This program is a systematic synthetic phonics program. This means it is a structured program explicitly introducing letter to sound relationships. We begin with identifying and reading small parts within short CVC words and slowly expand on this concept as we move through the program. We explore these concepts through a variety of multisensory activities, ensuring that students are able to make strong, lasting connections in their learning. The program is a 'check before teach' method. Before I teach a concept, I check for understanding. If the student already has knowledge of a concept, we move on to the next gap in their learning. I only teach to the gaps in students' knowledge, ensuring we are making good use of their time with me. Each concept is taught to mastery before moving onto the next one.This program encompasses all parts of literacy. Students develop their reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension, as well as their spelling and basic sentence writing skills.This systematic synthetic approach to reading and spelling instruction is strongly supported by research and endorsed by education departments across Australia.

It is important to see Sound Foundations ACT as an intervention program, not tutoring.Typically, the students I work with have already received tutoring or other forms of literacy support, but it hasn’t been enough to address the underlying difficulties they are experiencing. This program takes a different approach.The first step is to identify the specific gaps in a student’s reading and spelling skills through an assessment. From there, I develop an intensive, individualised program that targets those areas and works systematically to close those gaps.Rather than simply following the same sequence of lessons for every student, teaching is carefully tailored to each individual’s needs. As a qualified teacher and experienced reading intervention teacher, I use assessment information and ongoing progress to guide what each student needs to learn next.When you choose Sound Foundations ACT, you aren’t simply paying for another tutoring service. You are investing in an effective, evidence-based and individualised intervention program, delivered one-on-one by a qualified and experienced specialist teacher.

This program suits all ages. I have taught students from Kindergarten age all the way up to adult. For adults, tuition is offered in-person and online. Tuition is only offered in-person for students under 18 because it is more effective for them.

Every student is different, so the length of tuition will depend on their individual needs and progress.Generally, students receive tuition for two to three school terms before having a break. Some students will return later for further tuition, while others may not need any additional intervention.While tuition is most effective when provided consistently across consecutive terms, families are welcome to take a break whenever they feel it is appropriate. Simply let me know when your child is ready to return, and we can restart tuition.

I'm happy to come to your child's school in the north side of Canberra. We will need to have permission from the school principal and ensure there is space for us. If this is not a possibility, I would be happy to provide tuition at my home in Ngunnawal, or if suitable, at the child's home.

This program is designed to be delivered twice a week. It is an intensive intervention program rather than a tutoring service. Intervention is different to tutoring. For effectiveness, it is important for students to attend lessons frequently. This is to ensure they receive the intensity and consistency needed to build skills, reinforce learning and make consistent progress. For this reason, I only offer tuition twice weekly.

No. This program is designed for all low progress readers and spellers regardless of diagnosis. The program is a great fit for students who are finding they aren't progressing with whole class and small group interventions at school. It is also perfect for adults who decide they want to improve their reading and spelling skills.While a diagnosis isn't necessary for tuition, I do have years of experience at teaching this program to students with varying needs including adhd, autism, PDA, dyslexia and dysgraphia. If you are unsure if this program will be suitable for your child, it is best to come for an assessment so I can check their reading and spelling knowledge. After the assessment, we can decide together whether intervention is the next best step for them.

Unfortunately, I cannot diagnose students with dyslexia. This can only be done through an educational psychologist. The good news is, after receiving a diagnosis, intervention usually becomes part of the recommendations/plan for students with a diagnosis of dyslexia or dysgraphia. This program is the best next step in your plan.

Unfortunately, I am not yet an NDIS provider. However, depending on the student's goals and plan with NDIS, I can provide certain wording on the invoice that can be accepted by NDIS. It is important to check with your NDIS support contact person prior to beginning tuition because NDIS does not always accept these codes for assessments or tuition. It is decided on an individual basis. It is worth mentioning this service is a life skill, not part of education goals.