Brooklyn Letters IconBrooklyn Letters

1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn

4.9 56 reviews

  • Avatar Emily Matles ★★★★★ a week ago
    We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
    ~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old
  • Avatar T Ainsley ★★★★★ 5 months ago
    I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
  • Avatar Natalie Levon ★★★★★ 4 months ago
    Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
  • Avatar Colin Peters ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
  • Avatar Lil Amatore ★★★★★ 7 months ago
    Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
  • Avatar Heather Liljengren ★★★★★ a year ago
    We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
  • Avatar Brigid Bower ★★★★★ 11 months ago
    Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
  • Avatar Duygu Başaran ★★★★★ 11 months ago
    Brooklyn Letters was recommended to me through a friend's speech therapist friend in NJ. The articulation evaluation for my daughter went well. We were pleased with Kristin's services.
  • Avatar Kelley Peters-Patel ★★★★★ a year ago
    Melissa was wonderful. Our daughter warmed to her immediately and by the time she left, had already started "practicing" some of the techniques Melissa had shown her. I will not hesitate at all to reach out to Melissa again, should … More the need arise.
  • Avatar R Elmore ★★★★★ a year ago
    Aileen was INCREDIBLY helpful to us, both in assessing possible origins of my grandson's food aversions, as well as informing us of various available interventions to consider.
    I can’t thank you and Brooklyn Letters enough for connecting
    … More us with Aileen. In all our feeding therapy journey we have not gotten anything near the kind of benefit that we did from her. Her knowledge, professionalism, and responsiveness have put us on the path of progress with my grandson and has also made us feel genuinely well cared for.
  • Avatar Christine Weiher ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    We were amazed with Allison! She met my son at 2 1/2 years old, not speaking much at all, and over a computer, and she was able to develop a bond and friendship, so much so that he would look forward to his weekly computer time with Allison. … More I was not sure how the speech therapy would go- but we are so happy that we tried it out and continued. It allowed my son to gain confidence in his speech, make a new friend :), and also give him the skills and a bit of understanding of how to shape his mouth or where to place his tongue to make the proper sounds. We were extremely happy with Allison- she was fantastic to work with.
  • Avatar Andrea Saffady ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    My sessions with Karen have been extremely helpful. My speech has improved tremendously. In fact, I just finished 2 hours of conducting interviews with a consulting client via MS Teams and I have an upcoming conference call. Both my … More neurologist and neurosurgeon remarked about how good my speech is. Much of the day it is perfect, although I still have some rough spots when I get tired or speak too quickly. One of my granddaughters is a speech pathology student at Ithaca College. She sat in on 2 sessions while she was home for winter break, and she was very impressed with Karen.
  • Avatar Jacob B ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    We were delighted with Christie. First, and most importantly, our son made great strides under her guidance. So great, that we felt he no longer needed help! She was incredibly patient and kind with him and our son really responded to … More her. Christie was also great with me and my wife. She provided thorough and informative updates on our son's progress and which exercises she was using with him, so we could reinforce what she was teaching him. All in all, we had a fabulous experience with Christie and would highly recommend her.
  • Avatar Jessica C ★★★★★ a year ago
    Theo was wonderful and his work with my son has produced some progress. I am grateful for the services Theo provided.
  • Avatar Melissa Stevens ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Highly recommend Jill. She is a total pleasure to work with. After a few months working with Jill, my son is reading above grade level and LOVES to read. Mission accomplished!
  • Avatar Demet Evren ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Paige was great and we had been really happy with her. I would highly recommend her! I recommend Brooklyn Letters to whomever asks for a speech therapist.
  • Avatar Jeizel Rosenthal ★★★★★ 2 years ago
    Isabel was WONDERFUL and our son absolutely adored her, and he is making great progress with his reading and writing.
  • Avatar Lesley Duval ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Theo was fantastic with our 4yo son. We were very worried that his progress would fall off when we had to switch to remote sessions, but Theo kept our son happy and engaged through the screen. Highly highly recommend!
  • Avatar Samantha Packard ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    We've been working with Theo from Brooklyn Letters for close to 4 months now and the results are apparent; our daughter has vastly improved her speech in a relatively short amount of time. We make "Theo Day" a celebration … More in our house with pancakes for breakfast, and the enthusiasm is matched in the sessions. Theo is fun, patient, professional, and caring, and he gives us the tools to take the lessons beyond the session. Thank you Theo, and Brooklyn Letters, for helping our daughter express herself.
  • Avatar Travis Ricca ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I worked with Alina to enhance my pronunciation, tone, and pacing while communicating socially and in a work environment. She was great to work with and clear about goals and learning objectives. The improvement from day 1 has been tremendous! … More
