Is this what you see
when it's time to read?
when it's time to read?
It doesn't have to be
The Active Reader
Dyslexia Therapy
Dyslexia Therapy
Unlocking Literacy since 1996
The Active Reader Method is a dynamic, multisensory therapeutic approach to dyslexia that is 100% customized for your child. Systematic without being scripted, and rigorous without being rote, the Active Reader is proudly partnered with Lexercise, a robust and established online platform designed specifically for dyslexic students.
Who can benefit from The Active Reader Dyslexia Therapy?
Do I need to have a formal diagnosis?
Any student who struggles with reading will benefit from skilled dyslexia therapy, with or without a formal diagnosis. If you have reason to believe your child may struggle with reading (attention issues, a family history of dyslexia), taking action in preschool or kindergarten can prevent years of heartache and frustration.
human Connection
+ Custom Video Games
= Lasting Results
The Active Reader goes beyond tutoring to provide targeted, custom-designed instruction designed to be delivered online, either through Lexercise or with The Active Reader Method. Both offer one-on-one instruction and custom-designed video games to make daily practice manageable.
So many academic and behavioral challenges arise from foundational skill deficits that can be addressed directly with skilled intervention. Early intervention is truly life-changing, and the sooner you take action, the better.
You've been working at this for a while now. You've done everything you can. It's hard teaching your own child. Let someone help you.
Your child will thank you. (Maybe not this week. But they will).
Is this what you see when it's time to read?
The Active Reader
Dyslexia Therapy
Unlocking Literacy since 1996
The Active Reader Method is a dynamic, multisensory therapeutic approach to dyslexia that is 100% customized for your child. Systematic without being scripted, and rigorous without being rote, the Active Reader is proudly partnered with Lexercise, a robust and established online platform designed specifically for dyslexic students.
Who can benefit from The Active Reader Dyslexia Therapy? Do I need to have a formal diagnosis?
Any student who struggles with reading will benefit from skilled dyslexia therapy, with or without a formal diagnosis. If you have reason to believe your child may struggle with reading (attention issues, a family history of dyslexia), taking action in preschool or kindergarten can prevent years of heartache and frustration.
Personal Connection
+ Video Games
+ Video Games
= Lasting Results
The Active Reader goes beyond tutoring to provide targeted, custom-designed instruction designed to be delivered online, either through Lexercise or with The Active Reader Method. Both offer one-on-one instruction and custom-designed video games to make daily practice manageable.
Early intervention is truly life-changing. The longer you wait to address the problem, the longer it takes to fix it. So many academic and behavioral challenges arise from foundational skill deficits that can be addressed directly with skilled intervention. Get to the root of the problem with The Active Reader.
Find Out What Your Child Needs With a
Free Phonemic Awareness Assessment
Meet one-on-one with a real specialist who understands dyslexia.
Takes about 20 minutes • Meet on Zoom • You, Your Child, and Kate
Find Out What
Your Child Needs With a
Free Phonemic Awareness Assessment
Meet one-on-one with a real specialist who understands dyslexia.
Takes about 20 minutes • Meet on Zoom • You, Your Child, and Kate
Is this what you
see when it's
see when it's
time to read?
It doesn't have to be!..
Is this
what you
see when
see when
it's time
to read?
Is Reading a nightly battle?
Does it seem like he won't even look at the words on the page?
Is her spelling terrible? Does he struggle with sight words you've reviewed a million times?
Does she make random guesses at words that she should be able to read?
Does it take hours instead of minutes to complete assignments?
Do you think that if you were a more patient person, your child wouldn't be struggling?
Does the mere mention of reading
make your child mad or frustrated?
Does she seem anxious or sad when it's time for school?
Is homework a nightly battle?
When it’s time to read, does he look at
the pictures...
your face...
the band-aid on his thumb…
anything except the words?
Do you think that if you were a more patient person, your child wouldn't be struggling?
book your free
Phonemic Awareness Assessment
to see how this foundational skill impacts your child
Does the mere mention of reading
make your child mad or frustrated?
Does she seem anxious or sad when it's time for school?
Is homework a nightly battle?
When it’s time to read, does he look at
the pictures...
your face...
the band-aid on his thumb…
anything except the words?
Do you think that if you were a more patient person, your child wouldn't be struggling?
book your free
Phonemic Awareness Assessment
to see how this foundational skill impacts your child
If this sounds familiar,
you are not alone.
The research is clear:
- 40–50% of readers require code-based, explicit instruction to become proficient.
- 10–15% need explicit, systematic instruction with many repetitions.
- This is the profile of a dyslexic reader: not only do they need skilled instruction—they need more of it.
- One of the key deficits dyslexic readers struggle with is weak phonemic awareness.
What is Phonemic Awareness? And what is the role it plays in learning to read?
