Effective, private tutoring
for children, teens and adults who struggle with reading.
Are these signs familiar to you?
- reading very slowly, choppy, or inaccurately
- can’t sound out unknown words
- poor reading comprehension
- terrible spelling
These struggles may be due to dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Reading for Real teaches the skills needed for successful reading and spelling in a way that makes sense.
Students will no longer need to struggle through assignments by guesswork and word memorization. Knowledge will replace guessing and reading confidence will be for real.
Get to know Catherine
Hello! I’m Catherine and I remember what it felt like to struggle in reading.
It wasn’t until my adult years that I learned the cause of my struggle in reading was due to dyslexia. How I wish I could have received the right help as early as first grade. It would have made a world of difference!
For me, learning to read was confusing and seemed like a mystery of sorts. By the third grade, I noticed reading was much easier for my classmates. I would ask myself, “How are they doing that?” I read very slowly and often could not comprehend what I had just read. This meant reading paragraphs over and over again to understand them. Homework took me forever! I was working ten times as hard for lesser results. It wasn’t until my formal years of education were completed that I discovered instruction in reading that made sense.
It is because of my background that I have always been drawn to education in my professional life. After homeschooling my two children from kindergarten all the way until college, I developed curriculum and instructed classes for adults with learning disabilities.
I am well acquainted with the struggles and strengths that individuals with dyslexia have as a part of who they are. I don’t wish that I wasn’t dyslexic; I wish I had received the right instruction earlier in life.
It is very rewarding and exciting to help others overcome their reading struggles. Improvement and success in reading, writing, and spelling adds to the enjoyment and quality of our lives.
Associated strengths of Dyslexia
Intelligent, Perceptive, Creative, Intuitive, Resilient
Understanding Dyslexia
Briefly explained, dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in learning to read. A person with dyslexia has difficulties in pulling apart the individual sounds within a word and attaching letters to those sounds.
Dyslexia cannot be “cured,” but it can be well managed for a positive outcome, especially with early intervention. Dyslexia has absolutely no effect on a person’s intelligence and is believed to be hereditary. Those with dyslexia can learn to read in a new way that makes sense to their unique minds.
Common Warning Signs
In the best of schools and home circumstances dyslexia can go unrecognized. One in five people live with dyslexia. Many of those with dyslexia also experience ADD/ADHD.
It is not the intent of this site to diagnose any learning disability. Rather, it encourages its readers to learn more. When the cause of the reading struggle is properly identified then the right course of action can be implemented.
Download documents below
Barton Reading & Spelling System
The Barton System is an Orton-Gillingham influenced multi-sensory curriculum. It was created to provide explicit instruction for those with strongly suspected dyslexia or diagnosed dyslexia. It is a structured literacy program that provides the direct and sequential instruction necessary for students to learn the skills for reading and spelling.
The integrity of this program captured my complete attention. This evidence-based curriculum enables my students to master the skills they need for successful reading and spelling.
Foundation in Sounds
This curriculum has been developed to teach the very first steps into reading. The foundation for reading is based in sound. Students hear and learn to correctly repeat the sounds, remember the sounds, and to order the sounds in the proper sequence.
I find this remarkable program indispensable! My students enjoy learning using the picture sound cards. This program has proven to be very effective.
Components of a successful intervention
Significant improvements throughout tutoring can alleviate much of the stress and anxiety that accompanies reading struggles.
Identification
Allows you to take the next step
Tutor
Experienced, knowledgeable and affirming
Curriculum
Evidenced-based with explicit instruction
Commitment
Consistency is key for educational growth
Monitoring
Ensures the mastery of skills for continued progress
Start by getting in touch
Private, in-person and online tutoring for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
Homeschool and private school services available.
Learn more about Reading for Real!
Catherine Tutt, Tutor
Located in Minnesota. In-person lessons serving areas in and around: Watertown, Waconia, Chanhassen, Minnetonka, Delano, Buffalo.
For greater availability, ask about online lessons!