  • Avatar Enrico Bermudez ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    Cathy has been excellent with us and our son. We will sorely miss her. He has improved significantly with Cathy’s help. Cathy was a true partner with us, especially as we pursued additional help through our son’s school system.
  • Avatar Kayne Elisabeth Wilk ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    We really loved working with Alina, she is so fantastic. Patient yet firm, and determined the best course of action very clearly and succintly for us. And it all transitioned so well to Zoom as well. I will definitely be back in touch for … More services for our other child after summer break!
  • Avatar Jen S ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Vera was amazing! My 11 yo daughter made progress so quickly and really looked forward to her sessions. She was kept motivated and engaged.
  • Avatar susie tofte ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    The work that Allison P. did with our daughter over the years has been invaluable to us. Our daughter had such a good relationship with Allison, and it allowed them to work really well together - even remotely these past 6 months. This … More year, Allison went above and beyond by helping us throughout the neuropsych eval we did, trying to re-open our daughter's IEP at her school, and eventually landing her at our chosen school. She was in contact with our daughter's teachers, with the neuropsychologist, and made herself available as a reference to speak on behalf of our daughter's learning differences.
    Allison stopped by our house last week to give our daughter cupcakes and say goodbye, and I literally cried with appreciation for what an amazing speech therapist she has been. She has been our daughter's biggest champion. The new families that she will work with this year are lucky to have her.
  • Avatar Alicia Perez-Katz ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Sydney was great! Our son was sad to end his sessions with her, which says a lot. We appreciated her honest assessment of his skill level, and he now has materials to self monitor and practice. Thank you!
  • Avatar Kristin Ames ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Our experience with Theo was terrific. Theo was great with my son. He developed a positive relationship with him based on sincerity, respect, trust and a deep personal connection. In their lessons, Theo was encouraging, creative and kind. … More He helped our son understand how to differentiate the sounds he made when he spoke, and gave him great exercises to practice every week between lessons. Our son was sorry to have the lessons come to an end, but recognized that Theo had helped him as much as possible and it was time for him to stop. Theo explained to him (and us) how to keep working to get the last 5%, and encouraged him to keep working on the exercises on his own. I have recommended Theo to another parent who noticed my son's improvement and inquired for her own son.
    We are all grateful to have gotten to know Theo, and we greatly appreciate all the work he did to help our son.
  • Avatar Aisha Holder ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    "I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Michelle Macroy-Higgins. We are extremely pleased with her work with our daughter. I was so grateful for my daughter to have a speech therapist who is a researcher (specialty in late … More talkers), graduate professor and practitioner. Her expertise was clearly evident in our conversations and work with our daughter. She was very responsive to my questions and often sent articles and other materials about language development that I found helpful. Thankfully, my daughter's speech improved tremendously. Michelle developed such a warm relationship with my daughter. My daughter was always excited to see Michelle and would greet her at the door with a big hug. Lastly, I would add that Michelle always demonstrated empathy with me as a mother who was initially worried about her daughter's language development. I could go on and on about how pleased we were with Michelle's work."
  • Avatar Andrea Peartree ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Theo is a wonderful Clinton Hill speech therapist. We were really pleased with him. Our son showed drastic improvement, not only in his speech but in his confidence.
  • Avatar mario costa ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Alexa has been an enthusiastic, reliable, well prepared and caring teacher for our 6 year old daughter. She has been able to improve and increase our daughter's confidence lesson by lesson with patience and competence; through varied … More and productive didactic practice. Alexa has engaged our daughter in several activities that always kept her motivated and eager to learn literacy. My wife and I, both of us are educators, feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe Alexa's pedagogical skills. Alexa has had a big impact on our daughter literacy growth. Thank you Brooklyn Letters!
  • Avatar Lily Alt ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    We were absolutely DELIGHTED with Marsha's services. She was wonderful. We found her to be kind, fun, engaging, very knowledgeable. She provided us with clear instructions and additional written handouts each week. She engaged our … More son with different techniques and toys, and showed us how to use her techniques when we were interacting with him. I actually just texted her on Saturday - Our son finally said "more" - one of the target words we had been working on with her. It was a total joy to hear, and I had to share it with her - she wrote back immediately to congratulate us. I am so appreciative of her expertise, and wish we could have seen her for longer. I recommended her to another family in our neighborhood who is looking for a speech therapist.

