Dyslexia Bright Minds

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Frequently Asked Question

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell despite having average or above-average intelligence and adequate instruction. It is characterized by difficulties in processing phonological information, which involves recognizing and manipulating the individual sounds (phonemes) in words. Dyslexia can manifest in various ways, and its impact on a child’s learning can include:

Reading Difficulties: Dyslexic children often struggle with reading, which can be slow, inaccurate, and laborious. They may have difficulty recognizing words and may need more time and effort to decode them.

Spelling Challenges: Dyslexia can lead to problems with spelling words correctly. Children with dyslexia may make frequent spelling errors that seem unrelated to the word’s pronunciation.
Comprehension Issues: Some dyslexic children may have difficulty comprehending what they read. They may struggle to understand and remember the content, even if they can decode the words correctly.

Writing Challenges: Dyslexia can impact a child’s ability to express their thoughts in writing. They may have trouble with grammar, sentence structure, and overall composition.

Phonological Awareness: Dyslexic individuals often have poor phonological awareness, which is essential for understanding the relationship between sounds and letters. This can hinder their ability to sound out words.

Working Memory: Dyslexia can affect a child’s working memory, making it challenging to hold and process information while reading or writing.

Lowered Self-Esteem: Struggling with reading and writing tasks despite intelligence and effort can lead to frustration and lowered self-esteem in dyslexic children.

It’s important to note that dyslexia is a lifelong condition, but with early identification and appropriate interventions, children with dyslexia can make significant progress in their literacy skills. These interventions typically involve specialized reading programs, such as the Orton-Gillingham method, and the support of educators and parents who play a crucial role in helping dyslexic children thrive academically and boost their self-confidence.

  • Difficulty with reading fluency and accuracy
  • Struggles with spelling and writing
  • Trouble with phonemic awareness (e.g., difficulty sounding out words)
  • Reversing or swapping letters (e.g., writing “b” instead of “d”)
  • Slow or labored reading
  • Difficulty following multi-step instructions
  • Challenges with organizing thoughts in writing or speech

I am certified through the Orton Gillingham Online Academy. Being certified through the Orton Gillingham Online Academy is a significant credential that highlights the expertise and dedication in the field of dyslexia education and literacy instruction. This certification signifies having undergone specialized training and meeting the rigorous standards set by the Orton-Gillingham approach, a well-respected and evidence-based method for teaching individuals with dyslexia.

I bring over seven years of experience working with children of all ages and abilities, including those with ADHD and autism. My approach is rooted in patience, understanding, and personalized support to ensure every child feels valued and empowered. In addition to my hands-on experience, I have a TEFL certification and have taught English one-on-one to students abroad. This has allowed me to develop tailored teaching strategies, ensuring that lessons are engaging, effective, and suited to the unique needs of each learner. My passion lies in creating a positive, nurturing learning environment where children can thrive, regardless of their challenges. Whether working with neurodiverse students or teaching language skills internationally, I am dedicated to helping each child build confidence and achieve their full potential.

Tutoring sessions are structured as 50-minute sessions, and while I typically recommend two sessions per week as set forth by the OGA standard, I recognize that this frequency might not always align with financial and personal considerations. For this reason, I continue tutoring my students all year around, including the summer months, when children are on break from school.

I bring the Orton-Gillingham approach directly to students’ homes through interactive, one-on-one online sessions. Each session is carefully crafted to deliver the proven benefits of this structured, multisensory approach, specifically tailored to meet the needs of each child. This online format provides an environment where children can learn from the comfort of their own space, reducing stress and creating an ideal setting for focused, productive learning.

Online tutoring offers flexibility for families, with scheduling options that seamlessly fit into busy routines. Through virtual platforms, I can leverage a variety of digital resources to make each lesson engaging, using customized visual aids that enhance learning and sustain attention. The online format also helps cultivate a unique connection, allowing me to maintain strong, supportive relationships with my students and their families.

By adapting each session to the student’s pace and learning style, my goal is to create a positive, impactful learning experience that promotes confidence, independence, and lasting literacy skills.

Tutoring Policy and Payment Information

Session Rates and Invoicing
Tutoring sessions are $100 per 50-minute session. Invoices will be sent one week prior to the end of each month, and payment for the upcoming month is due before the 1st of the month to secure your child’s tutoring sessions.

Payments can be made via e-transfer, and once payment is received, a paid invoice will be emailed to you for your records and tax purposes. I also accept Autism funding for eligible families.

Missed Lessons and Cancellation Policy
I understand that unexpected circumstances may occasionally arise, and I am committed to your child’s progress. To accommodate this, I offer the opportunity to reschedule up to two missed lessons per school semester (four per school year). Parents are responsible for reaching out directly to arrange these makeup sessions.

If more than two lessons are missed in a semester, additional missed lessons will not be eligible for rescheduling or refund. To reschedule a lesson, I require at least 24 hours’ notice. Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice cannot be rescheduled, and no refund will be issued.

If I need to cancel a lesson, the session will either be rescheduled or credited toward the following month’s invoice.

Should you decide to discontinue tutoring, I require a 30-day notice. If less than 30 days’ notice is provided, refunds for pre-paid sessions will not be offered.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns about these policies, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to supporting your child on their learning journey.

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) method is a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading and writing, primarily used to support individuals with dyslexia and other learning differences. It is based on the understanding that reading and spelling are not natural for everyone, and some children need explicit, systematic instruction to succeed. The method was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton, a neurologist, and Anna Gillingham, an educator, who sought to create a program that could address the unique challenges faced by children with dyslexia.

Key Features of the Orton-Gillingham Method:
Multisensory Approach: OG engages more than one sense at a time—visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), and kinesthetic (touch/movement)—to help students connect language and sounds. For example, students might trace letters while saying the corresponding sounds aloud.

Structured and Sequential: The method uses a step-by-step progression, starting with the basics (such as letter sounds) and moving toward more complex concepts (like word structure and spelling rules). This structured progression ensures that students master each skill before moving on to the next.

Explicit Instruction: Unlike traditional reading instruction, which may be more passive, OG requires teachers to directly explain and model the reading and writing process. Concepts are broken down and taught explicitly, often with repetition and reinforcement.

Individualized: The OG method is highly flexible, making it easy to tailor lessons to the unique needs of each student. The pace of learning is adjusted based on the student’s progress and understanding.

Focus on Phonics and Word Structure: OG places heavy emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling rules, and the structure of words. Students learn how letters combine to form sounds and how those sounds form words.

Effective for Dyslexia: OG is one of the most widely recognized and researched methods for teaching individuals with dyslexia. Its multi-sensory and explicit nature helps students who struggle with reading and writing to build connections between sounds, letters, and words.

Promotes Reading Fluency: Because the method is systematic and repetitive, students gradually become more fluent readers, gaining confidence in their abilities to decode words and comprehend text.

Addresses Learning Differences: OG’s tailored approach supports not just children with dyslexia, but also those with ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges. It accommodates different learning styles and needs, providing a strong foundation for all types of learners.

Improves Writing and Spelling: In addition to reading, OG instruction also targets spelling and writing, helping students organize their thoughts and communicate more clearly.

Builds Confidence: Through consistent, structured instruction, students develop stronger skills and confidence in their reading and writing abilities. This can improve overall academic performance and self-esteem.

Overall, the Orton-Gillingham method is beneficial because it empowers students to overcome reading and writing challenges by breaking down language into its simplest, most manageable parts, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

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