What is
Phonemic Awareness?
Phonemic Awareness (often referred to as “PA”) is the ability to identify, separate and blend individual speech sounds (known as “phonemes”) within spoken - as opposed to written - words.
PA is a foundational skill, and if that foundation is weak, reading will not make sense. Because if you can't hear and isolate the sounds in spoken words, how are you supposed to connect them to the letters that represent those words?
PA is also the skill most commonly overlooked in early literacy, because it doesn’t look like “reading." It’s not about books, spelling, sight words, or even letters... it's about sound.
While most reading programs emphasize recognizing the first sounds in letters, it's the ability to ability to separate all the sounds in a word that is the foundation to fluent, automatic reading. It's not necessarily hard, but it's definitely all "natural." And it is the foundational skill that is underdeveloped in the dyslexic brain.
Fortunately, it is totally learnable....
once you find the missing link.
Scarborough's Reading Rope is the conceptual framework behind what’s known as The Simple View of Reading, which informs what's often commonly referred to as “The Science of Reading" — a body of research built over more than 30 years, and strengthened by increasingly sophisticated brain-imaging evidence.
The key idea is, (appropriately) simple:
What is
Phonemic
Awareness?
Awareness?
Scarborough's Reading Rope
Scarborough's Reading Rope is the conceptual framework behind what’s known as The Simple View of Reading, which informs what's often commonly referred to as “The Science of Reading" — a body of research built over more than 30 years, and strengthened by increasingly sophisticated brain-imaging evidence.
The key idea is, (appropriately) simple:
Phonemic Awareness (or “PA”) is the ability to identify, separate and blend individual speech sounds (known as “phonemes”) within spoken (not written) words. If you can't hear and isolate the sounds in spoken words, how are you supposed to connect them to the letters that represent* those words?
PA is the skill most commonly overlooked in early literacy, because it doesn’t look like “reading." It’s not about books, spelling, sight words, or even letters... it's about sound.
While most reading programs emphasize recognizing the first sounds in letters, it's the ability to ability to separate all the sounds in a word that is the foundation to fluent, automatic reading. It's not necessarily hard, but it's definitely all "natural." And it is the foundational skill that is underdeveloped in the dyslexic brain.
Fortunately, it is totally learnable!
*if that connection was never made, you might think that written English is totally illogical and random, and think you have to memorize everything. Can you imagine how exhausting that would be?
Structured
Literacy
Literacy
Explicit
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
The alphabetic code is taught
intentionally as a coordinated system
Multisensory
intentionally as a coordinated system
Multisensory
Intentionally links handwriting,
pronunciation, and phonology
Diagnostic/Flexible
pronunciation, and phonology
Diagnostic/Flexible
Instruction is based on the learner’s mastery,
not on a prescribed curriculum.
VS.
Traditional Reading
Instruction
Instruction
Implicit
Skills are expected to be inferred
Incidental/non-sequential
The alphabetic code is introduced
as it appears in reading materials,
not in a cumulative sequence
as it appears in reading materials,
not in a cumulative sequence
Print-focused
emphasizes whole-word
recognition over handwriting and
sound–symbol understanding
recognition over handwriting and
sound–symbol understanding
Curriculum driven
Instruction follows a scripted program,
moving on even when gaps remain.
moving on even when gaps remain.
Structured
Literacy
Literacy
Explicit
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
The alphabetic code is taught intentionally as a coordinated system
Multisensory
Multisensory
Intentionally links handwriting, pronunciation, and phonology
Diagnostic/Flexible
Diagnostic/Flexible
Instruction is based on the learner’s mastery, not on a prescribed curriculum
VS.
Traditional Reading
Instruction
Instruction
Implicit
Skills are expected to be inferred
Incidental/non-sequential
The alphabetic code is introduced as it appears in reading materials, not in a cumulative sequence
Print-focused
emphasizes whole-word recognition over handwriting and sound–symbol understanding
Curriculum driven
Instruction follows a scripted program, moving on even when gaps remain
The Active Reader Difference
Structured
Literacy
(aka "Orton Gillingham")
A research-backed approach endorsed by the IDA, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, and ALTA builds reading from the ground up, step by step.
Gold standard for literacy instruction
Expert Instruction
+
Human Connection
Dyslexic kids need different help
Students learn the skills the dyslexic brain struggles to develop on its own, taught by a real human who knows them, and who makes sure they're aleart and engaged.
Passive learning doesn't work.
Designed from the ground-up to be delivered online.
Hand-picked
Video Games
Customized for your child
Games that reinforce the
specific skills that need to
be developed in your child.
specific skills that need to
be developed in your child.
These are skills that are overlooked in almost all literacy programs.