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BEST 1:1 DYSLEXIA TUTORS IN STATEN ISLAND

a fun dyslexia tutoring session at home in Staten Island

Staten Island Owned and Operated by Brooklyn Letters.

The Dyslexia Tutors We Work With Travel to Your Staten Island Home! | Top 1:1 In-Person Dyslexia Tutoring in Staten Island | Free Consultation and Meet & Greets With the Educators We Work With.

The Dyslexia Tutors We Work With Travel to Your Staten Island Home! | Top 1:1 In-Person Dyslexia Tutoring in Staten Island | Free Consultation and Meet & Greets With the Educators We Work With.

When dyslexia makes reading a daily struggle, it affects everything—school, confidence, and family stress levels. If your child is struggling with reading, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. Staten Island Letters connects families with research-backed reading support tailored for neurodivergent learners, including those with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences and disabilities. A network of independent providers uses multisensory instruction and a strength-based approach to help struggling readers—especially those with complex learning profiles—build the foundational skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. We proudly serve families across the Staten Island area.

The tutoring sessions we provide can be scheduled at times that fit your family’s schedule, whether it’s after school, on weekends, or during school breaks. With Staten Island Letters, you no longer have to worry about commuting or conflicting schedules—the services we provide are designed to be convenient and accessible.

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As a parent, watching your child struggle with reading and writing can be heart-wrenching, especially when you know they are capable of so much more. If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, or if you suspect they might have it, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of finding the right help at the right time.

  1. Is your child struggling to keep up with their peers in reading and writing?
    Many parents feel frustrated when their child faces challenges in school, especially when dyslexia goes undiagnosed. Early intervention can make all the difference, but how do you know where to start? To better understand dyslexia and how to support your child, check out our comprehensive guide to understanding dyslexia.
  2. Are you tired of driving to distant tutoring centers for specialized support?
    The hassle of finding convenient, local support for your child can be overwhelming. What if tutoring could come to you, in the comfort of your home, with a schedule that fits your family’s needs? Learn more about in-home dyslexia tutoring, designed to provide personalized support at your convenience.
  3. Do you worry that your child is falling behind academically due to their learning differences?
    Dyslexia doesn’t just affect reading—it can impact your child’s self-esteem and motivation. How can you ensure your child receives the right support and regains confidence in their learning journey? Discover how phonological processing issues can affect your child’s ability to read and write, and how targeted interventions can help.

At Staten Island Letters, we understand the frustrations parents face when trying to support a child with dyslexia. With in-home tutoring, experienced specialists, and customized programs, Staten Island Letters helps your child succeed and regain the confidence they need to thrive academically.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading and writing. It is not linked to intelligence or effort but rather to how the brain processes language. People with dyslexia often experience difficulty in associating sounds with letters, decoding words, and spelling, though they are typically very capable in other areas.

