As a parent of a struggling reader, you may have encountered terms like reading intervention and tutoring. While they might seem similar, these two approaches address reading challenges in different ways.
Choosing the right path for your child is essential for their growth and confidence in reading.
In this post, we’ll break down the differences between reading intervention vs. tutoring so you can make an informed decision for your child.
What Is Tutoring?
Focus: Tutoring typically reinforces what a child is learning in school. The goal is to provide extra practice and support for classroom material.
Approach: Tutors often follow the child’s school curriculum, assisting with homework or preparing for tests.
Best For: Students who need help with specific assignments or who are slightly behind in a subject.
Example: A tutor may work with a third-grader on spelling and vocabulary words assigned for the week or help review a specific reading passage from school.
What Is Reading Intervention?
Focus: Reading intervention goes deeper by addressing the root causes of reading difficulties. It is tailored to meet the needs of children who are significantly behind or have underlying challenges, such as Dyslexia, ADD, or processing issues.
Approach: Reading intervention uses research-based strategies and specialized tools to help children develop foundational reading skills. It is often led by trained specialists with expertise in reading development.
Best For: Children who are struggling to read or are far below grade level and need targeted, skill-based support.
Example: A reading interventionist may work with a second-grader to build phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and comprehension strategies using a personalized plan based on their unique challenges.
Key Differences Between Reading Intervention vs. Tutoring
Aspect | Tutoring | Reading Intervention |
Goal | Reinforce schoolwork | Address foundational reading difficulties |
Approach | Homework help, curriculum review | Targeted, research-based strategies |
Expertise Required | General subject knowledge | Specialized training in reading science |
Best For | Slightly behind grade level | Struggling readers with specific challenges |
Why Reading Intervention Might Be the Better Choice for Struggling Readers
If your child is struggling to grasp basic reading skills, tutoring may not address the underlying issues causing their difficulties.
Reading intervention focuses on why a child is struggling and provides targeted strategies to close the reading gap.
Specialists in reading intervention are equipped to help children with Dyslexia, ADHD, processing disorders, and other challenges.
How Online Reading Specialists Can Help
At Smart Start Tutors, we specialize in providing Orton-Gillingham-based reading intervention for children in grades K-5. Our online programs are designed to address the specific needs of struggling readers and help them build a strong foundation for long-term success.
Here’s how we can help:
Identify your child’s specific reading challenges: Through careful assessments, we pinpoint the root causes of your child’s struggles, whether it’s phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, comprehension, or spelling.
Create a personalized, research-based plan: Using the Orton-Gillingham approach, we design a step-by-step plan tailored to your child’s unique needs, ensuring they progress at a manageable and confident pace.
Incorporate multi-sensory techniques: Our sessions integrate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to make learning engaging and effective, especially for children with Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, or other reading difficulties.
Build confidence and essential skills: By focusing on foundational literacy skills, we help your child not only catch up but also gain the tools they need to thrive independently in school and beyond.
Unlike general tutoring, which often reinforces classroom content, our approach with reading intervention targets the core reading skills that children need to close the gap and become confident, capable readers.
With consistent, expert-led support, your child can make measurable progress and start to enjoy reading!
Making the Right Choice for Your Child
Whether your child needs tutoring or reading intervention depends on their unique needs. If you think your child is struggling with foundational reading skills or is significantly behind their peers, reading intervention may be the solution.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your child's reading journey!
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