The
Active Reader
Difference
Active Reader
Difference
Structured
Literacy
(aka "Orton Gillingham")
A research-backed approach endorsed by the IDA, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, and ALTA builds reading from the ground up, step by step.
Gold standard for literacy instruction
Expert Instruction
+
Human Connection
No Scripts. No Flashcards
Active Readers learn how our spoken language is translated into text - not through rote memorization, but through understanding. Sessions are dynamic and engaging, designed from the ground up to be delivered online.
Passive learning doesn't work. Engaged learning does.
Hand-picked
Video Games
Customized for your child
Unique games based on over twenty years of experience with real students, designed specifically to target the skills dyslexic students struggle with.
These are skills that are overlooked in almost all literacy programs.
Relationship +
Deliberate Practice
= Lasting Results
Deliberate Practice
= Lasting Results
Relationship:
✅ Weekly one-on-one live sessions
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Parent office hours
✅ Weekly one-on-one live sessions
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Parent office hours
Deliberate Practice:
Customized video Games
with leaderboards to help your child build automaticity, confidence, and motivation.
Customized video Games
with leaderboards to help your child build automaticity, confidence, and motivation.
Lasting Results
Lasting results that shape
your child's confidence, learning,
and future opportunities.
Lasting results that shape
your child's confidence, learning,
and future opportunities.
a full grade level in 12 weeks — guaranteed.
Relationship + Deliberate Practice = Lasting Results
Relationship
✅ Weekly one-on-one live sessions
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Parent office hours 
Practice
Custom video games are sequenced intentionally to build understanding layer by layer, building the pattern recognition needed for fluent, automatic reading.
Custom video games are sequenced intentionally to build understanding layer by layer, building the pattern recognition needed for fluent, automatic reading.
Leaderboards keep things interesting while repetition and variety work together to make reading easier.
Results
Struggling readers fall further and further behind because they don't even want to look at text, in or out of the classroom.
Active Readers naturally engage with the text that's all around.
Learning becomes self-reinforcing as skill and confidence grows.
"When you're reading fast and you're understanding, it's like you're flying."
Sam, aged 10
Dyslexia Doesn't Fix Itself
Without the right support, difficulties can compound over time, undermining confidence and self-image
Insufficient
school support
school support
Reading difficulties
intensify over time
intensify over time
Emotional and psychological consequences
It's not too late!
Wherever your child is right now, there’s still time to help.
Dyslexia Doesn't Fix Itself
Without the right support, difficulties can compound over time, undermining confidence and self-image
Insufficient
school support
school support
Reading difficulties
intensify over time
intensify over time
Emotional and psychological consequences
It's not too late!
Wherever your child is right now, there’s still time to help.
What's Right for My Child?
Lexercise® Professional Therapy
Lexercise Professional Therapy is a structured, research-based intervention designed for students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Sessions follow an IDA credentialed Structured Literacy Program, and each session is integrated with a customizable, gamefied suite of games that allows for independent daily practice, complete with points, streaks, and goals.
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
What is right for my child?
Lexercise®
Professional Therapy
Professional Therapy
Lexercise Professional Therapy is a structured, research-based intervention designed for students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Sessions follow an IDA credentialed Structured Literacy Program, and each session is integrated with a customizable, gamefied suite of games that allows for independent daily practice, complete with points, streaks, and goals.
Morphophonemia
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
Lexercise®
Professional Therapy
Professional Therapy
Lexercise Professional Therapy is a structured, research-based intervention designed for students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Sessions follow an IDA credentialed Structured Literacy Program, and each session is integrated with a customizable, gamefied suite of games that allows for independent daily practice, complete with points, streaks, and goals.
Morphophonemia
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
Kim's Story
This is conversation I had with parent (who happens to be an attorney) talking about how she learned dyslexia was at the root of her son's behavior struggles. I asked to record it because I knew how much other parents would appreciate hearing her story.
Hi! I'm Kate.
I’m The Active Reader.
I like big words, small dogs (well, my small dog), and punctuation.
I’ve been teaching reading for over twenty-five years, to
students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. I’m a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Therapist, trained
through IDA-accredited programs including Lexercise, Lindamood-Bell, Words in Color, and F.A.S.T. Phonics.
After graduating from Smith College and spending some years writing screenplays, waiting tables, touring with a pop band, and generally being convinced I was going to “change the world,” I found myself teaching English in a failing middle school in Compton. To my surprise, I discovered that while I could talk about books, stories, and word origins 'til the cows came home, what I couldn’t do was teach a classroom full of kids how to actually read when they were already behind.
I get how hard it is to be a classroom teacher. I’m also a certified yoga instructor, and while I’m a terrible meditator, I’m an excellent breather. I've used that training to help my students manage their anxiety, settle down, and perk up. (I have yet to find anything more energizing than doing a headstand, and believe it or not, I often do them with my student, even over Zoom.)
