Does Tutoring Help a Child with Dyslexia Read?

Intensive tutoring programs are known to help children with dyslexia read.  Because the brain of the child with dyslexia is physically different, an intensive, kinesthetic phonics program is important for the transfer of reading skills from the right hemisphere “discovery” process to the left hemisphere “automatic recall” process.

Within an intensive phonics program, a child is introduced and repeatedly exposed to specific phonemes in a methodical progression.  This progression allows for the acquisition of specific word patterns to occur through many types of activities.  

During a session, a child uses a specific phoneme in a variety of ways to read and spell words.  This can be done through creative games, using different surfaces to read and write, using a variety of materials, and actively moving about a specific space.  These kinesthetic activities allow the brain to process a phoneme through active associations beyond pen and paper.

Because the sessions introduce phonemes one at a time and stay with a specific phoneme in a variety of ways until it is learned, the brain is able to use this extra time and attention to transfer the phonemes from the right hemisphere “discovery” to the left hemisphere “automatic recall”.  

As a child progresses through an intensive program, the phonemes are recycled through activities.  As the child recalls phonemes, any that are not automatic are easily discovered and retargeted.  This means that a child with dyslexia gets the time and attention needed to move patterns from the right hemisphere to the left hemisphere in a gentle, targeted, intentional, and individualized way.

Tutoring programs can vary according to the tutor and the program used. Most tutors offer a similar experience, varying primarily in which phonemes are introduced and in what order. Many programs rely on the science of reading, a literacy professional’s way of saying that reading skills acquisition develops through a methodical, phonetic, and evidence-based program.

When looking for a tutoring program, be sure to find one that uses a variety of methods for instruction, offers individualized plans, and requests a minimum of 3 hours per week but is open to more. Some children need a more intensive program of a few hours a day, several days a week. You may also want to consider 1:1 tutoring rather than small groups. While groups are engaging and fun, your child may need more targeted, individualized practice.

When you find the tutoring program that matches your child’s needs and is a good fit for your family - stick with it! It often seems overwhelming to commit to so much time; intensive tutoring programs often take time, usually about 60-120 hours. It is a commitment, but one that is well worth it! The child who graduates an intensive reading program through tutoring can easily be reading at or above grade level and will be ready to progress with ease through the rest of their academic world and beyond!