Questions Parents Ask About Reading Tutoring
Here are answers to the questions I hear most often from families considering reading intervention or tutoring for their child.
How do I know if my child needs a reading tutor?
If your child is reading below grade level, avoids reading, becomes frustrated during reading time, or is falling behind in other subjects because reading is a barrier, they may benefit from one-on-one reading support. Other signs include difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words, slow or labored reading, and spelling problems that do not improve with practice. If you are unsure, I offer an initial assessment to determine where your child stands and whether intervention would help.
What is the Orton-Gillingham approach?
Orton-Gillingham is a structured, multi-sensory approach to reading instruction developed specifically for students who struggle with reading. It teaches the relationships between letters and sounds in a systematic, sequential way. Students learn through seeing, hearing, and touching simultaneously, which helps the brain form stronger connections. It is recognized by the International Dyslexia Association as an effective method for teaching students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
What ages and grades do you tutor?
I work with students in kindergarten through 8th grade. My specializations include reading intervention, writing skills, foundational math support, executive function strategies, and homeschool learning support. Most of my reading intervention students are in elementary school, but I also work with middle school students who need help with reading fluency, comprehension, or written expression.
How often should my child have tutoring sessions?
For reading intervention, I typically recommend weekly sessions. Students who are significantly behind or who are in an intensive catch-up phase may benefit from meeting twice a week. Consistency is important because each session builds on the previous one. The frequency can be adjusted over time as your child’s skills improve.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Most students begin showing measurable improvement in decoding, fluency, and confidence within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent instruction. More significant gains in reading fluency, comprehension, and spelling typically emerge after 3 to 6 months. Every student progresses at their own pace depending on their starting point, the frequency of sessions, and practice at home.
Does my child need a dyslexia diagnosis to work with you?
No. Many of the students I work with have not been formally diagnosed. If your child is struggling with reading for any reason, they can benefit from structured, individualized instruction. A formal diagnosis is not required to begin tutoring. If I notice patterns during our work together that suggest dyslexia or another learning difference, I will share that with you and can help guide next steps.
Will you communicate with my child’s school?
Yes, with your permission. I partner with parents to strengthen school connections and help families communicate more effectively with teachers about their child’s learning needs. I can share progress updates, suggest classroom accommodations, and help ensure your child receives consistent support across all settings.
Do you offer tutoring for homeschool students?
Yes. I have extensive experience designing and teaching individualized curriculum in homeschool settings. I can provide structured reading intervention, curriculum guidance, regular academic support, and help with executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and study strategies. My Montessori background also informs my approach to hands-on, student-led learning that works well for homeschooling families.
What areas do you serve?
I am based in Evergreen, Colorado and serve families throughout the mountain communities, including Conifer, Bailey, Morrison, Idaho Springs, Golden, and Lakewood. I offer flexible scheduling to accommodate school and family commitments.
How do I get started?
Call me at (720) 635-1402 or email lpeesel@me.com. We will have a conversation about your child’s learning needs, what you have been seeing at home and school, and what kind of support would help. From there, I schedule an initial assessment and we go from there. There is no commitment required for the first conversation.