Someday, I want to start a middle school where all academic content is taught through the science and business of food and cooking.
But for now, I just want to teach kids how to read.
As many as possible.
With the right support,
real progress is possible.
real progress is possible.
Hear from parents like you:
Hi! I'm Kate.
I’m The Active Reader.
I like big words, small dogs (well, my small dog), and punctuation.
I’ve been teaching reading for over twenty-five years, to
students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. I’m a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Therapist, trained
through IDA-accredited programs including Lexercise, Lindamood-Bell, Words in Color, and F.A.S.T. Phonics.
After graduating from Smith College and spending some years writing screenplays, waiting tables, touring with a pop band, and generally being convinced I was going to “change the world,” I found myself teaching English in a failing middle school in Compton. To my surprise, I discovered that while I could talk about books, stories, and word origins 'til the cows came home, what I couldn’t do was teach a classroom full of kids how to actually read when they were already behind.
I get how hard it is to be a classroom teacher.
I’m also a certified yoga instructor, and while I’m a terrible meditator, I’m an excellent breather. I've used that training to help my students manage their anxiety, settle down, and perk up. (I have yet to find anything more energizing than doing a headstand, and believe it or not, I often do them with my student, even over Zoom.)
Someday, I want to start a middle school where all academic content is taught through the science and business of food and cooking.
But for now, I just want to teach kids how to read.
As many as possible.
Is this what you see
when it's time to read?
when it's time to read?
It doesn't have to be
The Active Reader
Dyslexia Therapy
Dyslexia Therapy
Unlocking Literacy since 1996
The Active Reader Method is a dynamic, multisensory therapeutic approach to dyslexia that is 100% customized for your child. Systematic without being scripted, and rigorous without being rote, the Active Reader is proudly partnered with Lexercise, a robust and established online platform designed specifically for dyslexic students.
Who can benefit from The Active Reader Dyslexia Therapy?
Do I need to have a formal diagnosis?
Any student who struggles with reading will benefit from skilled dyslexia therapy, with or without a formal diagnosis. If you have reason to believe your child may struggle with reading (attention issues, a family history of dyslexia), taking action in preschool or kindergarten can prevent years of heartache and frustration.
human Connection
+ Custom Video Games
= Lasting Results
The Active Reader goes beyond tutoring to provide targeted, custom-designed instruction designed to be delivered online, either through Lexercise or with The Active Reader Method. Both offer one-on-one instruction and custom-designed video games to make daily practice manageable.
So many academic and behavioral challenges arise from foundational skill deficits that can be addressed directly with skilled intervention. Early intervention is truly life-changing, and the sooner you take action, the better.
You've been working at this for a while now. You've done everything you can. It's hard teaching your own child. Let someone help you.
Your child will thank you. (Maybe not this week. But they will).
Is this what you see when it's time to read?
The Active Reader
Dyslexia Therapy
Unlocking Literacy since 1996
The Active Reader Method is a dynamic, multisensory therapeutic approach to dyslexia that is 100% customized for your child. Systematic without being scripted, and rigorous without being rote, the Active Reader is proudly partnered with Lexercise, a robust and established online platform designed specifically for dyslexic students.
Who can benefit from The Active Reader Dyslexia Therapy? Do I need to have a formal diagnosis?
Any student who struggles with reading will benefit from skilled dyslexia therapy, with or without a formal diagnosis. If you have reason to believe your child may struggle with reading (attention issues, a family history of dyslexia), taking action in preschool or kindergarten can prevent years of heartache and frustration.
Personal Connection
+ Video Games
+ Video Games
= Lasting Results
The Active Reader goes beyond tutoring to provide targeted, custom-designed instruction designed to be delivered online, either through Lexercise or with The Active Reader Method. Both offer one-on-one instruction and custom-designed video games to make daily practice manageable.
Early intervention is truly life-changing. The longer you wait to address the problem, the longer it takes to fix it. So many academic and behavioral challenges arise from foundational skill deficits that can be addressed directly with skilled intervention. Get to the root of the problem with The Active Reader.
Find Out What Your Child Needs With a
Free Phonemic Awareness Assessment
Meet one-on-one with a real specialist who understands dyslexia.
Takes about 20 minutes • Meet on Zoom • You, Your Child, and Kate
Find Out What
Your Child Needs With a
Free Phonemic Awareness Assessment
Meet one-on-one with a real specialist who understands dyslexia.
Takes about 20 minutes • Meet on Zoom • You, Your Child, and Kate
Is this what you
see when it's
see when it's
time to read?
It doesn't have to be!..
Is this
what you
see when
see when
it's time
to read?
Is Reading a nightly battle?
