Structured Literacy Lessons are highly-specialized literacy interventions led by qualified literacy specialists who are trained in evidence-based methods such as the Orton-Gillingham approach. In both Individual and Small Group Lessons, we use explicit, systematic instruction to teach the skills needed for reading and writing rather than relying on memorization, guessing, or exposure alone. While tutoring may support students with homework or test preparation, Structured Literacy Lessons are designed to build long-term educational growth and functional literacy skills. Our goal is not assignment completion, but developing the skills your child needs to become a confident, independent reader and writer across all areas of their life.

Each Individual Lesson is a 45-minute structured literacy session that may take place in person or virtually (placement dependent). Lessons are broken into four parts: a check-in, skill warm ups, main instruction, and student choice time. SEL Check-In: Lessons start with a brief social-emotional check-in to help your child feel comfortable and ready to learn. This can look like writing a personal journal entry, identifying feelings using tools such as A Little Spot of Feelings, or repeating affirmations and mantras. Skill Warm-Up: Next, students participate in a multi-sensory review designed to strengthen automaticity with previously taught skills. All students begin with a kinesthetic phoneme-grapheme drill to review vowel sounds and their target skills. “Must Do” Instruction: The majority of the lesson is dedicated to explicit instruction aligned with your child’s current instructional goal. Using structured, multisensory literacy methods grounded in the Science of Reading, students are manipulating letters, reading aloud, writing, speaking, and thinking throughout the lesson rather than passively completing worksheets. Student Choice: Your child will have about ten minutes to practice their skills through play-based reinforcement at the end of their lesson. This might include a literacy board game, a decoding card game, digital word-building activities, puzzles, or high-movement games.

Both! Your child can attend Individual and Small Group Literacy Lessons at either our location on Main Street in Bristol, VT or from anywhere for a virtual lesson. *Availability dependent.*

Enrollment for all Structured Literacy Lessons (i.e., group and individual) follows the same process: (Optional Step) Schedule a free discovery call to learn more about Individual Lessons. Step 1: Complete the Structured Literacy Lessons registration forms. Step 2: Select a schedule for Individual Lessons. After you submit the registration forms, a member of our team will reach out to you with available schedules and next steps. Step 3: Schedule a one-time intake session. During this session, we’ll gather baseline data and set the first instructional goal for Individual Lessons and/or group placement for Small Group Lessons. Step 4: Begin learning in Individual or Small Group Lessons!

Deciding between Individual and Small Group Lessons often comes down to your child’s specific instructional needs, both in terms of skill and the level of support required. Individual Lessons offer a high-intensity, "safe-to-fail" environment where students can build a lasting, holistic relationship with a literacy specialist without the pressure of peers nearby. The one-on-one setting is ideal for reluctant readers, students who struggle with big emotions around learning, those with specific sensory needs, and students requiring specialized services such as dyslexia remediation. Small Group Lessons are perfect for students who are motivated by collaboration and social experiences. A supportive group setting (avg. 2-5 students) allows students the opportunity to challenge themselves alongside peers with similar struggles, goals, and needs. Ultimately, the best fit is determined during our comprehensive intake session, where we develop a deep understanding of your child's needs and personality. In some cases, we are flexible in recommending a hybrid model, where your child can receive both the targeted support of Individual Lessons and the collaborative nature of Small Group Lessons each month.

A Note from Kayden Hamlin, Executive Director “In March 2024, a second grader came to VLN with a complex educational profile consisting of a speech impediment, dyslexia, and probable ADHD. He struggled to get acclimated to in-person Individual Lessons. The separation from his parents and the new environment were very stressful for him, and learning amid that was not easy. That summer, we transitioned to virtual lessons for logistical reasons, but it ultimately changed everything. The game-based nature of learning online gave him the high-dopamine boost he needed to stay engaged while also being in his own 'safe space' at home. The virtual format allowed him to stand on his favorite vibration plate, take a quick lap around the room, and give his dog a snuggle during brain breaks. Today, he’s a flourishing fourth grader, and we are working on preaching skills he will see as he moves into fifth grade. His growth and journey is truly the most successful intervention I have ever run. He is a perfect example of how a student who doesn't seem like a 'good fit' for virtual learning can actually find their greatest success there. A mere four years before starting with this student, my experience with virtual teaching was a much different story, but we are far from the chaos of online learning in 2020. My own experience in transitioning a prekindergarten classroom online amid global panic taught me exactly what works: leaning into the fast-paced, high-interest gamified nature of screens to drive engagement. Virtual Lesson Logistics Virtual Individual and Small Group Lessons are carefully-designed, interactive literacy interventions built to mirror our in-person instruction as closely as possible. Virtual lessons consist of the same methods, curricula, and format as in-person lessons, while leveraging digital tools and high-dopamine, gamified activities. For students who are already familiar with iPads or laptops, the virtual setting actually removes the distractions of a new learning environment and allows them to accommodate their needs (like lighting and movement breaks) while staying completely engaged in their learning.