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting an estimated 15% to 20% of the U.S. population—roughly 30 to 40 million people. It represents up to 90% of all learning disabilities identified in schools. While boys are more frequently diagnosed, studies indicate that dyslexia occurs at the same rate in girls, who are often overlooked. Recognizing how dyslexia presents in school is essential, especially since only about 1 in 10 individuals receive a proper diagnosis. Without timely intervention, students with dyslexia face a significantly higher risk of dropping out of high school.

 It’s important to remember that dyslexia is not a reflection of a person’s intellect—many individuals with dyslexia are highly creative and possess exceptional problem-solving skills. Early detection and intervention are key to overcoming challenges and developing strong literacy skills.

For more detailed information, explore literacy milestones and how early intervention can help your child succeed.

Training/Certifications
Training/Certifications
Training/Certifications

Why Early Intervention Matters

Early intervention is critical for children with dyslexia. Studies show that children who are diagnosed early and receive targeted support can catch up with their peers in terms of reading and writing skills. Early identification can help prevent the development of negative attitudes toward reading and writing, which often results in academic struggles and a lack of self-confidence. To learn more about how early intervention can improve reading levels, read our guide on improving reading.

When a child begins receiving appropriate, specialized tutoring at an early age, they are given the tools to thrive academically. Research by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) shows that children who receive structured literacy instruction before the age of 8 tend to show significantly greater progress in reading and spelling.

Why Choose Staten Island Letters

Staten Island Letters is your local resource for specialized tutoring services for children with dyslexia. We are passionate about creating personalized learning experiences that address the specific challenges of children with learning differences. Here’s why families trust us:

1. Expert Tutors Specializing in Dyslexia

At Staten Island Letters, the tutors we work with are trained professionals with expertise in dyslexia and related learning differences. They are certified in evidence-based reading programs such as Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading, ensuring that your child receives the highest quality of care. Tutors take a personalized approach to learning, adapting their techniques to suit each child’s unique needs. We also offer specialized speech and language therapy to help address the phonological challenges many children with dyslexia face.

2. Proven Success with Local Students

We have helped countless students in Staten Island overcome their struggles with reading and writing. The methods used have been proven to work, with many of our students showing significant improvement in their academic performance and confidence. The focus is on measurable progress, ensuring that every child makes consistent strides toward literacy. Explore some literacy apps for struggling readers that can further support your child’s learning at home.

3. Personalized, One-on-One Tutoring

Every child is different, which is why we offer personalized, one-on-one tutoring sessions. Tutors work closely with your child to create a customized learning plan that addresses their specific challenges. This individualized attention ensures that your child gets the support they need in a way that works best for them. For more ideas on supporting phonics instruction at home, consider using online phonics materials for struggling readers.

4. Multisensory Teaching Methods

The tutoring approach we facilitate incorporates multisensory techniques, engaging your child’s visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses to enhance learning. This approach has been shown to be especially effective for children with dyslexia, as it strengthens memory and understanding. By using various senses, we ensure that children are fully engaged and able to retain information more effectively.

5. In-Home Tutoring for Convenience

We understand that your time is valuable, so we bring the tutoring services we provide directly to you. With in-home tutoring, you don’t have to worry about travel time or coordinating schedules. Tutors will work around your family’s schedule, offering flexible hours that are convenient for your child and you.

6. Comprehensive Progress Tracking

At Staten Island Letters, we provide regular updates on your child’s progress, keeping you informed about their development. We track their achievements and areas for improvement through detailed assessments and feedback. This ongoing monitoring ensures that we can make adjustments to the tutoring plan when necessary to maintain continuous growth.

7. Supportive and Encouraging Environment

We believe that building a child’s confidence is just as important as teaching academic skills. The tutors we work with provide a nurturing and positive environment where children feel supported and motivated. By focusing on encouragement and celebrating small victories, we help students overcome their fear of failure and take pride in their achievements.

8. Flexible Learning Plans for Busy Families

Life can be hectic, but that shouldn’t stop your child from getting the help they need. We offer flexible scheduling options that fit into your family’s busy routine. Whether your child needs tutoring after school, on weekends, or during school breaks, we can adjust to meet their needs, ensuring they don’t fall behind in their learning.

