A Child with Dyslexia Is Surrounded by a “Sea of Strengths”
— Dr. Sally Shaywitz
As a certified dyslexia practitioner, I offer individualized reading and spelling tutoring that moves at the pace of your child and focuses on the specific learning needs of your child.
Each dyslexic child struggles with different sound patterns, spelling rules, and syllable combinations. I target instruction to each student’s strengths and weaknesses in these areas. I also seek to develop a natural rapport with your child, and I am committed to helping them feel positive about their strengths as students and as individuals.
One-on-One Reading & Spelling Tutoring
- Personalized Instruction, Adapted to Your Child’s Pace and Specific Reading Challenges
- Use of the Effective Barton Reading and Spelling System
- Online with the 3D, Immersive Koala Go Platform
- 60 Minutes Long, 2x/week OR 45 Minutes Long, 3x/week
- Includes Phonemic Awareness Instruction
- Sibling Discount and Multiple-Session Discount
- Monthly Rewards to Motivate Your Child
- Games That Strategically Target Learning Needs
- Regular Written Reports of Your Child’s Progress
One-on-One Writing Tutoring
As a certified English teacher, I love teaching writing to students, and I have professional experience in teaching a writing program that is particularly well suited for students with dyslexia–The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). I have taught this program in small group and in one-on-one settings, and it has proven remarkably effective in developing students’ writing through its structured, systematic, and direct teaching methods. Susan Barton recommends that students begin this writing program after they have completed Level 4 of the Barton Reading and Spelling program.
Consultations
Note: The following conversation-based services are included for free as part of the tutoring contract, up to an hour per month:
- Q&A: I am available to speak with you by appointment regarding any questions or concerns.
- IEP Goals: I am able to provide the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) language arts goals that the Barton Reading and Spelling Program has developed for each level your child is at in the program. As a former public school educator who has attended and written goals for IEP meetings, I would be glad to make suggestions for how you can best advocate for your child in the meetings, including accommodations you can request for the classroom and for homework. (I am available to attend IEP meetings for a fee.)
- Homeschool Questions: As a veteran homeschool educator myself (K-12th grade), I am familiar with several models of homeschool education, including classical, literature-based, unschooling, eclectic, and more. I would be happy to share how to help your dyslexic child thrive within each of these homeschooling styles.
Getting Started
Ready to get started? Please contact me for a free consultation! When you do, I will be happy to answer any of the questions that the International Dyslexia Association recommends that you ask professionals before hiring them. As part of the free consultation process, I will administer the Barton screening and a general reading assessment before beginning tutoring–all in the context of asking some fun questions to put your child at ease and ensure our tutoring relationship will be a good fit.
Finally, I would meet with you and go over our tutoring contract. Then we will begin the journey along your child’s unique path that will lead to the lifetime gift of reading!
Reviews
“(Annette’s) exceptional teaching skills, dedication, and genuine concern for her students make her an invaluable asset to any educational setting. If you are seeking an educator who can bring about transformative change, inspire confidence, and foster a love for learning, Annette is the ideal choice.”
—Homeschooling Parent of Middle and High School Children
“Thank you so much for all your help with (our son). We couldn’t be happier with all the progress he has made. …He tested at his school age reading level (52% against peers) which is awesome! I think he was around 15% at the end of the last school year’s age level test.”
Parent of a Child in 1st grade in a Public School
“With the gained confidence and reading skills, (our daughter) has achieved almost all A’s in her subjects this year (Y8).”
–Parent of a Child at an International Private School
“My son has always struggled with reading. I worked with him a lot, and he was continually making forward progress, but it was very slow. We are a busy family, and I couldn’t imagine how we would fit one more appointment into our schedule. However after talking with Annette, I realized that I needed to try a new method because of his (dyslexia) diagnosis. She was able to provide reading services via Zoom which made this doable for my family. Also the fact that he is working on a computer makes him feel more grownup since he had to start at the basics of reading again. He is making great strides in his ability to read now.”
Homeschooling Parent of a Middle School Child
“My son is a very active, on-the-go 11-year-old boy who has ADD. His attitude about tutoring still blows my mind. He loves it! He often gives me a really hard time about everything in life except tutoring. He enjoys his tutoring time with Mrs. Bannister. He is always looking for jokes to tell her. My son is truly invested in tutoring because for the first time in his life he sees the benefits. He knows it is working. He is no longer struggling every single time he sees letters in print. He has just recently finished level 4 and I can’t even express to you the difference in his confidence, reading, fluency and spelling. It is actually mind blowing.”
–Parent of a Child in a Public Middle School
Bannister Tutoring 