We deal sensitively with the low self-esteem and shame that often accompany reading difficulties.
to custom-design an individualized and focused reading intervention plan for your child.
Our three-step, multi-sensory, individualized Reading and Language Remediation
programme includes training in all the necessary sub-skills of fluent and efficient reading.
We focus on oral, auditory-visual, and visual reading and discrimination skills.
STEP ONE: We begin by working intensively with your child to develop:
-- the alphabetic principle
-- phonological awareness
-- sound/symbol correspondence
-- sound blending
-- decoding skills, including pseudo words
-- word markers
-- stress rules
-- syllabication rules
-- high-frequency, non-phonetic words
-- encoding
-- enunciation and articulation
Instruction is provided in 30, 45, or 60 minute sessions depending on the student’s age
and skill-level. Minimum: 3 lessons / week Recommended: 5 lessons / week
NOTE: Instruction provided by the director,
STEP TWO: Once your child has a sufficient sight word vocabulary and fluency
to read for meaning, he or she will be gently transitioned to a certified and experienced
teacher. That teacher provides instruction to improve reading comprehension
and concept vocabulary². Instruction includes:
-- root words, prefixes, and suffixes
-- word forms and word (concept) family relationships
-- prepositions and adverbs
-- math vocabulary
-- grammar and punctuation
-- syntax and semantics activities
Instruction is provided in 60, 90, 120 minute sessions depending on the student’s
age and skill-level. Minimum: 2 lessons / week Recommended: 3 lessons / week
STEP THREE: We continue one-on-one instruction, helping your child work
through school-based reading and writing activities until he or she is working at, or
near grade level, and is confident enough to meet the challenges of school work independently.
Instruction is provided in 60, 90, 120 minute sessions depending on the age and skill-level
of the student. Minimum: 2 lessons / week
NOTES ABOUT OUR PROGRAMME
1) Although we call our approach Three-Step Reading and Language Remediation,
the word “step” refers to the elements focused on and not a script of instruction.
Each child’s curriculum is unique and written for him or her alone. Not all students require
all three steps.
2) For those students requiring two or more of the steps in the reading programme, the
number of hours it takes to progress to Step Two (or to Step Three) varies depending
on the reasons the child is struggling, the child‘s age, the number of lessons attended
each week, as well as other factors
3) For some students who are transitioning into Step Two, there can be an overlap
during which the activities of Step One continue.
4) Step One instruction in Ottawa is done by the director, in our offices.
5) The director does not provide Step Two or Step Three instruction; however, she
oversees the implementation of the learning plan and supervises each child’s progress
throughout the programme. She receives regular reports from your child’s teacher
and is available to consult with you about your child’s progress.
6) If Aldridge-Duff & Associates agrees to work with your child, you must be
prepared to do daily work that supports the professional instruction. Aldridge-Duff
reserves the right to terminate services to families that are non-compliant.
¹ The reading assessment is a mandatory part our reading remediation programme.
² There are materials costs during Step Two.
Building Confidence - Creating Success
Copyright Aldridge-Duff & Associates, Updated November 2007
