Sounds-Write™ phonics
A structured, step-by-step way of teaching how the sounds of English are written, from a child's first three-sound words onward.
JK to Grade 3 · Thornhill · Richmond Hill · Maple
Confident learners start here. Specialized tutoring in reading, spelling and early math for children in JK to Grade 3.
Amy is an Ontario Certified Teacher and Special Education Specialist with more than 10 years in special education, and has taught in the TDSB, YRDSB and private schools. She teaches reading through Sounds-Write™ structured literacy and builds the early math skills everything else depends on.
- OCT Ontario Certified Teacher
- B.Ed.
- Special Education Specialist
- Sounds-Write™ trained
Sound it out
Every word is made of sounds, and each sound is written with one or more letters.
- 10+ yearsin special education
- OCTOntario Certified Teacher
- TDSB · YRDSBand private schools
- Special Ed.Certified Special Education Specialist
- Sounds-Write™trained in structured literacy
What tutoring covers
Boost your child's confidence and skills with personalized, fun learning.
Every child arrives with different strengths. Sessions focus on the building blocks of the early grades, reading, spelling and number sense, taught clearly, in order, and at the pace your child needs.
Reading & spelling
Reading and spelling are taught side by side, so the words a child learns to read are words they can also write.
Foundational math
Counting, number sense and early addition and subtraction: the foundations later math is built on.
Personalized learning
Each plan starts from where your child is today, not where a worksheet says they should be.
Building confidence
Small, steady wins that show children they can do it, so they want to keep going.
K–3 specialist
Focused on the early years only: Junior and Senior Kindergarten through Grade 3.
Structured literacy
How does Sounds-Write teach reading?
Sounds-Write starts from the sounds children already say and teaches, explicitly and in a planned order, how those sounds are written down. Nothing is left to guesswork, which is why it works so well for children who find reading hard.
Letters are spellings of sounds
Children learn that letters on the page stand for the sounds we say, starting with simple words they can read straight away.
matmat 3 sounds
One sound can be spelled with 1, 2, 3 or 4 letters
The same idea that makes s a sound makes sh, igh and even eigh a single sound too.
sshigheighas in eight
The same sound can be spelled different ways
The "ay" sound is written four different ways in these words, and children learn to expect that.
raindayeightgreat
The same spelling can stand for different sounds
Good readers learn to try another sound when the first one doesn't make a real word.
snowcowseahead
Three skills practised every step of the way
BlendingPushing sounds together to read a word.frog
SegmentingPulling a word apart into its sounds to spell it.shop
SwappingChanging one sound to make a new word.cut
Early math
Foundational math that makes sense.
Before children can add quickly, they need to see numbers: that 7 is 5 and 2, that 7 needs 3 more to make 10. Amy builds that number sense so later math has something solid to stand on.
- Counting with meaning, not just reciting
- Seeing numbers in groups and parts
- Early addition and subtraction
- Confidence with numbers to 10, 20 and beyond
Try it: a ten-frame
Tap a box to build a number.
7
Amy
Your tutor, AmyB.Ed., OCT · Special Education Specialist
Meet your tutor
Meet Amy
Amy is an Ontario Certified Teacher with a Bachelor of Education and a certified Special Education Specialist, with more than 10 years in special education. She has taught in the Toronto District School Board, the York Region District School Board and private schools. She is trained in Sounds-Write™ structured literacy and specializes in the early years, JK to Grade 3, tutoring in person in Thornhill, Richmond Hill and Maple.
- Ontario Certified Teacher
- A member of the Ontario College of Teachers, the body that licenses teachers in Ontario.
- Special Education Specialist
- The highest level of Ontario’s Special Education qualification, backed by 10+ years in special education.
- Sounds-Write™ trained
- Trained to teach reading and spelling with Sounds-Write, a structured literacy program.
- TDSB, YRDSB & private schools
- Classroom experience in Toronto and York Region public boards and in private schools.
Getting started
How do I get started?
Call or email Amy. A short conversation is all it takes to find out whether tutoring is the right fit for your child.
Reach out
Call 416-725-7499 or email Amy with your child's grade and what you've noticed at home or school.
Talk it through
Amy will learn about your child's strengths, what they find hard, and what you'd like to see change.
Begin sessions
In-person sessions in Thornhill, Richmond Hill or Maple, with a plan built around your child.
Service area
Where does Amy tutor?
Tutoring is in person in three York Region communities. If you live nearby, call to ask.
- Thornhill
- Richmond Hill
- Maple
Questions parents ask
Frequently asked questions
Something else on your mind? Amy is happy to talk it through: 416-725-7499.
Who is the tutoring for?
Children in JK through Grade 3, roughly ages 4 to 9, who need support with reading, spelling or early math, or who would benefit from extra practice and confidence.
What is Sounds-Write?
Sounds-Write is a structured literacy program that teaches reading and spelling by starting from the sounds children already say and showing, step by step, how those sounds are written. Amy is trained in Sounds-Write.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions are in person in Thornhill, Richmond Hill and Maple. Call or email Amy to arrange the details for your family.
What does OCT mean?
OCT stands for Ontario Certified Teacher, a member of the Ontario College of Teachers, the body that licenses teachers in Ontario.
What is a Special Education Specialist?
Special Education Specialist is the highest of the three levels of Ontario's Special Education Additional Qualification for teachers, after Part 1 and Part 2.
How much does tutoring cost?
Call Amy at 416-725-7499 or email amyjb@rogers.com for current rates and availability.
Contact Amy today
Let's help your child feel confident.
Call, email, or send a few details with the form and Amy will get back to you about availability.
Thank you!
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