Does it seem like he won't even look at the words on the page?
Is her spelling terrible? Does he struggle with sight words you've reviewed a million times?
Does she make random guesses at words that she should be able to read?
Does it take hours instead of minutes to complete assignments?
Do you think that if you were a more patient person, your child wouldn't be struggling?
Does the mere mention of reading
make your child mad or frustrated?
Does she seem anxious or sad when it's time for school?
Is homework a nightly battle?
When it’s time to read, does he look at
the pictures...
your face...
the band-aid on his thumb…
anything except the words?
Do you think that if you were a more patient person, your child wouldn't be struggling?
book your free
Phonemic Awareness Assessment
to see how this foundational skill impacts your child
Does the mere mention of reading
make your child mad or frustrated?
Does she seem anxious or sad when it's time for school?
Is homework a nightly battle?
When it’s time to read, does he look at
the pictures...
your face...
the band-aid on his thumb…
anything except the words?
Do you think that if you were a more patient person, your child wouldn't be struggling?
book your free
Phonemic Awareness Assessment
to see how this foundational skill impacts your child
If this sounds familiar,
you are not alone.
The research is clear:
- 40–50% of readers require code-based, explicit instruction to become proficient.
- 10–15% need explicit, systematic instruction with many repetitions.
- This is the profile of a dyslexic reader: not only do they need skilled instruction—they need more of it.
- One of the key deficits dyslexic readers struggle with is weak phonemic awareness.
What is Phonemic Awareness? And what is the role it plays in learning to read?
What is
Phonemic Awareness?
Phonemic Awareness (often referred to as “PA”) is the ability to identify, separate and blend individual speech sounds (known as “phonemes”) within spoken - as opposed to written - words.
PA is a foundational skill, and if that foundation is weak, reading will not make sense. Because if you can't hear and isolate the sounds in spoken words, how are you supposed to connect them to the letters that represent those words?
PA is also the skill most commonly overlooked in early literacy, because it doesn’t look like “reading." It’s not about books, spelling, sight words, or even letters... it's about sound.
While most reading programs emphasize recognizing the first sounds in letters, it's the ability to ability to separate all the sounds in a word that is the foundation to fluent, automatic reading. It's not necessarily hard, but it's definitely all "natural." And it is the foundational skill that is underdeveloped in the dyslexic brain.
Fortunately, it is totally learnable....
once you find the missing link.
Scarborough's Reading Rope is the conceptual framework behind what’s known as The Simple View of Reading, which informs what's often commonly referred to as “The Science of Reading" — a body of research built over more than 30 years, and strengthened by increasingly sophisticated brain-imaging evidence.
The key idea is, (appropriately) simple:
What is
Phonemic
Awareness?
Awareness?
Scarborough's Reading Rope
Scarborough's Reading Rope is the conceptual framework behind what’s known as The Simple View of Reading, which informs what's often commonly referred to as “The Science of Reading" — a body of research built over more than 30 years, and strengthened by increasingly sophisticated brain-imaging evidence.
The key idea is, (appropriately) simple:
Phonemic Awareness (or “PA”) is the ability to identify, separate and blend individual speech sounds (known as “phonemes”) within spoken (not written) words. If you can't hear and isolate the sounds in spoken words, how are you supposed to connect them to the letters that represent* those words?
PA is the skill most commonly overlooked in early literacy, because it doesn’t look like “reading." It’s not about books, spelling, sight words, or even letters... it's about sound.
While most reading programs emphasize recognizing the first sounds in letters, it's the ability to ability to separate all the sounds in a word that is the foundation to fluent, automatic reading. It's not necessarily hard, but it's definitely all "natural." And it is the foundational skill that is underdeveloped in the dyslexic brain.
Fortunately, it is totally learnable!
*if that connection was never made, you might think that written English is totally illogical and random, and think you have to memorize everything. Can you imagine how exhausting that would be?
Structured
Literacy
Literacy
Explicit
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
The alphabetic code is taught
intentionally as a coordinated system
Multisensory
intentionally as a coordinated system
Multisensory
Intentionally links handwriting,
pronunciation, and phonology
Diagnostic/Flexible
pronunciation, and phonology
Diagnostic/Flexible
Instruction is based on the learner’s mastery,
not on a prescribed curriculum.
VS.
Traditional Reading
Instruction
Instruction
Implicit
Skills are expected to be inferred
Incidental/non-sequential
The alphabetic code is introduced
as it appears in reading materials,
not in a cumulative sequence
as it appears in reading materials,
not in a cumulative sequence
Print-focused
emphasizes whole-word
recognition over handwriting and
sound–symbol understanding
recognition over handwriting and
sound–symbol understanding
Curriculum driven
Instruction follows a scripted program,
moving on even when gaps remain.
moving on even when gaps remain.
