we use a hybrid approach that could be Just right for you!
Any Time : Any Place
Students MASTER THEIR READING SKILLS with
hybrid lessons that alternate between In-person & virtual
Descriptions of Lesson Options for Tutoring
Phonics
Comprehension
Fluency
Phonics helps my students learn the relationships between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language and then how to use these relationships to read and write words. Interactive Letter & Phonogram sounds Apps Also see free downloads for Phonogram flash cards further down on our website.
Fluency
Comprehension
Fluency
Purposeful practice in fluency building helps my students to read accurately, effortlessly and with expression. Reading needs to sound natural, as if speaking. Learning to group words quickly means my students will gain meaning and learn from what they read faster. Research link: The Role of Reading Fluency in Children’s Text Comprehension
Comprehension
Comprehension
Comprehension
Comprehension is the reason for reading. If readers can read the words, but do not understand what they are reading, they are not really reading. Helping my students become active readers; to read purposely and learn at the same time is the goal. Research links: ClassroomQuestioning.pdf
High Level Thinking and Questioning
Vocabulary
Test Taking & Study Skills
Test Taking & Study Skills
I truly believe vocabulary is the KEY to reading successfully and learning!! Vocabulary are the words we must know in order to communicate and read effectively. Therefore, vocabulary development is always a major focus in each of my student's lesson plans. Research link: Review of Research on Vocabulary Instruction
Test Taking & Study Skills
Test Taking & Study Skills
Test Taking & Study Skills
Students learn how to take effective notes for improved study time and remembering information for test taking purposes and for life long learning.
Spelling & Writing
Test Taking & Study Skills
Spelling & Writing
One of the best ways students can improve their spelling is through writing stories. For this reason, I provide opportunities for my students to write a variety of stories using story starter templates and spelling editing tools.
How The Reading Program Works
1. In-person Student Assessment
The first meeting with a student and their family takes place in-person, at a decided location. The purpose is to administer an initial reading assessment with the student, give results, and to devise a learning plan, with measurable goals, to fit the needs of the student. Also, a formal written report regarding any assessment result, with data included, can be made available to you when requested.
2. Online "FaceTime" Lessons
After the initial in-person meeting, lessons are then carried out virtually. That is, face to face via computer or tablet, and for approximately one month. An adult can log their child on and also monitor any ongoing lesson this way, too. The benefit of the faceTime virtual lessons, is that they can be carried out from home or most any other location.
3. Follow-Up Student Progress Assessment
After one month of online or virtual lessons, a follow up assessment is administered to measure student progress. This usually takes place in-person like the initial assessment. At this time we also reevaluate the current lesson plan to see if any changes will need to be made for future lessons.
Free Learning Tools To Build Stronger Reading Skills
Game Style Reading Log
Students record each time they read in the numbered boxes. Prizes (optional)
Fluency Monitoring Charts
Contains 3 different charts to help you keep track of your reading fluency increases.
Phonogram Flash Cards
Print these out on card stock (front/back side) and you will have a great set for practice.
Bloom's Question Stems
Ask higher level questions that elicit higher level thinking skills while you read and study.
Additional Programs & Services
Math Tutoring
Want to write a Novel or Comic Book?
FaceBook Interactive
- Basic math drills and skills virtual tutoring for students 2nd - 8th grade is also available if you go to
FaceBook Interactive
Want to write a Novel or Comic Book?
FaceBook Interactive
Coming soon!
For...
- Reading & writing tips
- Book shares & reviews
- Engaging Activities
Want to write a Novel or Comic Book?
Want to write a Novel or Comic Book?
Want to write a Novel or Comic Book?
- Write your very own storybook or comic strips and get it published by SunriseKid Publishing. Ask more about this special program & service when you sign up for tutoring.
FAQs
What if I don't have a mac computer for my FaceTime lessons?
Although the tutoring service is called "FaceTime" and usually associated with a mac, meeting through Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp work well also.
Why would we want our online tutoring sessions to be only 20 minutes?
Sometimes a quick review or practice of a particular concept or skill being learned, for only 20 minutes a day, is the most time & cost effective for a student. If on a consistent basis, say 4 times a week, will only cost $60 total. Some good examples of a quality 20 min. virtual session might be a phonics review, a fluency building reading, or an ESL dialoguing practice session. Go to website 20 Minute Solution Tutoring for more details on this special and in demand program.
Will my child be working alone online?
Yes, and no. Students will need to be able to progress through lessons on their own while the tutor instructs and guides them during their virtual sessions. However, an adult does have to be present to log their child on initially and to monitor sessions when necessary,
How is the progress of my child measured?
Student progress is measured using several data collecting tools and resources. Usually administered at the in-person tutoring sessions, some of these include informal reading assessments (IRIs), data charts and audio taping. These progress reports are then regularly shared with both the student and their parents.
How do I pay for my tutoring sessions?
Payments for tutoring sessions can be paid using ApplePay, Paypal or given directly to the tutor (cash or check) at the time of an in-person session. Also, you may pay for one session at a time or pay ahead of time for up to an entire month in advance.
About Your Tutor Ms. Dawn Brown
Let me tell you a little about myself. My students call me Ms. Brown, and in the following bio I will tell you about my career as a Reading Specialist and about my family.
For the past 22 years I have coordinated and taught reading intervention classes to at risk students, grades K-8, here in the Phoenix valley. I design my reading programs and lessons so that they include both Spaulding based phonics instruction as well as other research-based strategies and resources. I also differentiate my instruction to meet the needs of each individual student, and the content of each lesson I teach aligns with the AZ state standards.
It gives me great pleasure to help students reach their full potential and become better readers and learners. Tutoring one on one is especially rewarding for me. This is because my focus is only on one student's needs at a time, and I can therefore help them attain their learning goals quicker and more effectively.
I have lived in the phoenix area for over 30 years and I have two grown daughters. Holly, her husband, and their two Shar-pei dogs live here in Phoenix. My other daughter Stefanie, her husband, and their one year old son, live in California.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy dancing, playing pickle ball, sewing, reading mystery books, and walking my dog Henry to the park.
My teaching credentials and certification are current and up to date and recommendation letters and references can be made available to you.
20 Minute Solution Tutoring
About This Special Tutoring Program
Sometimes a quick review or practice of a particular concept or skill being learned, for only 20 minutes a day, is the most time & cost effective for a student. For example, a lesson 4 times a week would only cost $40. Some good examples of a quality 20 min. virtual session might be a phonics review, a fluency building reading. Go to website 20 Minute Solution Tutoring for more details on this special and in demand program.