With expert tutors, tailored approaches, and flexible services, Staten Island Letters is dedicated to helping your child overcome challenges and reach their full potential. We are here to guide your child toward success, one step at a time.

TESTIMONIALS

Cassie is a reading specialist who has worked one on one with our 6-year-old son for the last 9 months (Aug 2016-May 2017). Our son brings challenging avoidance behaviors and impulsivity to their sessions. Cassie uses the Orton-Gillingham approach and improvises with clever multi-sensory ideas to engage him. Through practice, she learned that if she uses gentle squeezes on his arm corresponding to syllables/letter sounds, it allows him to stay engaged. She is always very flexible, while firm, and creative in adjusting or rearranging tasks based on his needs and attention level. She makes a point of creating success for her students and having the session ended on a positive note. He has made incredible progress in his phonology and reading, which he then applies in school, using the specific tools Cassie has taught him. He loves reading and is very proud of his skills. She has provided detailed reports after each session, along with strategies and activities to practice. She is an advocate for special needs children through and through, and amazing in her dedication and practice.

- Emily, motherAn advocate for special needs children through and through, and amazing in her dedication and practice.

She is a total pleasure to work with. After a few months working with Jill, my son is reading above grade level and LOVES to read. Mission accomplished!

- Melissa S.Highly recommend Jill.

She established a close relationship with her and helped her to jump several reading levels. Thanks to Rachel, my daughter is now a confident reader! I am very happy that I reached out to you and I will certainly recommend Staten Island Letters in the future.

- Joseph, fatherRachel has been an amazing tutor for my daughter

Signs and Symptoms at Different Ages

Dyslexia can manifest differently depending on a child’s age and stage of development. It’s important to be aware of the signs at different stages, as early identification can significantly improve a child’s chances of success.

Early Childhood (Ages 3-5)

  • Delayed speech development: Children may have difficulty pronouncing words correctly or speaking in complete sentences.
  • Difficulty learning to rhyme: Rhyming is a key developmental milestone, and children with dyslexia often struggle with this skill.
  • Problems with letter recognition: Many young children can recognize the alphabet, but those with dyslexia may confuse letters or have trouble distinguishing between them.

Elementary School (Ages 6-9)

  • Difficulty reading: Children may have trouble sounding out words and will often skip over words or read slowly.
  • Struggles with spelling: Spelling can be challenging, with children often spelling the same word in different ways.
  • Avoidance of reading: Children with dyslexia may avoid reading aloud or reading altogether because it can be so difficult.

Adolescence (Ages 10-14)

  • Slow reading speed: Older children with dyslexia may continue to struggle with reading at a speed that matches their peers, affecting their overall comprehension.
  • Problems organizing thoughts: Writing assignments may be difficult because they have trouble organizing their ideas or spelling words correctly.
  • Frustration and lack of confidence: Over time, children with undiagnosed dyslexia may develop feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and avoidance behaviors regarding schoolwork.
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Interventions for Dyslexia

There are a variety of interventions available to help children with dyslexia, and the best outcomes often result from early, targeted interventions. Some of the most effective dyslexia interventions include:

