Dyslexia Therapy &

Reading Instructional Support

KLC Pediatric Therapy is proud to offer dyslexia therapy, reading tutoring and reading instructional support by a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) in Training at our Aledo/Willow Park location!

Our Approach

Our reading specialists have experiences with many different approaches to reading intervention. We choose primarily to use the Orton-Gillingham based teaching method that is a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading, spelling, and writing, specifically designed for individuals with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. It was developed by Samuel Torrey Orton and Anna Gillingham in the early 20th century.

Orton-Gillingham

Multisensory Approach: Orton-Gillingham instruction engages multiple senses, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile, to help students learn and retain information more effectively. Students may use methods like tracing letters in sand, tapping out sounds, or using colored tiles to represent sounds and syllables.

Structured and Sequential: The method follows a systematic and cumulative approach, breaking down language skills into smaller, manageable units. Students progress from mastering basic phonological and phonemic awareness skills to more complex decoding and encoding strategies, building upon their existing knowledge in a structured sequence.

Explicit Instruction: Orton-Gillingham instruction involves explicit teaching of language rules, patterns, and strategies. Teachers provide clear explanations, modeling, and guided practice to help students understand and apply these concepts in their reading and writing tasks.

Diagnostic and Individualized: Orton-Gillingham instruction is highly personalized to meet the unique needs of each learner. Teachers conduct thorough assessments to identify students' strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to tailor instruction and interventions accordingly. Lessons are adjusted based on ongoing progress monitoring and feedback.

Phonetic Emphasis: The method places a strong emphasis on phonics, teaching the relationship between sounds and letters systematically. Students learn phonetic rules and patterns to decode unfamiliar words, as well as syllable division and spelling rules to enhance their spelling skills.

Language Structure Awareness: Orton-Gillingham instruction helps students develop an understanding of the underlying structure of the English language. They learn about morphemes (smallest units of meaning), syntax, grammar, and vocabulary, enabling them to comprehend and express themselves more effectively in written and oral language.

Repetitive and Reinforcement: Mastery is achieved through repeated practice and reinforcement of learned skills. Students revisit previously taught concepts in various contexts to solidify their understanding and automaticity, gradually building fluency and confidence in reading and writing.

FAQ’s

Would my child benefit from services even if they are not behind? I just want to keep from them regressing over the summer?

  • Absolutely! The Orton-Gillingham method can be beneficial for children even if they are not currently behind in their reading skills. Using this structured and multisensory approach over the summer can help maintain and reinforce your child's existing reading abilities, preventing regression and potentially even accelerating their progress. Here are some reasons why:

    • Consolidating Skills

    • Building Confidence and Fluency

    • Preventing Summer Slide

    • Addressing Individual Needs

    • Promoting Lifelong Learning

How do I know if my child needs reading tutoring?

  • Signs that your child may benefit from reading tutoring include difficulty sounding out words, struggling with comprehension, avoiding reading activities, falling behind in school, or just to avoid the “summer slide”. A reading assessment conducted by a qualified professional can help determine your child's specific needs.

How can I support my child outside of sessions?

  • Encourage regular reading at home by providing access to age-appropriate books and creating a positive reading environment. Practice reading together, ask questions about the text, and provide opportunities for your child to apply their skills in real-life contexts.

How often are reading sessions?

  • We typically schedule sessions for 45 minutes, 1x a week.

What if my child needs additional academic testing?

  • If you and/or your reading specialist believes additional testing would be beneficial, we can schedule you for an evaluation with an Educational Diagnostician or make referrals as needed.

Benefits of Early Intervention in Reading:

Preventing Academic Difficulties: Early identification and intervention can prevent or minimize reading difficulties before they become entrenched. By addressing reading challenges early on, children are less likely to fall behind academically and may avoid the need for more intensive interventions later.

Building Strong Foundations: Reading proficiency is fundamental for success across various subjects and academic levels. Early intervention helps establish strong foundational reading skills, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, which are essential for later academic achievement.

Promoting Confidence and Motivation: Children who struggle with reading may experience frustration and a loss of confidence in their academic abilities. Early intervention can provide targeted support to boost their skills and confidence, fostering a positive attitude toward learning and reading.

Supporting Language Development: Reading is closely linked to language development. Early intervention in reading not only enhances reading skills but also supports overall language development, including listening, speaking, and writing abilities.

Addressing Potential Learning Disabilities: Some reading difficulties may be indicative of underlying learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Early intervention allows for timely identification of such challenges and appropriate interventions to address them effectively.

Preventing Social and Emotional Consequences: Reading difficulties can impact a child's social and emotional well-being. Early intervention helps prevent potential social and emotional consequences, such as low self-esteem, peer rejection, and behavioral issues, by providing support and resources to address reading challenges.

Maximizing Learning Potential: Early intervention capitalizes on the brain's plasticity during the critical period of language and literacy development. By providing targeted support when children are most receptive to learning, early intervention maximizes their potential for acquiring strong reading skills.