Every Child Deserves to Read with Confidence 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 by Demitra Bryant | Uncategorized

When Martell, an 8th grader with a love for video games and science, first started tutoring, his reading challenges were significant. Despite receiving special education support, his reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension were stuck at a 4th-grade level.

After years of limited progress, Martell needed a fresh approach. In just four months, personalized strategies helped him jump a grade level in reading—and he’s still improving!

Initial Challenges

Martell was a bright student with a passion for science, but reading was a struggle. He could read complex words without understanding them, and his reading speed was so fast that it made comprehension nearly impossible.

Martell also performed poorly on district and statewide assessments, and he didn’t benefit from the school’s computerized remediation program for reading. With little progress in his Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals, Martell and his family were looking for new ways to help him.

Tutoring Approach  
We started by addressing Martell’s fluency. Using audio recordings, Martell could hear just how quickly he was reading—and how much he was missing.

By listening to himself, he realized the importance of slowing down and began to consciously adjust his reading speed.

Next, we worked on vocabulary.

Martell could read 8th-grade-level words, but he didn’t know many of their meanings. We used vocabulary strategies like previewing the text and using context clues or an electronic dictionary to uncover the definitions of unfamiliar words. He learned the importance of slowing down and taking the time to look up words, using the extended time accommodations in his IEP to his advantage.

Finally, we tackled comprehension using high-interest articles on topics like science, his favorite subject. Martell chose materials he was excited about, and we incorporated strategies like reviewing vocabulary, exploring text features, and summarizing after each section. These techniques helped him deeply engage with the text instead of rushing through it.

Progress and Results  
Martell’s progress has been remarkable. After just four months, his reading level improved by an entire grade, from 4th to 5th grade. He now scores between 80% and 100% on comprehension quizzes, up from just 60%. 

Beyond his growing comprehension skills, Martell has also learned to manage his reading pace and appreciate the extended time he’s given. At school, Martell’s teachers noticed the difference. He’s no longer the first to rush through his work, and his overall reading performance has improved.

Both Martell and his family are thrilled with his growth, and they’re optimistic about what lies ahead. Martell’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right strategies, even the most challenging reading obstacles can be overcome.

By slowing down, building his vocabulary, and working on comprehension through topics he loves, Martell has made incredible strides—and he’s only getting started.

Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?  
If your child is struggling with reading or any other subject, don’t wait to see results.
Personalized tutoring can make a world of difference, just like it did for Martell!  
Contact us today to discuss how we can create a customized plan to help your child succeed—one step at a time.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 by Demitra Bryant | Uncategorized

Many parents assume that schools have everything under control when it comes to teaching reading and writing.

But the truth is, large classrooms, limited resources, and rigid curriculums often leave gaps in your child’s learning.

Here’s why schools alone might not be enough—and how outside of the school day small-group tutoring can bridge the gap.

Small Groups Make a Big Difference

In school, teachers are juggling 20+ students, each with different needs. But in small-group tutoring sessions—whether it’s 1:1 or 2-3 students—I can provide a much more personalized approach.

This setup allows for three learning models in one session: 1:1 time, partner work, and group learning. Students get individualized attention and the chance to collaborate with peers at their level, something that’s nearly impossible in larger classrooms.

And it’s not just for struggling students. Tutoring can help kids maintain grades or even provide enrichment for advanced learners.

Schools Face Their Own Challenges

Let’s face it: schools are under pressure. Class sizes are increasing due to teacher shortages, and many classrooms are led by substitute teachers using general lesson plans.

There’s little room for differentiated learning or focusing on individual reading and writing needs. On top of that, many schools lack high-quality, research-based curriculums for writing and can’t provide professional development to keep teachers up-to-date.

The result? Students miss out on building fundamental skills, especially in writing.

Tutoring Focuses on Individual Progress

What sets small-group tutoring apart is its focus on each student’s instructional level, not just their grade level. By working with students where they are—rather than trying to teach to the middle—I can help close learning gaps faster while building their confidence.

By combining 1:1, partner, and group learning, tutoring offers a flexible environment where scholars can progress at their own pace, something most schools simply can't provide.

While schools play an essential role in your child’s education, tutoring offers the focused support many students need to thrive. With small groups, personalized learning, and an understanding of individual progress, tutoring can make all the difference in reading and writing success.

Your child could benefit from additional educational enrichment outside of the school day. Give me a call 770-675-6311 or email demitra@mytutorhelpsme.com

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 by Demitra Bryant | Uncategorized

It’s a common misconception that kids with ADHD are impossible to teach.

But after 20+ years of working in special education, I can confidently say that this is simply not true. Children with ADHD can absolutely succeed in reading, writing, and beyond—when given the right strategies and personalized instruction.