  • The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is a well-known, research-backed, multisensory teaching method that is specifically designed for individuals with dyslexia. This approach emphasizes the systematic teaching of the relationships between sounds and letters in a structured, step-by-step manner. One of the core principles of Orton-Gillingham is the use of explicit instruction, where each letter, sound, or pattern is taught directly and clearly. It is highly individualized, meaning that each lesson is tailored to the specific needs and learning pace of the child. The OG method incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning strategies, helping students reinforce new concepts by seeing, hearing, and touching the material. This approach has been widely regarded as one of the most effective methods for helping children with dyslexia.
  • Wilson Reading System is another evidence-based program that is specifically designed to help children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. It is a structured literacy program that teaches children to read and write by focusing on the understanding of word patterns and rules of spelling. Wilson Reading is grounded in the Orton-Gillingham approach but is more structured, providing a comprehensive, easy-to-follow curriculum that spans multiple levels of instruction. It includes intensive, one-on-one tutoring sessions where children learn to recognize and understand sounds, syllables, and word patterns. The program also focuses on improving fluency, comprehension, and writing skills. The multisensory approach used in the Wilson Reading System enables children to process written words in multiple ways, reinforcing their understanding and memory of key language concepts.
  • Multisensory techniques are a cornerstone of many dyslexia interventions, including both the Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading Systems. These techniques engage the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (touch-based) senses to reinforce learning, making it easier for children with dyslexia to process and retain new information. For example, children may trace letters in sand or on textured surfaces while saying the letter sounds aloud to reinforce the connection between the visual appearance of the letter and its sound. They may also use colored overlays, flashcards, or word walls to help with word recognition. Additionally, children may be encouraged to write out words while saying them aloud, providing a tactile way of learning. The combination of these sensory methods strengthens the neural connections in the brain, making it easier for children with dyslexia to recall and apply what they have learned. By using a multisensory approach, students experience active learning, which helps improve both retention and recall of the material.

At Staten Island Letters, we use these proven, research-based approaches to provide the most effective and comprehensive tutoring experience for your child. We understand that each child learns differently, so we tailor our sessions to meet their individual needs and abilities.

Common Myths and Facts

It’s important to clear up some common myths about dyslexia to better understand the condition:

  • Myth: Dyslexia is just about reversing letters and numbers.
    • Fact: While letter reversals may be a symptom for some children, dyslexia encompasses much more than that. It primarily affects a child’s ability to decode words and understand written language.
  • Myth: Dyslexia only affects reading.
    • Fact: Dyslexia can also impact spelling, writing, and sometimes math. Children may struggle with sequencing, remembering numbers, or understanding math concepts.
  • Myth: People with dyslexia cannot learn to read.
    • Fact: With the right interventions, children with dyslexia can learn to read. It may take more time and practice, but success is absolutely possible.

How Professional Tutoring Works

At Staten Island Letters, our tutoring process is thorough and personalized. Here’s how it works:

  1. Initial Assessment: Every new student undergoes a detailed assessment to identify the areas in which they are struggling. This helps us create an individualized plan of action.
  2. Customized Lesson Plans: Based on the assessment results, we develop a customized lesson plan to target your child’s specific needs. The tutors we work with use proven methods, like Orton-Gillingham and Wilson, to help them learn in a way that suits their learning style.
  3. Ongoing Progress Monitoring: We track your child’s progress regularly and adjust their lessons as needed to ensure continued success. We maintain open communication with parents to update them on their child’s achievements and areas of improvement.
  4. Parent Support: We don’t just work with your child—we also provide advice and resources to parents to help reinforce the lessons at home.
a male dyslexia tutor with a girl at home in Staten Island

How We Tutor a Kid with Dyslexia

At Staten Island Letters, the tutoring sessions we provide are designed to be engaging, structured, and tailored to meet each child’s unique needs. By incorporating multisensory techniques, the specialists we work with make learning interactive and help children with dyslexia improve their reading and writing skills.

  • Visual Cues – We use flashcards, charts, and colored pencils to highlight key word patterns and letter associations. These visual tools help reinforce recognition and make it easier for children to decode and spell words.
  • Auditory Cues – Children are encouraged to read aloud and listen to the sounds of words to strengthen letter-sound associations. Auditory feedback ensures they process both written and spoken language effectively, enhancing phonemic awareness.
  • Kinesthetic Cues – Kinesthetic activities like tracing letters in sand or using play-dough to form words engage the sense of touch, reinforcing learning. These hands-on techniques help children solidify the shapes of letters and words, improving retention.
  • Memory and Recall Techniques – We incorporate mnemonic devices and memory games to make learning fun and memorable. These techniques help children retain spelling rules and word patterns by linking them to familiar and engaging cues.
  • Breaking Down Complex Tasks – We break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to prevent overwhelm and help children build confidence. This approach makes it easier for children to master one concept before moving on to the next.
  • Repetition and Reinforcement – Repetition is a key part of the tutoring we provide, ensuring that children continue to practice and solidify their skills. This technique strengthens their understanding and makes the learning process more automatic.
  • Use of Technology and Interactive Tools- We integrate reading apps and interactive tools to support learning in a fun and engaging way. These digital resources provide extra practice and allow children to learn at their own pace.