Structured
Literacy
Literacy
Explicit
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
Skills are taught directly
Systematic & Cumulative
The alphabetic code is taught intentionally as a coordinated system
Multisensory
Multisensory
Intentionally links handwriting, pronunciation, and phonology
Diagnostic/Flexible
Diagnostic/Flexible
Instruction is based on the learner’s mastery, not on a prescribed curriculum
VS.
Traditional Reading
Instruction
Instruction
Implicit
Skills are expected to be inferred
Incidental/non-sequential
The alphabetic code is introduced as it appears in reading materials, not in a cumulative sequence
Print-focused
emphasizes whole-word recognition over handwriting and sound–symbol understanding
Curriculum driven
Instruction follows a scripted program, moving on even when gaps remain
The Active Reader Difference
Structured
Literacy
(aka "Orton Gillingham")
A research-backed approach endorsed by the IDA, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, and ALTA builds reading from the ground up, step by step.
Gold standard for literacy instruction
Expert Instruction
+
Human Connection
Dyslexic kids need different help
Students learn the skills the dyslexic brain struggles to develop on its own, taught by a real human who knows them, and who makes sure they're aleart and engaged.
Passive learning doesn't work.
Designed from the ground-up to be delivered online.
Hand-picked
Video Games
Customized for your child
Games that reinforce the
specific skills that need to
be developed in your child.
specific skills that need to
be developed in your child.
These are skills that are overlooked in almost all literacy programs.
The
Active Reader
Difference
Active Reader
Difference
Structured
Literacy
(aka "Orton Gillingham")
A research-backed approach endorsed by the IDA, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, and ALTA builds reading from the ground up, step by step.
Gold standard for literacy instruction
Expert Instruction
+
Human Connection
No Scripts. No Flashcards
Active Readers learn how our spoken language is translated into text - not through rote memorization, but through understanding. Sessions are dynamic and engaging, designed from the ground up to be delivered online.
Passive learning doesn't work. Engaged learning does.
Hand-picked
Video Games
Customized for your child
Unique games based on over twenty years of experience with real students, designed specifically to target the skills dyslexic students struggle with.
These are skills that are overlooked in almost all literacy programs.
Relationship +
Deliberate Practice
= Lasting Results
Deliberate Practice
= Lasting Results
Relationship:
✅ Weekly one-on-one live sessions
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Parent office hours
✅ Weekly one-on-one live sessions
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Parent office hours
Deliberate Practice:
Customized video Games
with leaderboards to help your child build automaticity, confidence, and motivation.
Customized video Games
with leaderboards to help your child build automaticity, confidence, and motivation.
Lasting Results
Lasting results that shape
your child's confidence, learning,
and future opportunities.
Lasting results that shape
your child's confidence, learning,
and future opportunities.
a full grade level in 12 weeks — guaranteed.
Relationship + Deliberate Practice = Lasting Results
Relationship
✅ Weekly one-on-one live sessions
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Opportunities to meet other students
✅ Parent office hours
Practice
Custom video games are sequenced intentionally to build understanding layer by layer, building the pattern recognition needed for fluent, automatic reading.
Custom video games are sequenced intentionally to build understanding layer by layer, building the pattern recognition needed for fluent, automatic reading.
Leaderboards keep things interesting while repetition and variety work together to make reading easier.
Results
Struggling readers fall further and further behind because they don't even want to look at text, in or out of the classroom.
Active Readers naturally engage with the text that's all around.
Learning becomes self-reinforcing as skill and confidence grows.
"When you're reading fast and you're understanding, it's like you're flying."
Sam, aged 10
Dyslexia Doesn't Fix Itself
Without the right support, difficulties can compound over time, undermining confidence and self-image
Insufficient
school support
school support
Reading difficulties
intensify over time
intensify over time
Emotional and psychological consequences
It's not too late!
Wherever your child is right now, there’s still time to help.
Dyslexia Doesn't Fix Itself
Without the right support, difficulties can compound over time, undermining confidence and self-image
Insufficient
school support
school support
Reading difficulties
intensify over time
intensify over time
Emotional and psychological consequences
It's not too late!
Wherever your child is right now, there’s still time to help.
What's Right for My Child?
Lexercise® Professional Therapy
Lexercise Professional Therapy is a structured, research-based intervention designed for students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Sessions follow an IDA credentialed Structured Literacy Program, and each session is integrated with a customizable, gamefied suite of games that allows for independent daily practice, complete with points, streaks, and goals.
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
What is right for my child?
Lexercise®
Professional Therapy
Professional Therapy
Lexercise Professional Therapy is a structured, research-based intervention designed for students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Sessions follow an IDA credentialed Structured Literacy Program, and each session is integrated with a customizable, gamefied suite of games that allows for independent daily practice, complete with points, streaks, and goals.