One of my proudest success stories is a 5th-grade student named Liam, who came to me struggling in both reading and writing. His journey from falling behind to finding success is a perfect example of how targeted, creative tutoring can make a world of difference for children with ADHD.

Understanding ADHD: It’s About Strengths, Not Just Challenges

Many families believe that ADHD makes academic success difficult, or even impossible, for their children. The truth is, ADHD doesn’t prevent a child from learning—it just requires a different approach.

Children with ADHD often have incredible strengths like creativity, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. However, they may struggle with focus, time management, and organization, especially in traditional classroom settings. That’s why individualized instruction is so important. It allows us to harness their strengths while addressing their specific academic challenges.

In Liam’s case, his love for art and comics became the foundation of our work together. While he struggled to stay focused during long reading sessions or traditional writing tasks, his passion for storytelling was clear. This insight helped me create a personalized learning plan that didn’t just address his academic gaps but also engaged him in ways that sparked his interest.

Liam’s Story: A 5th Grader Falling Behind in Reading and Writing

When Liam came to me, he was three years behind in reading, reading at a 2nd-grade level. His writing was also below grade level, limited to simple sentences. Liam had ADHD, which made it difficult for him to stay focused on tasks, especially reading and writing. His family had been working with doctors to find the right medication balance, but they knew he needed more support in school.

Through assessments, I confirmed that his reading level was significantly behind, and his writing skills needed development. But we also found that Liam had a great passion for reading comics and graphic novels. This was a key insight because it showed us a way to connect his love for art and stories to his academic work.

Data-Driven Instruction: Personalizing the Pathway to Success

Teaching children with ADHD requires more than just good intentions—it requires data-driven instruction that takes into account the specific needs and strengths of each child. For Liam, we used a combination of assessments and observations to craft a personalized learning pathway that would help him close the gap in reading and writing while keeping him motivated.

Here’s how I structured Liam’s tutoring program:

1. Phonemic Segmentation
   Liam struggled with breaking down words and decoding them. We worked on phonemic segmentation, breaking words into sounds, to help him decode unfamiliar words more easily. This practice improved his reading fluency over time.

2. Vocabulary Expansion
   We used vocabulary from the graphic novels and comics he loved, which made learning new words more enjoyable for him. By connecting vocabulary lessons to his interests, Liam was able to retain and apply new words more effectively.

3. Comprehension Strategies
   Instead of forcing Liam to read books that didn’t engage him, we focused on his love of comics and graphic novels. We broke down stories and discussed characters and plots, which helped him build comprehension skills without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Fluency Practice
   Liam practiced reading aloud from his favorite comics. This not only improved his fluency but also increased his confidence in reading. We used timed readings to track his progress, and over time, his reading speed and accuracy improved.

5. Writing Through Creativity
   Writing was one of Liam’s biggest challenges, but we found a way to make it fun. He started writing and illustrating his own comics, which allowed him to practice sentence structure and story development. This creative outlet made writing feel less like a chore and more like a natural extension of his artistic passion.

Proven Strategies for ADHD Success

Liam’s progress is a great example of how the right strategies can help ADHD students succeed. These are some of the proven strategies I use with all of my students:

• Breaking Tasks into Smaller Steps
  ADHD students often get overwhelmed by large assignments. By breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, we can help them focus on one step at a time, making the learning process more approachable and less stressful.

• Structured Routines
  Consistency is key when working with students with ADHD. Structured routines give them a sense of security and predictability, which helps them stay on task and engage more fully in their learning.

• Incorporating Movement
  Many students with ADHD need regular breaks to reset and refocus. For Liam, we incorporated movement into our sessions, allowing him to take short breaks when needed so he could return to tasks with a clearer mind.

• Positive Reinforcement
  Celebrating small wins helps build confidence. Each time Liam met a reading or writing goal, we celebrated his success, which kept him motivated and engaged in the process.

Results: From Struggle to Success

After six months of consistent tutoring, Liam’s reading level improved by a full grade, and his writing progressed from simple sentences to full paragraphs. His confidence soared as he saw himself making progress, and he became more engaged in school as a result.

One of the highlights of Liam’s journey was his excitement about creating his own comics. This creative activity not only helped him practice writing but also gave him a sense of ownership over his learning.

Liam’s Testimonial:
“I really enjoy my tutoring sessions, especially the days when I get to write my own comics and graphic novels. It’s fun, and I’m learning a lot about reading and writing too!”

Helping ADHD Students Thrive: How I Can Help Your Child

Liam’s story is just one example of how personalized tutoring can help children with ADHD succeed. Whether it’s improving reading, boosting writing skills, or simply building confidence, I’m here to help your child reach their full potential through creative and targeted instruction.

If you’re looking for ways to support your child in reading and writing, contact me to learn more about my services and how I can create a personalized learning plan to meet your child’s unique needs.