Our goal is to make learning an interactive and enjoyable experience so your child can thrive.

Effective Dyslexia Tutoring Strategies

At Staten Island Letters, we use a variety of proven strategies to support students with dyslexia. These approaches are designed to strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and make learning more accessible.

  • Repetition – We reinforce key concepts through consistent review and practice until mastery is achieved. This repetition helps build automaticity, so children can read and spell with greater ease and confidence.
  • Breaking Tasks into Manageable Steps – Complex reading or writing tasks are broken into smaller, bite-sized parts that are easier to understand. This reduces frustration and helps students focus on one clear objective at a time.
  • Positive Reinforcement – We celebrate every achievement—big or small—to build self-esteem and motivation. Encouraging feedback keeps students engaged and fosters a positive attitude toward learning.

By combining structure, patience, and encouragement, we help children with dyslexia learn in a way that makes sense to them. These strategies empower students to take ownership of their learning and build lasting academic confidence. Check out our phonological processing strategies to improve your child’s reading and writing.

Best Tutoring Methods for Dyslexia?

There are many instructional approaches available for children with dyslexia, but some are far more effective than others. At Staten Island Letters, we rely on the most trusted, research-backed methods to ensure students get the support they need to succeed.

Orton-Gillingham Approach

The Orton-Gillingham method is considered the gold standard for dyslexia intervention and is especially effective in one-on-one settings. It uses a step-by-step, explicit and systematic approach that emphasizes the relationship between letters and sounds, helping students build reading and spelling skills from the ground up.

This method is multisensory, meaning children learn through seeing, hearing, and touching, which strengthens retention and understanding. It also allows for individualized pacing, ensuring each child progresses at a speed that is right for them.

Wilson Reading System

The Wilson Reading System is a highly structured, intensive reading program that’s also based on Orton-Gillingham principles but designed with a predefined curriculum. It provides a clear, organized sequence of lessons, making it ideal for both individual and small group instruction.

This method is especially helpful for older students or those who need more repetition and guided practice. It addresses phonics, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, offering a comprehensive literacy solution for struggling readers.

Our Integrated Approach

At Staten Island Letters, we use a hybrid approach that draws from both Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading, selecting strategies that best match your child’s age, level, and learning style. The tutors we work with are trained in both methods and know how to blend them effectively to meet each student’s specific needs.

We also include supplementary techniques, such as multisensory games, decoding drills, and fluency-building exercises, to create a well-rounded program. By combining the best of both worlds, we ensure that your child benefits from a complete, personalized tutoring experience that produces lasting results.

Choosing Between Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading

Both Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading are highly effective, research-based programs for teaching children with dyslexia. However, they have different strengths, and the best choice depends on your child’s age, learning style, and support needs.

Orton-Gillingham is highly individualized, making it ideal for one-on-one instruction and students who need a more tailored pace. It allows tutors to adjust each lesson based on the student’s strengths and challenges, offering maximum flexibility in instruction.

Wilson Reading follows a more defined curriculum with clear lesson sequences, making it great for students who thrive on consistency and routine. It’s also well-suited for older students, especially those in group or school-based settings, who benefit from a structured progression.

Which Is Right for Your Child?

If your child needs highly individualized attention and a slower, more customized approach, Orton-Gillingham may be the better fit. If your child does well with predictable routines and step-by-step instruction, especially in a small group or classroom format, Wilson may be more effective.

staten island dyslexia tutor

Helping Your Child with Dyslexia at Home

Supporting your child at home plays a crucial role in reinforcing what they learn during tutoring. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, you can make a meaningful impact on their reading and writing progress.

