Initial Assessment (Approx 1.5 hours) $290. The purpose of this assessment is to identify your child's literacy strengths and challenges. The assessment informs planning & the subsequent teaching focus for your child’s lessons. On completion of the assessment, a Learning Plan will be written and sent to you.
Teaching 1-1 Structured Literacy
Based in Cambridge since 2017, teaching Structured Literacy to students with dyslexia, ADHD and other neuro diversities. Lessons are also suitable for any student with literacy challenges.
Areas covered:
Phonological Awareness
Identifying, blending, segmenting and manipulating phonemes. Separating, blending and deleting syllables.
Letter Sound association
Teaching the relationship between sounds and symbols used by our language.
Syllable instruction
The teaching of all syllable types to help decoding skills and strengthen a students word bank.
Spelling
Teaching spelling rules and patterns
Handwriting
Working with students on correct pen grip and correct letter formations
Reading fluency
Teaching students to read accurately, quickly and with expression
Morphology
The study of word structure and how words are formed.
Sight Words
Instruction on the decoding and encoding of sight words
Writing
Aspects of writing including parts of speech, figurative language and grammar.
What I offer
1-1 Structured Literacy lessons (50 minutes): $85. Teaching is direct, explicit and cumulative and focuses on the structure of language. Sessions involve work on initial sound awareness, blending & isolating sounds, spelling rules and patterns, sight word work, teaching of syllable types and instruction on aspects of writing and handwriting. Lessons also include work on morphology and working memory. Decodable readers are used in the sessions. There are a few follow up homework tasks given to students each week, which include a reader. My aim is to make sessions fun, supportive and engaging. There are no sessions held during the school holiday break.
Di Kilbride
Previously a Cambridge based primary school teacher, in 2016 I completed an MSL training course. This extended my knowledge around the Science behind reading and the importance of delivering direct, explicit and cumulative teaching to help children improve their literacy skills. Since then, I have worked with over 150 students teaching 1-1 Structured Literacy. Many of my students have diverse learning needs and have benefitted from work on phonological awareness skills, syllable instruction and spelling rules and patterns. It's been inspiring to work with them all, watching them grow as learners and thinkers and seeing each students improved confidence as they gain the skills needed for reading, spelling and writing.
Testimonials
"Structured Literacy with Di has helped my daughter develop a love for reading, as she can now decode words with ease and enjoy the stories she's exploring. Her confidence has grown significantly, knowing that she has the skills to tackle new words and texts on her own. This approach has not only improved her reading ability but also empowered her to approach learning with a positive, can-do attitude. She looks forward to her weekly sessions with Di and is always excited to share has been learnt."
- Sarah N.
"Di has been an incredible support for both Archie and Riley. We've seen real growth in their literacy skills since working with her, and their confidence has grown along with it. Di's patient, engaging approach makes learning enjoyable and the boys genuinely look forward to their sessions each work. We're so grateful for the difference she's made!"
- Amber A.
"Di is a treasured part of our learning journey for our son with dyslexia. Di is warm, welcoming and fun which creates a special experience that the children really enjoy. She has a wealth of knowledge and uses best practice to help develop my son's skills at a level and pace that is right for him".
-Jo S
"We have been very impressed with the work that Di Kilbride has done with our daughter who is challenged with dyslexia. Di has been amazing with Nicole, helping her to learn techniques to understand spelling and reading and has challenged Nicole in a supportive way. Nicole always comes away happy and more confident from her lessons. We are very pleased to recommend Di to anyone needing literacy support."
-Michelle
Simple steps
Contact me to discuss how one-to-one teaching works for your child. Tailored sessions to improve your child's literacy are just a call away.
The Literacy Lighthouse
Your Structured Literacy specialist
Duke Street, Cambridge.
Mon-Thurs
021 124 8877