READING METHOD WE USE

Reading Method We Use

SPECIALIST IN DISORDERS OF READING AND MATH

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Our Philosophy in Reading Education

Our approach to reading education is deeply rooted in the belief that each child possesses unique abilities and learning styles. Understanding this diversity is key to our educational philosophy. We strive to cultivate a love for reading, going beyond mere word recognition to foster comprehension, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for literature.


Our teaching methods are dynamic and responsive, adapting to the evolving educational needs of our students. We prioritize creating an environment where children feel supported and motivated. This approach not only enhances reading skills but also builds confidence and a strong foundation for future learning.

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Individualized Learning Plans

At the heart of our teaching method are individualized learning plans, tailored to each student's specific needs and learning style. We begin by assessing each child’s strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to create a personalized roadmap for their reading journey. These plans are flexible and evolve as the child progresses, ensuring that we are always meeting them at their level.


Regular assessments and feedback loops with parents and educators help us fine-tune these plans. This individualized approach ensures that every student receives the attention and resources they need to thrive. Our goal is to make learning a personal and empowering experience for each child.


Interactive and Engaging Reading Activities

To make reading a delightful and enriching experience, we incorporate a wide range of interactive and engaging activities. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and maintain high levels of engagement, from storytelling and role-playing to interactive digital games. We believe that learning should be fun and immersive, helping children develop a deep love for reading.


Our activities also focus on building comprehension and critical thinking skills, vital components of reading proficiency. By providing a variety of reading experiences, we cater to different learning styles and interests. This approach ensures that every child finds joy and excitement in the process of learning to read.

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Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies

Our commitment to excellence in education is reflected in our use of evidence-based teaching strategies. Grounded in the latest educational research, these strategies are selected for their proven effectiveness, especially for students with diverse learning needs.


We continuously update our methods to include innovative and effective teaching practices. This dedication to using research-backed methods ensures that our students receive the best possible instruction. Our educators are trained to apply these strategies in a way that resonates with each student. By doing so, we maximize learning outcomes and provide a solid foundation for academic success.

Multisensory Learning Approaches

Our reading programs are built on the foundation of multisensory learning, engaging students through sight, sound, touch, and movement. This approach is especially beneficial for children with learning differences, as it activates multiple areas of the brain, aiding in retention and comprehension. Our classrooms are equipped with a variety of resources that cater to all the senses, making learning an all-encompassing experience.


We recognize that each child learns differently, and our multisensory methods are designed to meet these varied needs. Through this holistic approach, we ensure that every child can connect with and fully engage in the learning process. Multisensory learning not only enhances academic skills but also encourages a more profound and enjoyable learning experience.

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Emphasis on Phonics and Comprehension

Our reading curriculum places a strong emphasis on phonics and comprehension, key components of literacy. We teach students how to decode words through phonics, laying a foundation for fluent reading.


Comprehension is equally important, and we employ various techniques to improve understanding, such as discussion, storytelling, and question-answer sessions. These methods help students not only read but also understand and engage with the text.


We aim to develop well-rounded readers who can decode text and grasp its deeper meanings. Our balanced approach ensures that students develop both the skill and the joy of reading.

Progress Monitoring and Adaptation

We believe in the power of progress monitoring and adaptive teaching. Regular evaluations help us track each student's development and adjust our teaching methods accordingly. This adaptive approach ensures that our instruction remains effective and responsive to each student's evolving needs.


We maintain open lines of communication with parents, involving them in the progress and adaptation process. This collaborative approach ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed. Our goal is to provide an education that evolves with our students, catering to their growth every step of the way.

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Collaboration with Families

Family involvement is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. We actively collaborate with parents and guardians, recognizing their crucial role in their child's educational journey. We provide resources and strategies to support reading development at home.


Regular workshops, meetings, and consultations keep families engaged and informed. This partnership between home and school is vital for reinforcing learning and supporting each child’s growth. Together, we create a supportive network that surrounds each student with the encouragement and resources they need to thrive.

Professional Development and Up-to-Date Methods

Our team's commitment to professional development is a testament to our dedication to providing the highest quality education. Our educators regularly engage in professional development programs to stay abreast of the latest teaching methodologies and research in education.


This commitment ensures that our teaching strategies are not only effective but also innovative and relevant to today's educational landscape. By investing in our educators' growth, we ensure that our students benefit from the most current and impactful learning experiences.


Our teachers are equipped to bring fresh perspectives and techniques into the classroom, continually enhancing the learning environment. This ongoing professional development is crucial for maintaining our standard of excellence in education.

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Resources and Support for Continuous Learning

To support continuous learning, we provide a wealth of resources and opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting. Our library of educational materials, including books, digital tools, and interactive learning aids, is available to students for exploration and enrichment. We encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities that complement their classroom learning, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.


Our online resources offer additional avenues for learning, allowing students to extend their reading and comprehension skills outside school hours. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that learning doesn't stop at the classroom door but continues to flourish in diverse environments and situations. We are committed to creating a culture of continuous learning where students are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow beyond their limits.

Transforming Education

Mrs. Farmer, the founder of Gifted Apples, started her first tutoring program in 1991, founded SchoolRoom Professional Tutors Learning Center in 1994 and founded Shaker East Academy in 2005. Realizing that one-on-one instruction for individual students was not cost-effective for school districts, especially large, urban districts, Mrs. Farmer’s early vision was to provide individualized tutoring to students who required one-on-one instruction due to an Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADD-H) diagnosis. All of Mrs. Farmer’s students had a diagnosis of a learning disability with other comorbidities (i.e., ADD/ADD-H, dyslexia, and executive function ‘behavioral’ deficit) as well.


One-to-one, individualized, or even small group instruction of 6 to 8 students is challenging for classroom teachers who may have 15 to 26+ students in their class. Special education teachers may have up to 15 students in a resource learning class.


Gifted Apples’ licensed and certified teachers provide intensive one-on-one intervention to children in grades PreK–3, Late Elementary Grades 4–7, and Middle and High School. Contact us today to get started.

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The Gift of Success

Gifted Apples was established in 2015, drawing from Mrs. Farmer's background as a principal and teacher, along with her professional development. Children with reading and learning difficulties will be more successful at catching up with grade-level work rather than falling farther and further behind if help is given early. Best practices require an early start to reading instruction and intervention. Research and evidence-based methods of giving kids systematic and explicit instruction using multisensory instruction (i.e., visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile) continue to be supported by research. Due to their struggles with reading and learning, the student with significant reading and learning disabilities may have gotten angry or even depressed since they perceive themselves as successful in school while receiving bad or failing grades in the majority of their classes and performing worse academically than their peers.


By the time students get to the fourth and fifth grade, learning becomes more difficult at every grade level and in every subject area course where integrated reading is required due to their experiences with reading, the reading process, and trying to understand what is read or heard. Concern arises from the fact that as these pupils age, there is an increasing disparity in their academic performance since they have not acquired the knowledge needed to match the standards of their current grade level. The unpleasant feelings associated with reading and the reading process lead to limited reading experiences, or outright disinterest in reading, which is counterproductive to achieving academic achievement in school and in life. Your child's condition makes it very difficult for them to "read to learn" and "learn from reading," as seen by limited reading experiences and low enthusiasm to read.

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Reading Method We Use

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