We provide reading support services. We use the Barton program for reading – this program uses the Orton-Gillingham approach.

• We start with an initial assessment to ensure that the student is able to hear the sounds and then recommend a minimum of two 50-minute sessions per week for a minimum three-month period (after which benefits start to be realized).  • This assessment is done for all students and can be done on its own or part of the first session. The assessment is a powerful and comprehensive tool for you and your family to use with schools and other supports. It also gives us a baseline to reassess as we progress. • The program levels typically take between one to two years to fully complete. • Not all students complete all 10 levels and that is okay – most work with us for a year.

The program is for all ages and levels beginning at age 5 and in kindergarten.   Everyone starts at the same place (level 1) but some move faster than others.

• We book a regular set time weekly and sessions are billed monthly based on a $95/session rate. • Tutoring services for educational support are tax exempt and can be claimed as part of your income taxes – even more if you qualify for the disability tax credit which we are happy to support you with. • Any sessions missed due to holidays will be logged and made up at your convenience. • We are open to scheduling changes with 24-hour notice. • A period of 4 weeks is required for cancellation of services.

Samuel Orton was a neuropsychiatrist who studied children with language-processing difficulties such as dyslexia. He worked with educator and psychologist Anna Gillingham, they created techniques to teach reading, which integrate kinaesthetic (movement-based) and tactile (sensory-based) learning strategies with teaching of visual and auditory concepts.

• Barton was developed by Susan Barton in California to support her nephew. She has researched and had the program evaluated and licensed worldwide. • The Barton program is delivered one-on-one with an experienced tutor, and spends more time than most programs on spelling and going beyond reading basics. It aims to take the guesswork out of reading and spelling by teaching students rules and practicing using them with real and nonsense words. The program uses colour letter tiles to help students connect sounds with letters. • There are 10 levels of Barton. Each lesson has 18 steps, and activities change about every five minutes to keep students engaged. • If a student can’t complete the eight steps within 50 minutes, the lesson continues at the next session. • You can learn more about the Barton program by visiting w(http://www.bartonreading.com)ww.bartonreading.com.(http://www.bartonreading.com)

Barton uses the Orton Gillingham approach which means that it is:   • Directed and prescriptive – Lessons are highly structured and scripted, using controlled decodable text with rules and patterns for decoding for reading and spelling vs comprehension • Sequential – each level builds on the previous while reinforcing and no level is advanced unless the student has mastered it • Mutli-sensory – tiles are used physically or virtually/digitally to sound out letters and blends and connect sounds with letters and even draw in air or write out to reinforce

They are both evidence-based. Not only is there science behind this – we have personal experience with its success.