort to reading logs, brief reading conferences, and voluntary book discussions or group talks. In independent reading, the goal of tracking is a conversation.

What Is Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) and How Does It Differ from Independent Reading?
Sustained silent reading (SSR) is not different from independent reading; it’s a classroom format for independent reading. It contemplates a scheduled educational practice when everyone in the classroom reads silently without interruption.

The post What Is Independent Reading? Benefits, Strategies, and Why It Matters for Kids appeared first on EBL Coaching.

Why it’s important to find the right ADHD tutor

Some tutors excel at teaching writing or math to students. Others may be early childhood reading specialists and some are pros at teaching chemistry or physics. Not every tutor has the skill set and toolbox of strategies to help students with ADHD.

When parents hire the wrong type of tutor for their ADHD child, they may notice that:

• Organizational skills don’t improve.
• Homework continues to be laborious and a constant challenge.
• Progress is slow.
• Time management is a challenge.
• Their child continues to struggle with staying on task.

Students with ADHD typically need more than just homework help or assistance with a single skill or subject, like reading or math. They usually need help developing their executive functioning skills, including:

• Staying on task for longer stretches of time
• Prioritizing tasks
• Managing their homework
• Organizing their belongings
• Initiating tasks
• Following through on tasks
• Managing their time
• Taking effective notes
• Studying for different types of tests

Tutors who specialize in working with students with ADHD should be able to identify each student’s specific executive functioning challenges and come up with a tutoring plan to develop these skills using the appropriate tools and strategies.

What to look for in an ADHD tutor

You may know that your child needs an ADHD tutor but you’re unclear about which qualities to look for in an effective ADHD tutor. Below are traits you should try to find:

1. A tutor who specializes in working with students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges
   When seeking a tutor, inquire as to whether they work frequently with students with ADHD and if they regularly work on building focusing, organization, time management, and other executive functioning skills.
2. A tutor who uses evidence-based, multi-sensory teaching strategies
   When working with ADHD students, tutors should provide interactive instruction, engaging their students with concrete, practical tools. They should teach their students strategies and show them how to apply the strategies to their relevant school work. The tutoring sessions should be hands-on and multi-sensory, and ideally the student should see the value in how the tools can help them.
3. A tutor your child connects well with
   It’s important that your child connects well to their tutor and forms a solid bond so they are open to the strategies the tutor will teach them. Some students respond well to a bubbly, energetic personality, while others prefer a calmer, quieter approach. An ideal ADHD tutor for your child should be able to redirect them without leading to frustration, keep the sessions interactive and dynamic, and introduce new strategies if certain ones aren’t clicking for your child.
4. A tutor who focuses on concrete strategy development
   When looking for the right ADHD tutor for your child, try to find a tutor who has a set of tools and strategies they can teach your child to help them become more independent and self-sufficient. The tutor should teach your child concrete executive functioning strategies to build their organization, planning, time management, task initiation, self-monitoring and other related skills.

Where to find an ADHD tutor near you

When looking for an ADHD tutor near you, you may want to consider a specialized tutoring center. Look for a tutoring center that focuses on helping students with ADHD. They should specifically specialize in working with students on executive functioning development, study skills strategies, organizational skills tips, time management tools, and planning skills, all using evidence-based strategies – and should have extensive experience doing so.

Online tutoring

Many students with ADHD respond well to online tutoring. It allows them to access specialized executive functioning coaches that might not be available in their local area, and it typically offers more flexible scheduling options. If students prefer working with a tutor late at night or on weekends, online tutoring can usually accommodate those schedules more easily.

Signs you’ve found the right ADHD tutor

You’ll know you’ve found an ideal tutor for your child with ADHD if you notice the following:

• Your child is becoming more independent with completing their work.
• Homework is less of a struggle.
• They are less resistant to tutoring sessions.
• Their organizational skills have improved.
• They are more self-confident with their schoolwork.

How long does it take to see results from ADHD tutoring?

The rate of progress from ADHD tutoring varies based on your child’s specific profile and degree of need. Some students show progress right away while others need more time. However, with the right ADHD tutor, you will likely notice:

• Improved organization and focus within the first month
• Academic skills improvement within the first 1-3 months
• Long-term academic independence with consistent tutoring sessions

The rate of progress can also vary based on the frequency of sessions. However, consistency with attending tutoring sessions is key; without this consistency, progress will likely be much slower.

Finding the right ADHD tutor for your child can help them immensely. Specialized tutoring and executive functioning coaching can help your child become more confident, independent, and successful in school.

If your child has ADHD and is struggling with planning, time management, organization, and other executive functioning skills, contact EBL Coaching to see how we can help them with individualized one-on-one ADHD coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tutoring is best for ADHD?
The best tutoring for students with ADHD is tutoring that uses evidence-based methods to help them improve their executive functioning skills. The tutor should teach specific strategies and then show the student how to apply those strategies to their relevant school work.

