Areas of Expertise
Reading & Writing
Orton-Gillingham instruction is a highly individualized and multi-sensory approach to reading. In other words, the student engages with the material by incorporating their auditory, visual, and tactile senses to learn how to read. For example, a student learning a letter sound may trace it in a sand tray while saying the name of the letter aloud.This approach is responsive to each student and incorporates cumulative review to continually reinforce previously taught concepts. Additionally, it is emotionally sound. By closing gaps in learning students build confidence in their skills. To learn more about the Orton-GIllingham approach to reading visit the Orton-Gillingham Academy website.
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The Writing Revolution, also known as the Hochman Method, is an explicit and direct approach to teaching writing. It progresses from the sentence level to multi-paragraph essay writing. It utilizes note taking strategies, graphic organizers, outlines, and checklists to plan, draft, edit, and revise. To learn more, visit The Writing Revolution website.
Mathematics
The model of Primary Mathematics, also known as Singapore Math moves students from the concrete, to the pictorial, to the abstract. For example, to teach the concept of division, students would use manipulatives to share out equal groups of items, followed by drawing a bar model to visualize the process, and then finally relate these experiences to following a traditional algorithm when they are ready. The progression of a lesson moves from simple to more complex problems. In this way, it mirrors the principles of the Orton-Gillingham approach to build on prior success and build confidence. TangMath.com is a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, and students. Be sure to check out the games section!
Executive Functioning & Social Emotional Learning
I like to think that social emotional learning and executive functioning are at the heart of educational therapy because they are central to being and feeling successful in school and in life. Often, children who struggle with reading, writing, and mathematics also struggle with one or more aspects of executive functioning or social emotional development. While working with a student, I help a child identify how they feel when they are successful with an academic task, and when they are feeling unsuccessful. By unpacking these emotions, students can learn appropriate coping skills to take on new challenges. Further, executive functioning skills go beyond just a messy backpack. (Although this is a common place to start!) By having students complete questionnaires and analyze their own behaviors, we can come up with action plans to improve specific areas of their executive functioning. For kid friendly resources on executive functioning, visit BoysTownPress.org.
My Approach
Phone Consult
The process of educational therapy typically begins with a brief phone call. The consultation is a way for you, the parent or caregiver, to share what your child is struggling with and to ask questions. I will provide you with more information about myself and how I might be able to help. If we both feel that we'd like to move forward, we will schedule an intake interview and an initial assessment session.
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Intake Interview
Prior to the intake interview, you will receive a questionnaire to fill out as a guide to help me get to know you and your child better. The goal of this meeting is to build a collaborative, trusting relationship while getting to know the academic, social, and emotional strengths and weaknesses of your child. The intake interview is roughly an hour to an hour and half.
Assessment
Assessments range from informal to standardized academic assessments based on the intake, previous assessments, and the learning goals you have in mind. Assessment can take anywhere from 1-5 sessions depending on the depth and breadth needed to get started. During this process we will also engage in a variety of activities to get to know each other build a trusting relationship. Once the assessments are complete, I will provide you with a written report with specific recommendations and goals. It is also helpful to have a follow up meeting to review results and goals.
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Sessions
Sessions are 55 minutes long and consist of a variety of activities, instruction, games, and discussions tailored to your child's learning goals. Frequency and duration are dependent on level of need, schedules, and progress. Please inquire for information regarding pricing.
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