I am a reading specialist and retired public school teacher with a 24-year career helping elementary students learn to read. I now work as a reading tutor for first graders and students in kindergarten through sixth grade, providing personalized online instruction that helps children build strong reading foundations and confidence.

As a child, I remember going to half-day kindergarten and taking naps for part of the time. We sang the alphabet song, learned to write our letters, and played games. It felt like kindergarten was more about socializing and learning how to be in school rather than learning how to read!

First grade was when everything changed. We were expected to put it all together and truly learn how to read and write. I remember sitting in rows, copying from the board, and doing a lot of worksheets! Somewhere along the way, my brain broke the code. I still remember my “a-ha” moment while sitting in church and realizing that the spoken words matched the printed words on the page.

Today, expectations for young readers have increased dramatically.

Kindergarten is now much more academic. The kindergarten curriculum is now packed full of more than just letters and sounds. While it used to be mostly focused on play, social skills, and gentle exposure to letters and numbers, children are now expected to learn to read, write, and do early math, often by the end of the year. While play and creativity still matter, the pace and expectations have increased significantly. That’s why early support, especially in reading, can make a big difference in helping young learners feel confident and ready to succeed.

The same has happened in first grade. What used to be a year for learning to read at a gentle pace is now packed with higher expectations. Many first graders are expected to master reading fluently, understand stories, and begin writing full sentences and short paragraphs—all within a single school year. There’s less time for review and more pressure to keep up. This shift can be challenging for some children, especially if they need a little more time or support. That’s why early intervention, like tutoring, can be so helpful in building confidence and making sure foundational skills are solid.

I always knew I wanted to work with children, and I spent my career teaching students in kindergarten through fourth grade. I began as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher. I was astounded at the number of skills that are presented and the growth that is expected to occur. I became deeply interested in the reading process and wanted to better support students who were struggling.

I returned to school to earn my Reading Specialist certification and went on to serve as the school-wide Reading Specialist in two elementary schools. I assessed students, provided targeted instruction, and helped children move from frustration and self-doubt to confidence and success.

My approach is based on explicit, systematic instruction and meeting each student where they are. I know firsthand the struggles that students face when they fall behind. I know what foundational skills may be missing and how to teach them. I can fill in the gaps. With the right support, students can break the code, build strong reading skills, experience success, and begin to truly enjoy reading.