Where Kids Learn To Read, Spell, Comprehend, and Communicate
Adults And Adult Groups Welcome
Pre-K - Adult

258 Sixth Avenue, Corner of Garfield Place
718.768.3526

Why Some Children Have Difficulty Learning to Read
The specific reasons are as varied as there are children. All of us have strengths and weaknesses. Some children have difficulty paying attention, while others may have difficulty associating a sound with a symbol; that is, the awareness of or ability to remember what sound a letter makes.

In other cases, there may be an underlying language issue. Deficits in auditory processing, phonological processing or even a subtle receptive language disorder can also interfere with the ability to learn to read, write and spell.

And eventually, difficulties with reading, writing and spelling affect your child’s ability to learn and to achieve academic success.

How We Can Help
We have been helping children in the Park Slope and surrounding area for more than 20 years, with virtually every type of language and/or literacy problem. Recently, we have enlarged our facility, created a "literacy lab," and are providing specialized help -- tutoring -- for children with difficulty in all areas of reading and writing.

All our assessments are performed by certified, licensed, and highly experienced Language Specialists (Speech and Language Therapists). Our tutoring, as well, is provided by (or supervised by) Language Specialists.

This means that:

• Underlying language problems that may exist will be diagnosed and treated, so your child will not be frustrated by practicing the same thing over and over again with slow or no progress.
• Having a therapist as your child's tutor is a tremendous advantage, because 1.) we are trained and practiced to engage your child on an individual basis, and 2.) the therapeutic model includes not only teaching your child, but teaching your child how to learn.
• We are experienced in observing the possibility of other underlying issues, such as visual issues, hearing issues, and making referrals as appropriate.

We also use patented techniques that allow us to tailor a curriculum not only to your child's needs, but to his or her interests as well. For example, if your child likes grasshoppers, we'll use grasshoppers. Or dinosaurs. Or outer space. Or TV programs. Or even video games!

All our techniques are grounded in a framework of research-based, proven methodologies, such as those contained in the Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read, which you may wish to read.

It's often said that from Kindergarten to Third Grade, your child is learning to read. And after that, he is reading to learn. In our program, he or she will be reading to learn from day one. Expanding his or her interest area, and adding other interest areas along the way.

How To Get Started
We offer a number of ways to get started. If there's a concern about your child's reading (i.e. you'd like to help your child catch up or keep pace), we'll schedule a one to two hour session, which includes an interview and diagnostic assessment. Our assessment comprises standardized and well validated reading and spelling assessment tools and/or, depending on your child's issues, specific language diagnostic tests.

If your child's already keeping pace, and you'd like to boost this by providing extra enrichment — or you'd like to give your Pre-K or Kindergarten child an enjoyable jump start — we will schedule a half hour meeting to further discuss your child's interests, needs, and our approach.

Also, we can schedule an informal visit to chat about our methods, and your needs.

To set up an appointment, or just ask us some questions and get more information, please call us at 718.768.3526.