Orton-Gillingham trained dyslexia reading specialist
Based in Lamorinda, I serve elementary school kids, grades K-5, with dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences, using the Slingerland Approach to structured literacy.
An official dyslexia diagnosis is not necessary for parents to seek expert structured literacy, Orton-Gillingham-based help for their struggling readers.
I will first assess your child to determine their individual strengths and weaknesses, and then provide weekly, in person, one-on-one targeted reading instruction, tailored to their unique needs. I keep student data and continuously track progress to ensure continued growth.
I am passionate about the science of reading and helping children achieve success in their academic and emotional journeys.
Get in touch for a free consultation on whether your child is a good candidate for my help!
Katerina Malone
Dyslexia Reading Specialist & Structured Literacy Expert
How can I help your dyslexic child ?
The Slingerland Approach is a comprehensive, multi-sensory, evidence-based, structured literacy methodology that provides a strong foundation for reading and writing skills, particularly for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities. It is based on the Orton-Gillingham method and is taught throughout specialized dyslexia schools in the US and Canada. It is also successfully used in a one-on-one tutoring setting.
This comprehensive structured literacy program integrates all five components endorsed by the National Reading Panel and the Science of Reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension.
What makes Slingerland stand out from other Orton-Gillingham programs is the way it emphasizes handwriting instruction as a core element, recognizing its vital role in the development of the reading brain.
During the process of researching and educating myself on dyslexia, I found out that too often in the public school setting, teaching is done in a manner that doesn’t give enough consideration to the brain research and educational and cognitive psychology that support effective teaching and learning.
The past two decades of scientific research have brought in a wealth of new knowledge about the development of the reading brain. One of the crucial missing pieces is the importance of teaching spelling skills in a direct and explicit manner.
Spelling is a particularly overlooked area in literacy instruction. The cognitive process that enables readers and spellers form permanent connections between a word's pronunciation, spelling, and meaning is called orthographic coding, and is the missing link to what have been left out of literacy instruction standards. Orthographic coding is the ability of the brain to automatically analyze written words by accessing a mental dictionary of their pronunciation and meaning.
Explicit and direct handwriting instruction in both manuscript and cursive is integral to the Slingerland method.
Teaching handwriting is even more crucial in the digital age, because it offers cognitive and neurological benefits which modern technology can not replicate.
The Slingerland Approach simultaneously engages the visual, auditory and kinesthetic-motor channels necessary for successful sensory integration and successful learning.
Start your reading journey today!
My personal story and why I became a dyslexia Slingerland reading specialist
I first learned about dyslexia when my son was diagnosed in elementary school. After two years of resource reading support in the public school system, he still struggled with low self-esteem, and lagged several years behind in reading, writing and spelling. I embarked on a journey of educating myself on what dyslexia is and how to help him. After only a couple of months of Orton-Gillingham tutoring, my son shared he was finally beginning to “see what was in the words.” This intensive intervention transformed him into a confident, motivated, and successful reader. And most of all, it brought back the smile on his face!
After witnessing this dramatic change in him, I decided to go through the rigorous process of Slingerland training to help other kids find success.
An official dyslexia diagnosis is not necessary for parents to seek expert help for their struggling readers.
I am committed to helping your child achieve success in both their academic and emotional journeys!
Get in touch for a free consultation on whether your child is a good candidate for my help!
Reading
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Spelling
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Handwriting
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Comprehension
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Reading • Spelling • Handwriting • Comprehension •
Note: Lamorinda Reads is an independent business and is not affiliated with any past or present library services formerly operating under a similar name.