How do I know if Structured Literacy is right for my child?

Structured Literacy is beneficial for all students, but necessary for some - particularly children who:

• Struggle with reading, spelling, or writing.

• Have been diagnosed with dyslexia or other learning differences.

• Need a structured, step-by-step approach to literacy development. If you’re unsure, we can provide an initial consultation or assessment to determine if this approach will meet your child’s needs.
  

Do you work with children who don’t have a diagnosis of dyslexia?

Yes! Structured Literacy is suitable for anyone needing support with reading, spelling, or writing. A formal diagnosis isn’t required—this approach is designed to help learners develop essential skills and build confidence. We work with students aged 5 to 16, supporting them from mastering simple sentences to crafting well-structured paragraphs for college exams.

How long will my child need tutoring?

The length of tutoring varies depending on the learner's needs, goals, and starting point. Some students may need only a few months of support to fill gaps, however most benefit from ongoing sessions over a longer period (1 year plus) to ensure mastery and fluency.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes! We offer both in-person and online sessions. Online tutoring is interactive and engaging, using tools like digital whiteboards, manipulatives, and games to create an effective learning environment.

How are sessions tailored to the learner?

Each session is customised to meet the learner’s current level and individual progress. Through ongoing assessments and careful observation, We ensure activities are both appropriate and challenging. Lessons may include phonics, spelling, vocabulary development, fluency practice, and comprehension strategies.

We work with a diverse range of students—some need support with foundational skills, such as phonics and basic spelling, while others require a focus on morphology, vocabulary building, and sentence structure to enhance their comprehension. Each program is designed to meet the unique needs of the learner.

Can parents or caregivers be involved in the process?

Absolutely! We welcome parents and caregivers to actively participate in the learning journey. We provide resources for home practice, offer tips to support your child’s progress, and even encourage parents to sit in on sessions if they wish. Collaboration is key to achieving the best outcomes for your child.

Where are you based?

We are located in Tauranga, where we offer 1:1 in-person sessions. For students outside the area, We provide Zoom sessions, making our Structured Literacy services accessible to learners across New Zealand. Whether in-person or online, every session is tailored to meet your child’s unique needs.

How do I start?

Getting started is simple! Contact me to arrange a chat. We’ll discuss your needs, talk about your child’s current skills, and book them in for a Mini Literacy Assessment.

What happens during an initial Mini Literacy Assessment?

The Mini Literacy Assessment evaluates the foundational skills of literacy, including a working memory screen. It helps identify why your child may be struggling with reading, writing, and spelling, guiding me in delivering an effective, tailored intervention. This is not a formal diagnosis but provides insight into the challenges your child may be facing.

Your child will be assessed on:

• Phonological Awareness: The ability to hear and recognize sounds in words.

• Alphabetic Principle: Understanding sounds, syllable types, spelling rules, morphology, and grammar.

• Fluency: Reading fluency at the word, sentence, and text level, along with handwriting, spelling, and writing fluency.

• Vocabulary: Development and understanding of vocabulary.

This assessment is the first step in building a strong foundation for literacy success.