Spark Literacy
Reading and Writing Tutoring for Children &
Support for Familes
To learn to read is to light a fire. Every syllable spelled out is a spark.
-Victor Hugo
A more affordable and effective tutoring solution for students who are struggling with literacy skills.​
​
The Spark Literacy model is based on research that shows that the best outcomes for students occur when instructors use evidence-based programs delivered frequently.
​
At Spark Literacy this means:
-
an expert reading specialist meets with your child, evaluates their strengths and needs, & designs an instructional program
- depending on your child's needs and goals, your child will meet virtually with their tutor for 2-4 40 minute sessions a week​
-
​​tutors use evidence-based programs based on the science of reading and proven to be highly effective​
-
you are invited to regular meetings with the reading specialist & tutor for checks on progress and to discuss any necessary adjustments to the program
​
We can work with students who have a wide-range of reading needs. Some students need explicit instruction in reading skills like phonics that their school may not be offering. Other students may have dyslexia and need more intensive support. And others may need comprehension or writing supports. There are great programs to support each of these kinds of learners and help them thrive.
​
The goal of Spark Literacy is to change the way struggling readers get help by keeping costs to families down while ensuring high quality support is available.
​
​
Why Choose Spark Literacy?
Expertise
I started Spark Literacy to bring the best practices of reading instruction to families directly. I am an educator, certified by the International Dyslexia Association, with over 30 years of experience teaching struggling readers how to read. As a tutor, classroom teacher, reading specialist, and administrator, I've supported the literacy growth of hundreds of students. I know what works and how to provide it.
​
I begin by getting to know what your child needs and then work with you to develop an instructional plan. I hire, train, and directly supervise tutors who will be engaging and exciting to work with. And I meet with you monthly to check on how things are going -- using data from the sessions and your input.
Effectiveness
Parents of struggling readers often stretch their budget to have their child tutored once a week by a tutor who may or may not be using effective strategies. Our model for tutoring is more effective because we follow the science -- delivering frequent on-line sessions and using programs aligned to structured literacy principles. We also provide all the materials needed for the program, so there are no additional costs.
In addition, parents can choose to learn our methods and work with their child themselves. We can support caregivers with the knowledge and programs to support their child's literacy.
Flexibility
Our tutoring model is flexible. You choose between 2 and 4 sessions a week.
You may also choose a weekly session of computer-based learning with individualized gamified reading practice to supplement live tutoring sessions.
Other flexible options include:
-
training parents or caregivers as tutors
-
expert consultation that includes an evaluation of your child's reading strengths and needs and answers to your specific questions
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
SooHee, mom of 1st grader
Choosing to work with Spark Literacy is a parenting decision that I pat myself on the back for weekly. The tutors do a wonderful job keeping my 6 year old engaged. It's been wonderful to see his progress, and I'm so happy we made this choice.
Stella, high schooler
This program actually works. I actually like it,
Nancy, mom of 16 year old
Finally a model that makes a real difference: there is expertise in finding the right program for my kid, pricing that allows for frequent-enough sessions, and a teacher who's effective and fun. My daughter looks forward to her sessions.