Morphophonemia
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
Lexercise®
Professional Therapy
Professional Therapy
Lexercise Professional Therapy is a structured, research-based intervention designed for students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Sessions follow an IDA credentialed Structured Literacy Program, and each session is integrated with a customizable, gamefied suite of games that allows for independent daily practice, complete with points, streaks, and goals.
Morphophonemia
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
Kim's Story
This is conversation I had with parent (who happens to be an attorney) talking about how she learned dyslexia was at the root of her son's behavior struggles. I asked to record it because I knew how much other parents would appreciate hearing her story.
Hi! I'm Kate.
I’m The Active Reader.
I like big words, small dogs (well, my small dog), and punctuation.
I’ve been teaching reading for over twenty-five years, to
students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. I’m a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Therapist, trained
through IDA-accredited programs including Lexercise, Lindamood-Bell, Words in Color, and F.A.S.T. Phonics.
After graduating from Smith College and spending some years writing screenplays, waiting tables, touring with a pop band, and generally being convinced I was going to “change the world,” I found myself teaching English in a failing middle school in Compton. To my surprise, I discovered that while I could talk about books, stories, and word origins 'til the cows came home, what I couldn’t do was teach a classroom full of kids how to actually read when they were already behind.
I get how hard it is to be a classroom teacher. I’m also a certified yoga instructor, and while I’m a terrible meditator, I’m an excellent breather. I've used that training to help my students manage their anxiety, settle down, and perk up. (I have yet to find anything more energizing than doing a headstand, and believe it or not, I often do them with my student, even over Zoom.)
Someday, I want to start a middle school where all academic content is taught through the science and business of food and cooking.
But for now, I just want to teach kids how to read.
As many as possible.
With the right support,
real progress is possible.
real progress is possible.
Hear from parents like you:
Hi! I'm Kate.
I’m The Active Reader.
I like big words, small dogs (well, my small dog), and punctuation.
I’ve been teaching reading for over twenty-five years, to
students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. I’m a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Therapist, trained
through IDA-accredited programs including Lexercise, Lindamood-Bell, Words in Color, and F.A.S.T. Phonics.
After graduating from Smith College and spending some years writing screenplays, waiting tables, touring with a pop band, and generally being convinced I was going to “change the world,” I found myself teaching English in a failing middle school in Compton. To my surprise, I discovered that while I could talk about books, stories, and word origins 'til the cows came home, what I couldn’t do was teach a classroom full of kids how to actually read when they were already behind.
I get how hard it is to be a classroom teacher.
I’m also a certified yoga instructor, and while I’m a terrible meditator, I’m an excellent breather. I've used that training to help my students manage their anxiety, settle down, and perk up. (I have yet to find anything more energizing than doing a headstand, and believe it or not, I often do them with my student, even over Zoom.)
Someday, I want to start a middle school where all academic content is taught through the science and business of food and cooking.
But for now, I just want to teach kids how to read.
As many as possible.
Is Reading a
Nightly Battle?
It doesn't have to be!
Reading matters. You know that. It can be magical and joyful-the heart of childhood.
But right now? It's nothing but stress and struggle for your child... and for you.
Why is so hard? What's actually going on?
And how do you fix something that feels this big.
Find out with a FREE
Phonemic Awareness Assessment
(with a real human who understands dyslexia)
schedule my free assessment
Structured Literacy is the Path.
Confidence is the Payoff.
With The Active Reader,
your child can improve a
full grade level in 12 weeks.
your child can improve a
full grade level in 12 weeks.
And that’s just the beginning.
Schedule Your Free Assessment
What Makes
The Active Reader Different
Structured
Literacy
(aka "Orton Gillingham")
A research-backed approach endorsed by the IDA, Center for Effective Reading Instruction, and ALTA builds reading from the ground up, step by step.
Gold standard for literacy instruction
Expert Instruction
+ Human Connection
Dyslexic kids need different help
I teach the exact skills the dyslexic brain struggles to develop on its own. To ensure the child doesn't "check out." Passive learning doesn't work.
Designed from the ground-up to be delivered online.
Hand-picked
Video Games
Customized for your child
Games that reinforce the
specific skills that need to
be developed in your child.
specific skills that need to
be developed in your child.
These are skills that are overlooked in almost all literacy programs.
Fast, Measurable Progress
From Your Living Room
From Your Living Room
(Families typically see a full grade-level improvement in 12 weeks!)
Active Reader Foundations
A 12-week, one-on-one jumpstart for
kids who need a true reset in reading.
A 12-week, one-on-one jumpstart for
kids who need a true reset in reading.
When a child struggles to read, it’s almost always because the foundations were never fully built. This program goes back to the part most approaches skip: how sounds work, how letters work, and how the two connect — so reading finally makes sense.
