20-years experience teaching reading to children and adults with dyslexia, ASD, and ADHD. Expert in evidence-based reading interve

I use evidence based educational methods. Direct Instruction involves explicitly teaching the learner critical skills in the format of "I do, we do, you do." We continue to practice the skill until the learner can perform it without help. Lessons last 30 minutes to an hour depending on the learner's level. Each lesson contains 80% previously taught skills and 20% new material. This repeated practice ensures skills are retained and do not need to be retaught later. I use Precision Teaching to monitor progress and ensure skills are taught to fluency. When a learner is fluent, they can perform the skill at a speed that allows functional use. In reading, if a learner needs to sound out every word, comprehension becomes difficult. Teaching reading to fluency enables quick reading and better understanding. This reduces the effort required for the learner. Daily practice is necessary for learners to achieve fluency. Teaching four out of five days a week leads to progress, while less frequent practice results in difficulties retaining information. If a learner has a coach who can assist with daily practice, I can provide the coach with the needed information and monitor the program weekly. The coach could be a parent, carer, teacher, teaching assistant, or a friend/partner in the case of adults. All Direct Instruction curricula start with a placement test. I conduct a short screener assessment first to place the learner at the correct curriculum level. Precision Teaching identifies missing skills needed for reading. To be a fluent reader and comprehender, learners need to be fluent in: • Phonemic awareness (segmenting and blending sounds into words without seeing the letters) • Phonics (linking letters to sounds) • Blending phonics into words • Reading words in sentences and passages Comprehension is gained when a learner reads fluently and has background knowledge of the subject. Direct Instruction curricula are also available for speaking and reading comprehension. I have with experience working with learners who have reading/memory difficulties such as dyslexia, autism, and ADHD. I have successfully taught learners with and without challenging behaviour to read. With 20 years of experience working in schools with children, young people, and adults, I understand that many learners have had negative experiences with reading. I help them overcome these challenges.