Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to teach your child to read is by starting with phonics. Phonics helps children understand the relationship between letters and sounds. Begin with simple sounds, move to blending letters, and then practice reading short words. Consistency, engaging books, and activities tailored to their level can make a big difference. Our reading tutoring for ages 5-11 provides personalised guidance to ensure your child progresses confidently. We also share some top tips for this in our free Facebook group for parents - click here to join. 

To improve your child’s writing skills, encourage daily practice, focus on letter formation (handwriting) and teach them how to structure sentences and paragraphs. Fun activities like journaling, writing stories, or even making shopping lists can help. Our tutoring sessions include tailored writing lessons for primary-aged children to help them develop strong writing foundations.

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is a short assessment in schools to evaluate your child’s ability to read and decode words using phonics. It includes real words and nonsense words to test their phonics skills. We offer phonics-focused tutoring and resources to help your child feel confident and prepared for the Year 1 PSC. We also share some top tips for this in our free Facebook group for parents - click here to join. 

Boost your child’s vocabulary by reading a variety of books together, playing word games, and introducing new words in everyday conversations. Encourage them to ask questions about unfamiliar words and practice using them in sentences. Our reading tuition incorporates vocabulary-building activities in every session.

You can determine your child’s reading age by assessing their fluency, comprehension, and ability to decode words.
A reading assessment can provide a clear picture of their current level and areas for improvement. We offer professional reading age assessments for children aged 5-11 to help parents track progress.

It’s recommended that children read for at least 15-20 minutes daily. This could include reading aloud, independent reading, or shared reading with an adult. If your child struggles to focus, our tutoring sessions for reluctant readers can help create an engaging routine. You can incorporate reading in fun and simple ways - these phonics card games are a fun way yo get that extra practise in!

Reading tricky words can be challenging because they don’t follow regular phonics rules. Practice these words regularly, use flashcards, and encourage your child to spot them in books. Our tricky word reading strategies help children master these essential words with ease. We also share some top tips for this in our free Facebook group for parents - click here to join. 

Phonics is a proven method for teaching children to read because it helps them decode words and understand spelling patterns. It builds a strong foundation for reading fluency and comprehension. Our phonics tutoring for primary-aged children ensures they gain the skills needed for lifelong reading success.

Yes, personalised reading tutoring can address gaps in your child’s learning, improve their confidence, and help them keep up with or even exceed school expectations. We specialise in catch-up reading programmes tailored for children aged 5-11.

Our tutoring is tailored to the needs of each child. We use a combination of phonics, comprehension strategies, and creative writing techniques to ensure your child makes progress. With years of experience in primary education tutoring, we focus on building confidence and achieving measurable results.

Creating a reading routine is simple:

• Set a regular time each day for reading.

• Create a cosy reading space.

• Let your child choose books that interest them.

• Join them in reading aloud.

Our reading routine tips can help make reading a fun and stress-free activity for your family. If you'd like more ideas, visit our recommended resources page.

If your child dislikes reading, try:

• Introducing them to books about topics they love.

• Reading aloud together to spark their interest.

• Using interactive tools like audiobooks or educational games. 

Our tutoring for reluctant readers includes engaging methods to help children discover the joy of reading. Click here to download our free guide with 5 fun and simple ways to support reading & spelling at home.

Signs your child may need a tutor include:

• Struggling with phonics or reading comprehension.

• Falling behind their peers in school.

• Avoiding reading or expressing frustration with it.

Our reading assessments for ages 5-11 can identify any gaps and recommend the right support. If you're unsure about online tutoring and if it would work for your child, book a free call with Adrianne here and we can discuss your child's needs and ways you can support them.

Helping a child with dyslexia requires a tailored approach that focuses on their strengths while addressing their challenges. Strategies include:

• Using multisensory learning techniques (e.g., combining visual, auditory, and tactile methods).

• Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

• Practicing phonics and decoding skills with repetition.

• Encouraging the use of assistive tools like coloured overlays or reading apps.
  Our specialised tutoring for children with dyslexia offers a personalised programme to build confidence and improve reading and writing skills at their own pace.

• High-frequency words are commonly used words that children need to recognise quickly (e.g., "the," "and," "was"). Knowing these helps them read fluently. Our reading programmes focus on teaching high-frequency words alongside phonics. We also share some top tips for this in our free Facebook group for parents - click here to join.