Dyslexia

A child with dyslexia struggles with accurate and/or fluent word recognition as well as poor decoding and spelling abilities. But these challenges have no connection to their overall intelligence. In fact, dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in reading in relation to other cognitive abilities and effective instruction. It is a learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. While a child with dyslexia struggles with reading and writing, they are often highly creative in other areas.

Although dyslexia is a lifelong condition and its impact varies, with the right intervention, such as structured literacy instruction, a child with dyslexia can become a successful reader and writer.

Orton-Gillingham Approach

Orton-Gillingham is an evidence-based structured literacy approach to teaching reading and writing that integrates these principles of instruction:

direct and explicit
multisensory
structured and sequential
diagnostic and prescriptive

A focus on the learning needs, both strengths and weaknesses, of a child with dyslexia is an important component of the Orton-Gillingham Approach. Lessons are designed based on the skill level of each student whose needs determine the pace and order in which information is presented. Within an O-G lesson, handwriting, reading, spelling, and the basics of writing are addressed.

To find out more about the Orton-Gillingham Approach, visit www.ortonacademy.org

Jane De Haan
BA Psychology

Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement

Certified Member Orton-Gillingham Academy

International Dyslexia Association Member

My interest in dyslexia and the Orton-Gillingham Approach came about by chance several decades ago. After completing a BA in Psychology, I took an Orton-Gillingham based training for a volunteer tutoring program. I thoroughly enjoyed working one-on-one with a student with dyslexia and being a part of their progress toward becoming a competent reader and writer. While continuing to volunteer, I completed an elementary education degree with a focus on reading intervention.

After moving to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, I taught at a school for students with dyslexia and received formal training in the Slingerland Method (the classroom adaptation of the Orton-Gillingham Approach). When that school closed, several colleagues and I started a charter school, Multnomah Learning Academy, in Gresham with a focus on structured literacy instruction.

After working as the clinical director for a nonprofit organization that provides Orton-Gillingham tutoring, I realized how much I missed working one-on-one with students and decided to devote my time to tutoring.

When not immersed between the pages of a book, I enjoy sunrises over Mt. Hood and sunsets on the Pacific coast … and all the trails in between.

Working with Jane was a game-changer for my granddaughter. Jane's skill at using the Orton-Gillingham Approach and her patience improved my granddaughter's reading skills, and her gains have been maintained over time. We are grateful for the lasting impact of Jane's tutoring and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a positive learning experience. E. J.

We are beyond grateful for the incredible support our son received from Jane. From the very first session, it was clear that she was not just a tutor but a compassionate mentor. She tailored each lesson to meet our son's needs, incorporating creative strategies that kept him engaged and motivated. Her ability to assess his progress at the beginning and end of each season was invaluable, allowing us to see his own growth. Jane has been a transformative presence in our son's educational journey, giving him the skills and strategies he needed to become a confident student. We cannot recommend her highly enough. S. C.

Tutoring with the Orton-Gillingham Approach

I provide one-on-one tutoring for students in handwriting, reading, spelling, and writing using the Orton-Gillingham Approach. I meet with a student twice a week or more if a student has greater needs. Sessions can be in-person at my tutoring space in SE Portland or online.

Because the best learning takes place in a secure environment, my initial meeting with a student will focus on creating a safe and comfortable setting in which to assess a student's skills. I will gather information using various assessments, both informal and standardized, which will be used to chart progress. Based on the initial assessment of a student’s skill set, I will create individualized lesson plans while also factoring in their strengths and weaknesses.

Reading is important, because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.
—Tomie de Paola

For more information contact me via email at redefinereading@gmail.com

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