Perfect for: Dyslexia • ADHD • Dysgraphia • Early readers who are struggling and no one can quite explain why.
Active Reader Foundations
A 12-week, one-on-one jumpstart for
kids who need a true reset in reading.
kids who need a true reset in reading.
When a child struggles to read, it’s almost always because the foundations were never fully built. This program goes back to the part most approaches skip: how sounds work, how letters work, and how the two connect — so reading finally makes sense.
Perfect for: Dyslexia • ADHD • Dysgraphia • Early readers who are struggling and no one can quite explain why.
Why Is English So Weird?
A 12-week, one-on-one course that’s
empowering, playful, and sneakily sophisticated.
A 12-week, one-on-one course that’s
empowering, playful, and sneakily sophisticated.
English spelling isn’t random — it’s a mix of influences from farmers, doctors, and chefs who all brought different languages (and alphabets!) into English. Students learn to ask one powerful question: Who would use this word?
This becomes their key to understanding spelling patterns that once felt unpredictable.
Perfect for: Kids who decode but still struggle with spelling, vocabulary, or "tricky words."
Why Is English So Weird?
A 12-week, one-on-one course
that’s empowering, playful,
and sneakily sophisticated.
that’s empowering, playful,
and sneakily sophisticated.
English spelling isn’t random — it’s a mix of influences from farmers, doctors, and chefs who all brought different languages (and alphabets!) into English. Students learn to ask one powerful question: Who would use this word?
This becomes their key to understanding spelling patterns that once felt unpredictable.
Perfect for: Kids who decode but still struggle with spelling, vocabulary, or "tricky words."
Morphophonemia
A 12-week, one-on-one course in
seeing the meaningful “clues” inside words.
A 12-week, one-on-one course in
seeing the meaningful “clues” inside words.
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
Perfect for: Students ready for more advanced vocabulary, or those who’ve mastered basic decoding but still feel unsure with unfamiliar words.
Morphophonemia
A 12-week, one-on-one course
in seeing the meaningful
“clues” inside words.
in seeing the meaningful
“clues” inside words.
English isn’t purely phonetic, but it isn’t random either — it’s morphophonetic. Students learn to spot the Greek and Latin pieces inside words so they can understand meaning, pronunciation, and structure at a deeper level.
Vocabulary that used to feel out of reach becomes a secret strength.
Perfect for: Students ready for more advanced vocabulary, or those who’ve mastered basic decoding but still feel unsure with unfamiliar words.
Q&A
My child already does phonics at school. How is this different?
Most school phonics programs skim the surface.
In this work, we target the underlying processing skills (phonological & phonemic awareness, orthography, morphology) that make reading actually work.
In this work, we target the underlying processing skills (phonological & phonemic awareness, orthography, morphology) that make reading actually work.
Can you help with dysgraphia and handwriting?
Yes. Handwriting is built into Active Reader Foundations and integrated where needed in the other paths.
What ages do you work with?
Roughly early elementary through teens.
We’ll know quickly if your child is a good fit — and I’ll be honest if I’m not the right person.
We’ll know quickly if your child is a good fit — and I’ll be honest if I’m not the right person.
Do you work with kids with ADD?
Is online learning really as effective as in-person?
Dyslexia Doesn't Fix Itself
The Cost of Waiting:
Insufficient
school support
school support
Reading difficulties
intensify over time
intensify over time
Emotional and psychological consequences
Delayed intervention
= Lost Opportunities
= Lost Opportunities
It's not too late...
"I wanted to let you know that W is now reading at a 9.6 grade level!!!
He is still working on his writing skills, but he is doing fantastic at reading... You left a lasting impact on both of our lives.
Thank you for all that you do!"
New Column
It's not too late.
Hi! I'm Kate.
I’ve been teaching reading for over twenty years, to students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
I’ve been:
- An English teacher in Compton, learning the hard way that enthusiasm isn’t enough
- A reading teacher for four-year-olds, discovering how the foundations of literacy are truly built
- A dyslexia therapist working online with students who once thought they’d “never” be good readers
Along the way, I trained in multiple proven programs (Lindamood-Bell, Words in Color, Tattum Reading) and completed advanced practicum through the IDA-accredited Lexercise Professional Education program. I am a certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Therapist.
I also bring a background in yoga and body-mind practices into my sessions—because sometimes the brain needs a headstand, a laugh, or a deep breath before it’s ready to learn.
Underneath all of that is something simple:
I really, really love teaching kids how to read—and I take their struggles seriously.
I really, really love teaching kids how to read—and I take their struggles seriously.
Copyright 2025 The Active Reader Dyslexia Therapy
Terms & Disclaimers | Privacy Policy