Is virtual tutoring good for ADHD?
Yes! Many students with ADHD prefer virtual tutoring. They enjoy the flexibility of tutoring schedules and access to ADHD specialists who might not be available in their local geographic areas.

How often should my child meet with an ADHD tutor?
The frequency with which your child meets with a tutor can vary based on their needs. Many meet 2-3 times per week but others need less or more, depending on their overall profile and levels of need.

Dr. Emily Levy, the founder and director of EBL Coaching, holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She has been helping students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges for over twenty years.

The post How to Find an ADHD Tutor Near You appeared first on EBL Coaching.

This winter has been filled with lots of snow and time off school for many parts of the country. Some kids may sit in front of a device or lounge in bed on these chilly days. Take advantage of snow days by helping your child strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills with the ideas detailed below.

Reading

To help your child develop their reading skills, try finding a snow-themed article from a newspaper or online source. This article could be a weather report on the anticipated snowfall, an article about snowfall affecting businesses, or a passage about post-snow hazards – really anything related to snow can work. Teach your child that there are three elements they should look for when reading: the topic, main idea, and important details. Have them take out blue, green, and yellow highlighters and explain to them that they will highlight each of these elements in a different color. A topic is typically one, two, or three words describing the passage, like snow, winter, or hot cocoa. They should highlight the topic in blue. The main idea is what the author is saying about the topic. For example, if the topic is snow, the main idea might be: one of the greatest snowfalls in recent history. They should highlight the main idea in green. Finally, they should look for important details describing the main idea, and highlight them in yellow.

Have your child read the passage first, then go back and highlight the topic, main idea, and important details. Next, ask them inference questions about the passage, like, “What do you think will happen after the snowstorm?” or “How do you think most people will prepare for the storm?” They can either tell you their response orally and you can have a discussion about it, or they can write their response in the form of a paragraph on a separate sheet of paper or on a computer.

Writing

Help your child build stronger writing skills during a snow day! Teach them the structure of a simple paragraph, which is comprised of a topic sentence, three detail sentences, and a conclusion sentence. Explain that when they write, they should start by brainstorming, then write, and finally self-check their work. Give them a topic, like: should schools be canceled tomorrow? Have them start by brainstorming their ideas and include three details on why school should be canceled (if that is their stance). For example, they might use web bubbles to write: safety, time with family, outdoor exercise. Then they should work on writing their paragraph using the information from their brainstorm webs. Their topic sentence should introduce their stance, like: School should be canceled tomorrow due to the snowstorm. Then they should write their detail sentences, ideally using transition words. For example, they might write: First, it likely won’t be safe to drive on the roads. Next, a snow day would allow me to spend quality time with my family, baking or reading together. Finally, I can get some exercise if I play outside in the snow. For the last sentence, they can wrap up their ideas with a sentence like: Since we will be getting a lot of snow, I feel strongly that schools should be closed. As a last step, have your child self-check their writing using the COPS checklist, which stands for capitalization, organization, punctuation, spelling.

Math

To build your child’s math skills during a snow day, try making snow-day word problems! Create problems like:

Hot chocolate costs $1 per packet. If there are four members in a family, how much will it cost for everyone to have a cup of hot chocolate?

or

Two inches of snow will likely fall each hour for four hours. At this pace, how much snow will we get?

When solving these math problems, teach your child to circle the key words, highlight the relevant numbers, then break down the problem into four steps. First, they should write down the relevant numbers. Next, they should choose which operation to use. Then they should write the number sentence and solve the problem. Finally, they should write their answer as a full sentence, using proper capitalization and punctuation.

Don’t let snow days stop your child from learning! Have fun with these activities, while still building your child’s reading, writing, and math skills.

EBL Coaching specializes in one-on-one in person and virtual tutoring for students in grades pre-K-12 with specialized learning needs. They use research-based, multi-sensory techniques, including the Orton Gillingham method, to develop students’ reading, writing, math, note taking, test taking, and executive functioning skills. Each student is evaluated and then receives an individualized learning plan to address their specific academic needs. Learn more at http://www.eblcoaching.com/.

Dr. Emily Levy, Founder & Director, is happy to hear from anyone who is in need for their child. You may reach her through her website, and mention you heard of her through MotherhoodLater.

The post Snow Day Activities That Build Reading, Writing & Math Skills appeared first on EBL Coaching.

If your child has dyslexia, you may see them struggling immensely with reading. Sounding out words may be a long, arduous task for them. They might also have trouble spelling words accurately or expressing their thoughts on paper when writing. If your dyslexic child struggles with any of these skills, specialized dyslexia tutoring using the Orton Gillingham approach can help them tremendously. What kind of tutoring is best for your child with dyslexia?