  • Read Together – Read aloud with your child daily to build fluency and help them feel more confident with text.
  • Play Word Games – Games like Scrabble, Boggle, and Hangman reinforce spelling and phonics in a fun way.
  • Provide Emotional Support – Offer encouragement and patience, reminding your child that progress takes time and mistakes are okay.
  • Use Audiobooks – Listening to audiobooks builds comprehension and exposes your child to rich vocabulary without the stress of decoding.
  • Create a Dyslexia-Friendly Study Space – Set up a quiet, organized space with tools like reading rulers and pencil grips to support focus and comfort.
  • Practice Multisensory Spelling – Use sand, magnetic letters, or finger tracing to reinforce spelling through touch and movement.
  • Break Down Homework into Chunks – Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm and improve focus.
  • Label Household Items – Placing labels on everyday objects helps your child connect spoken and written language visually.
  • Use Technology to Support Learning – Apps like Nessy and Learning Ally offer extra reading and writing support tailored for dyslexia.
  • Celebrate Small Wins – Praise every bit of progress to build your child’s motivation and reinforce their confidence.

By creating a supportive, encouraging home environment, you help reinforce the skills your child is building through tutoring. Small, consistent actions at home can make a big difference in their confidence and long-term success. 

Dyslexia and Speech Therapy: How They Work Together

Speech therapy can be an essential part of a dyslexia intervention program. While dyslexia primarily affects reading, speech therapy targets the phonological aspects of language, helping your child better process sounds and words. Combined, these therapies provide a holistic approach to language development. Learn more about dyslexia therapy to help you create a supportive environment at home.

Get Started Today

Take the first step toward helping your child overcome their challenges with dyslexia. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and remote meet-and-greet, where we can discuss your child’s unique needs and how the expert tutors we work with can provide the personalized support they need to thrive. At Staten Island Letters, we are committed to offering families in Staten Island top-tier, evidence-based tutoring services, tailored specifically to help children with dyslexia build the skills and confidence they deserve. 

Let’s work together to unlock your child’s full potential—reach out now to begin the journey to success.

FAQs

1. What makes your dyslexia tutoring different from other programs?
We offer in-home, one-on-one tutoring tailored specifically for kids with dyslexia. The tutors we work with use proven, multisensory programs like Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading. Unlike generic tutoring centers, we personalize every session based on your child’s pace, strengths, and challenges—all from the comfort of your home.

2. How do I know if my child has dyslexia?
Some early signs include trouble rhyming, confusing letters, reading slowly, or avoiding reading altogether. If you’re concerned, we can connect you with a professional who can assess your child and guide you on next steps. Early support makes a big difference!

3. Do you come to our home in Staten Island?
Yes! We travel throughout all Staten Island neighborhoods and work around your family’s schedule. The in-home tutoring we provide is designed to be convenient, flexible, and stress-free—no commuting necessary.

4. What ages do you work with?
We support children from preschool through middle and high school. Whether your child is just learning to read or struggling with writing essays, we customize the support we provide to match their developmental level and academic needs.

5. What methods do you use to help kids with dyslexia?
We use structured, evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham and the Wilson Reading System. These methods are multisensory—engaging touch, sight, and sound—to help students connect letters, sounds, and meaning more effectively.

6. Can tutoring really help my child catch up in reading?
Absolutely. With consistent, specialized instruction, many students make significant gains in reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence. The earlier we start, the better—but progress can happen at any age with the right approach.

7. How often should my child receive tutoring?
Most families start with 2–3 sessions per week for steady progress, but it depends on your child’s needs and schedule. We’ll work with you to find the right frequency and build a custom plan.

8. What happens during the first session?
The first session is about getting to know your child and assessing where they’re at. We look at reading, writing, phonics, and more—then build a plan that fits. It’s relaxed, supportive, and designed to set your child up for success.

FREE CONSULTATION!!!
Call: (347) 394-3485,
Text: (917) 426-8880
Email: [email protected]
(we respond to email right away!)

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