Dyslexia Tutoring & Orton-Gillingham Reading Help
One-on-one, structured reading instruction for kids and teens who struggle to read and spell, from a certified teacher and former Reading Intervention Teacher in Agoura Hills.
- Orton-Gillingham certified
- 15 years in education
- Credentialed teacher
What Is Dyslexia?
The International Dyslexia Association describes dyslexia as a specific learning disability that makes reading words and spelling hard, in accuracy, speed or both, even when a child gets teaching that works for their classmates.
It has nothing to do with how smart a child is. And with the right instruction, almost all kids with dyslexia can learn to read.
The good news
Explicit, structured reading instruction works. That is exactly what Orton-Gillingham tutoring provides.
Common Signs of Dyslexia
Every child is different, but these are some signs parents often notice.
Letter sounds
Has a hard time learning letter names and the sounds they make.
Rhyming
Struggles to rhyme or to break words into their sounds.
Slow, effortful reading
Reads slowly, word by word, and gets tired quickly.
Guessing
Guesses at words from the picture or the first letter.
Spelling
Spells the same word several different ways.
Avoiding reading
Avoids reading aloud or gets frustrated with homework.
These signs aren’t a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can evaluate for dyslexia, so if you’re concerned, talk with your child’s school or a licensed evaluator. I work with students with or without a formal diagnosis.
How Orton-Gillingham Tutoring Works
Explicit
Every sound and spelling pattern is taught directly, never left to guesswork.
Structured & sequential
Skills are taught in a logical order, from simple to complex.
Cumulative
Each lesson builds on and reviews what was already learned.
Multisensory
Students see, say, hear and write, so learning sticks.
Diagnostic
Lessons adjust to exactly what your child needs next.
One-on-one
Full attention, patient pacing and lots of encouragement.
Classroom teaching experience
Personalized to your child
Programs & Methods I Use
Orton-Gillingham
A structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading and spelling. I’m certified in it.
Science of Reading
The research on how children learn to read, which shapes every lesson.
UFLI Foundations
An explicit, systematic phonics program from the University of Florida Literacy Institute.
SIPPS
Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words.
Heggerty
Daily phonemic awareness practice: hearing and playing with the sounds in words.
Sonday System
An Orton-Gillingham-based reading intervention program.
Getting Started Is Easy
Reach out
Tell me about your child and what their teacher has noticed.
First session
I find exactly where the gaps are and build a plan around them.
Watch them grow
Regular, personalized sessions on a schedule that works for your family.
Rates
- 60-minute sessions, one-on-one
- Library, in-home or online
- Flexible scheduling
Rates vary depending on whether sessions focus on homework help or skills-based tutoring. I’ll confirm your rate before the first session.
Dyslexia Tutoring FAQ
Does my child need a dyslexia diagnosis first?
No. I work with students with or without a formal diagnosis. I don’t diagnose dyslexia; if you’re concerned, your child’s school or a licensed evaluator can do an assessment.
Is Orton-Gillingham only for kids with dyslexia?
No. It was developed for students with dyslexia, but its explicit, structured approach helps any child who struggles with reading or spelling.
Do you work with older students?
Yes. I support students with dyslexia from elementary school through high school.
How often should my child have sessions?
Consistency matters most for reading intervention. We’ll set a schedule together that works for your family.
Can you work with my child's IEP or 504 plan?
Yes. Share the plan and any teacher notes, and I’ll build sessions around your child’s goals.
How much does tutoring cost?
Rates start at $75/hour and vary depending on whether sessions focus on homework help or skills-based tutoring.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, are charged in full. If your child is sick, let me know as soon as you can and we’ll find a make-up time.
Dyslexia Tutoring Near You
In-person sessions across the Conejo Valley and West Valley, and online anywhere in California.
Let's Talk About Your Reader
Tell me a little about your child and I’ll get back to you soon.
- (818) 723-6862
- tammywenguer@gmail.com
- @tutoringwithtammy
- Based in Agoura Hills, CA