Best types of tutoring for children with dyslexia

The best tutoring for students who have dyslexia is structured, research-based, multi-sensory instruction, including tutoring using the Orton Gillingham approach. Dyslexia tutoring typically includes decoding lessons, reading comprehension strategies, structured spelling support, and writing lessons. These methods can help students improve their phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

Orton Gillingham tutoring for dyslexia

Orton Gillingham tutoring is considered to be the most ideal approach for helping students with dyslexia build their reading and spelling skills. This method is research-based, systematic, and multi-sensory, and students often enjoy receiving this type of tutoring. Your dyslexic child should typically receive an initial evaluation before the Orton Gillingham tutoring begins to gauge their specific skill levels. They may have trouble reading basic consonant-vowel-consonant words, or perhaps they have difficulty reading words containing vowel digraphs or multi-syllabic words. The Orton Gillingham method typically follows a structured approach, as follows:

• Orton Gillingham lessons begin by teaching students the names of the letters and their corresponding sounds.
• Lessons then advance to words containing blends, consonant digraphs, vowel digraphs, silent e patterns, r-controlled patterns, multi-syllabic word patterns, and so on.
• Sessions include a review of previously taught concepts followed by the introduction of a new Orton Gillingham concept or sound.
• Orton Gillingham lessons typically end with oral reading of words, sentences, and decodable stories.

These phonics tutoring lessons should be tailored to your child’s needs, integrating multi-sensory tools, such as colored sand, magnetic tiles, audio-visual flash cards, and whiteboards, to engage your child and help them retain these key concepts. The Orton Gillingham approach is recommended by the International Dyslexia Association as being one of the most effective reading methods for students with dyslexia.

Learn more about Orton Gillingham tutoring in NYC at What is Orton Gillingham Tutoring? – EBL Coaching

Reading comprehension tutoring for dyslexic students

Some students with dyslexia struggle with reading comprehension and benefit from a multi-sensory approach to tutoring. They may, for example, respond well to a tri-colored highlighting approach for building active reading and reading comprehension skills. With this method, the student is taught to look for three key elements when reading: the topic, main idea, and important details. The topic is typically one, two, or three words describing the passage and should be highlighted in blue. The main idea is what the author is saying about the topic and should be highlighted in green. Finally, the important details are salient pieces of information depicting the main idea, which should be highlighted in yellow. For this type of dyslexia tutoring, your child should learn to read the passage first, then go back and highlight the topic, main idea, and important details using the appropriate highlighters. This multi-sensory strategy can help your child build much stronger reading comprehension and active reading skills.

Read more about reading tutoring for dyslexia in NYC at Supporting Students With Reading Comprehension Issues | EBL Coaching

Writing tutoring for students with dyslexia

Many students with dyslexia struggle with writing. They may have great ideas but have difficulty expressing their thoughts on paper in an effective manner. Dyslexia tutoring can help your child improve their ability to brainstorm, write, and self-check their ideas, a key skill for success in school. They may start by learning how to construct a well-written sentence and can later learn how to expand their sentences with adjectives and adverbs. Next, in writing tutoring sessions, they should learn how to write a well-organized simple paragraph, comprised of a topic sentence, three detail sentences, and a conclusion sentence. From there, the dyslexia tutor should teach them how to expand their paragraph into an extended paragraph, with three additional supporting detail sentences added after each detail. Later, with this dyslexia tutoring, your child can learn how to brainstorm, write, and self-check five paragraph essays and longer research papers.

Learn more about effective writing tutoring for students with dyslexia in NYC at How to Help Your Child with Dyslexia Develop Stronger Writing Skills | EBL Coaching

Specialized tutoring that is individualized to your dyslexic child’s needs can help them improve their academic abilities and self-confidence. Contact us at www.eblcoaching.com to learn how we can help your dyslexic child excel with specialized dyslexia tutoring in NYC, writing tutoring in NYC, and Orton Gillingham instruction in NYC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tutoring method works best for dyslexia?
The most ideal method for helping students with dyslexia build their reading and spelling skills is the Orton Gillingham approach. This approach uses multi-sensory tools and structured lessons to help students with dyslexia build their core literacy skills.

What are the benefits of dyslexia tutoring?
There are many benefits of dyslexia tutoring! Some of these benefits include:

• Improved decoding skills
• Stronger phonemic awareness skills
• Increased reading fluency and comprehension skills
• Stronger spelling and writing skills
• Improved self-confidence and school performance

Can tutoring improve dyslexia?
While tutoring can’t cure dyslexia, systematic one-on-one Orton Gillingham tutoring can help students with dyslexia build much stronger decoding, spelling, reading fluency, and writing skills.

Learn more about dyslexia challenges at
 Dyslexia Strengths and Struggles – EBL Coaching
Read more about dyslexia at
 https://dyslexiaida.org/

Dr, Levy holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and has been helping students with dyslexia through specialized reading tutoring, writing tutoring, and Orton Gillingham instruction for over twenty years.

The post Best Tutoring for Dyslexia: Orton Gillingham, Reading, and Writing Support for Children appeared first on EBL Coaching.