Reading Intervention

What does reading intervention look like?

Reading intervention is a targeted, personalized approach designed to help children who are struggling to develop essential reading skills. It goes beyond general classroom instruction by focusing on the specific areas where a child needs support—such as phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Each session is tailored to a child's unique needs, interests, and strengths.

Through one-on-one or small-group sessions, our interventionists use the Orton-Gillingham method, a structured, direct, and explicit approach proven to be effective for all readers. Rather than teaching children to read by relying on pictures, guessing words from context clues, or using a one-size-fits-all approach, we focus on skill-building, not guessing. Children learn the why behind the English language through a sequential, systematic approach that builds phonemic and phonological awareness and equips them with real tools for reading and spelling.

We also incorporate multi-sensory learning using movement, touch, sight, and sound to help new information stick by building strong neural pathways, all while keeping sessions fun and engaging. The goal is to close gaps early, boost confidence, and give every child the tools they need to become a successful, independent reader.

At Sunbreak Therapy Services, we're excited to now offer targeted reading intervention for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade who may be struggling with foundational reading skills. Reading challenges at this age can present in many ways—difficulty learning letter names and sounds, trouble rhyming or sounding out simple words, confusing similar-looking letters, and slow or hesitant reading. Children may avoid reading altogether or become easily frustrated.

Is your child or teen struggling with reading?

When it might be time to seek intervention:

These signs may indicate dyslexia or other reading difficulties, and early support is crucial. With the right tools and encouragement, every child can become a confident, capable reader. If you've noticed any of these signs in your child, we're here to help—because early intervention makes a lasting difference.

Early reading years

What you may notice in kindergarten through second grade

Signs to look for:

Difficulty recalling or writing letter names and sounds despite regular and frequent exposure to them.
Reading significantly below grade level despite adequate instruction.
Difficulty isolating sounds in a word and blending isolated sounds together to form a word.
Reads very slowly and with great effort. Struggles with reading fluency (reading is choppy rather than smooth).
Reverses sounds from the beginning and end of the words when sounding out and blending. Ex. tap turns to pat.
Avoids reading aloud in class or at home.
Frequently reversing letters when reading or writing.
Creative and strong verbal skills but written work doesn't reflect these abilities.

A note about letter reversals

Reversals can be common until about age 7. If they continue after that age—or happen frequently enough to affect reading—it may be worth looking into.

What You Can Do:

Talk to your child's teacher about your concerns and observations
Request reading assessments to identify specific areas of difficulty
Consider a comprehensive evaluation if difficulties persist
Read together daily in a positive, supportive environment
Play word games that build phonological awareness
Provide audio books alongside print materials

Things to remember

Early support matters. Reading challenges are not a measure of intelligence. With the right support, children can grow into successful readers.

Building reading independence

What you may notice in third through fifth grade

Signs to look for:

Reading significantly below grade level despite adequate instruction.
Avoids reading aloud in class or at home.
Reads accurately but very slowly and with great effort.
Poor spelling that may not improve with traditional instruction.
Frequent guessing of words based on context, rather than decoding (reading)
Difficulty with multisyllabic words like "comfortable" or "electricity".
Strong listening comprehension but weak reading comprehension.
Trouble taking notes or copying from the board.
Struggles with reading fluency (reading is choppy rather than smooth).
Difficulty completing reading assignments within expected timeframes.
Becoming increasingly frustrated with school or homework.
Creative and strong verbal skills but written work doesn't reflect these abilities.

What You Can Do:

Ask about comprehensive reading evaluations that assess phonological processing, fluency, and comprehension
Consider reading interventions targeted to your child's specific needs
Continue reading aloud with your child, even at this age
Build vocabulary through conversations about books and topics of interest
Ensure your child has access to engaging reading materials at their independent reading level

Things to remember

It’s never too late for support. Reading skills can improve, and a child who struggles with reading may excel in many other areas. Reading difficulties are not a measure of intelligence or effort.

Reading in middle & high school

What you may notice in sixth through twelfth grade

Signs to look for:

Reading significantly below grade level despite adequate instruction
Avoids reading aloud in class or at home
Reads accurately but very slowly and with great effort
Poor spelling that may not improve with traditional instruction
Difficulty with multisyllabic words like "comfortable" or "electricity"
Strong listening comprehension but weak reading comprehension
Trouble taking notes or copying from the board
Struggles with reading fluency (reading is choppy rather than smooth)
Difficulty completing reading assignments within expected timeframes
Becoming increasingly frustrated with school or homework
Creative and strong verbal skills but written work doesn't reflect these abilities

What You Can Do:

Ask about comprehensive reading evaluations that assess phonological processing, fluency, and comprehension
Consider reading interventions targeted to your child's specific needs
Continue reading aloud with your child, even at this age
Build vocabulary through conversations about books and topics of interest
Ensure your child has access to engaging reading materials at their independent reading level

Things to remember

It’s never too late for support. Reading skills can improve, and a child who struggles with reading may excel in many other areas. Reading difficulties are not a measure of intelligence or effort.