Consultation and Coaching

I coach students at all levels, from young non-readers middle through adults, in word attach, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills.  I enjoy using text topics about nature, animals and their lives, and humane values such as respect and kindness.   

The study of syllable types to assist students with unknown words, helps build reading confidence and independence.   Language coaching can be done in person, in Durham at the North Durham library, the Hillsborough library, or, for older students,  online.  The time commitment to see skill improvement is several months,; usually goals are set for the fall, spring, or summer semester.  

My 2-session  developmental assessment and consultation for parents of young children, who are early or non-readers, gives a clear picture of current pre-reading and reading skills.  I can also provide activity recommendations for boosting reading at home. 

During the assessment for young children, I use stuffed animal mascots to help the children focus, and provide encouragement!.    Listening and reading skills can be practiced at home with games, conversations, and even while riding in the car.  I can assess skills, and discuss next steps recommend  for children with special needs, including developmental delays, learning processing problems, and attentional challenges. 

If reading coaching at higher skill levels takes place online, reading comprehension and vocabulary activities vary between using individualized reading books, co-creating Google Docs, and use of the Web to find reading material of interest.  We may also  share reading books, and/orworkbooks, which include vocabulary crosswords and comprehension skills. Writing coaching is done in person.