We assess each student to determine where there are gaps in their reading foundation, and then we work to fill them in. Students are then placed within our program where it makes sense for them to start.

Our program begins with the “Roots” - basic foundational level concepts that students need to know in order to start building a solid reading foundation to build on - these are the sounds that short vowels make, and the ability to blend CVC words. Once they can do that confidently and fluently, we can begin to take them on their journey up the Literacy Tree, mastering each concept, through The Climb, and then, when they are ready, to fill in the Missing Links - confidently identifying vowel teams and syllable types.

We assess our students several times throughout their journey, to ensure they are making the progress we expect them to. The assessment provides a baseline, and then we progress monitor during each lesson to ensure each child is learning and progressing each time we meet with them. We complete 6 week and 12 week formal assessments and share the student’s progress with the parent. If we see that the expected progress isn’t being made, we will speak to the parent and provide guidance.

Our students make quick progress, often jumping 3 grade levels in just weeks, because our scientifically proven method works. Not only do students finally read on grade level - they now understand our language better than most of their peers, and have a strong foundation to build on as they progress through school and life.

Sequential, explicit phonics instruction is how every child should learn to read. Once assessed, we start where your child needs gaps filled in, and work sequentially through the reading foundation concepts, in a way that the brain is able to acquire information most effectively, and we explain the rules of the English language, (and the rules that are broken!) as we teach. This removes the need for sight words and spelling lists, and gives children an understanding of the language and the tools and confidence they need to decode every word they read. No memorizing needed!

We provide materials to work on at home so students can get the practice and repetition they need to understand what we are teaching them during our lessons. All Orton Gillingham based worksheets, games & videos are provided for each lesson that we teach. We also provide decodable passages that follow our sequence so fluency, comprehension and CONFIDENCE are improving throughout the programs.

Our research has shown that students derive numerous benefits from collaborating in small groups of learners who are at the same level and working together on the same skills. It boosts their engagement and confidence by assuring them that they are not alone in overcoming their challenges, and encourages them to take risks by observing their peers doing the same. Within our groups, children find a secure environment to learn, and even form friendships across the country!

Our program was written specifically to be taught to children online. It is convenient, engaging, interactive, and the kids love it! It is NOT anything like the early Covid days. Even if your child disliked online learning then, or has ADHD, they will enjoy and be successful with our program! Our teachers have years of experience working with children with ADHD online and are experts at working with struggling readers and keeping their focus online.