“Reading is often the key to realizing a parent’s dreams for their child.”
As parents, we want the best for our children. At The Reading Specialists, we understand the importance of reading for academic success and self-esteem. That’s why we have made it our mission to provide high-quality, individualized instruction to help children make rapid progress in reading. Our tailored approach, based on individual needs and learning style, and our positive and welcoming environment, work together to build a growth-mindset and instil pride and confidence in our students. Our lessons have been created by a certified teacher in Ontario with Orton-Gillingham Associate Level training and include opportunities to develop word building and phonological skills using a multi-sensory, systematic, and explicit approach. We have a proven track record of success in helping children not only learn to read, but also develop a love for it.
By choosing The Reading Specialists, you’re not just investing in your child’s education, but also in their future.
Two stories in particular have impacted us deeply. Though different, both describe two struggling readers and their concerned parents, who felt they had to stand by while their child’s inability to learn to read led to low academic results and decreased self-esteem. When one desperate parent sought help from the school, she felt dismissed. The school said eventually her son would ‘get it.’ Unfortunately, he never did. As his classroom behaviour worsened, her son was expelled from school, and eventually he was placed in a juvenile facility. The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence and crime is often tied to reading failure.
Caitlyn, a 7 year old struggling reader, had memorized a few words, but if shown a new word, she could not sound it out, and would offer a guess based on the first letter (when asked to read boy, she said ‘bat’, for example). Her concerned parents had tried to get help, but they couldn’t get answers as to why their bright daughter could not read. Caitlyn hit a breaking point on her seventh birthday. When it was time for cake, an eager Caitlyn quickly blew out her candles, and then ran to her bedroom. Her mother found Caitlyn in tears, her favourite book open on her lap. Her daughter looked at her and said “You said I would get any wish I wanted and you were wrong – my wish didn’t come true.” Caitlyn had wished that she could read.
These stories, and many others, have led to our full-time devotion to effective, engaging, and scientifically-based reading instruction. We are honoured to serve the students and families of Ontario