Entries by reading@specialist

Free Workshop: Understanding Reading Difficulties & Dyslexia

September 19, 2023 in /by

Get ready for an enlightening experience as Kristy, the driving force behind The Reading Specialists, leads an engaging workshop. She’ll delve deep into dyslexia and reading difficulties, offering a fresh perspective and actionable insights.

Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect:

  • Master In-Depth Understanding: Kristy is poised to decode the complexities of dyslexia, offering you a comprehensive understanding of its subtleties and intricacies.
  • Practical Strategies for Support: Unlock a toolkit of effective strategies to empower and guide children grappling with dyslexia. This workshop is all about making their reading journey smoother and more enjoyable.
  • Explore Diagnosis and Beyond: Discover the tried-and-true methodologies for pinpointing and addressing dyslexia precisely.

The benefits continue. This workshop is tailored for everyone invested in enhancing children’s reading skills. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply enthusiastic about fostering learning, this event is your gateway to empowerment.

Here are the event specifics:

  • Date: October 15th
  • Time: 11:30 AM
  • Location: Civil Service Club @ Tessensohn

There’s no admission fee; reserve your spot now!

Get to know our Founder, Kristy Jones.

May 22, 2023 in , /by

Kristy Jones is the Managing Director and Senior Reading Specialist of The Reading Specialists, which she founded in 2017. 

 

What do The Reading Specialists do?

We’re a team of highly trained professionals that help people with reading and spelling difficulties work towards reaching their full reading and spelling potential. 

We do this by firstly conducting an assessment using standardised and error tests. This assessment identifies the gaps in a person’s reading and spelling skills, which helps us to create a tailored treatment program to fill those gaps, building a solid foundation for literacy. If a person has recently had an assessment by a school, educational psychologist or clinical neuropsychologist. In that case, we can use those results to help form a treatment plan.

We use direct or explicit instruction and evidence-based, synthetic phonics programs. We also use programs that build on sight word knowledge, reading accuracy, blending, segmenting, reading comprehension, vocabulary, morphology, syllables and, where needed, letter formation. 

We’ve also developed a Growth Mindset Training program, which helps those with a negative mindset about their literacy abilities. The program teaches people how to shift from a negative or a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Having a ‘growth mindset’ is about knowing that learning can be challenging. Still, we can improve with the right strategies and practice. Instead of saying, “I can’t do it”, say, “I can’t do it, yet.” This shift from a negative mindset is essential, as saying ‘I can’t read’ sets up a barrier to learning which needs to be removed for learning to be effective. 

We use positive behaviour strategies with our students, as this helps build trust between the specialist and student and helps the student feel supported and understand that we’re working together to help improve their literacy. 

Our programs can be offered individually. However, most clients need a combination of programs to help improve their reading and spelling, which we can easily accommodate into each session.

What are the origins of The Reading Specialists?

My family moved to Singapore in 2017 for my husband’s job, leaving Sydney, Australia and my role as a clinician at the Macquarie University Reading Clinic. At that time, working remotely was impossible, so I established ‘The Reading Specialists’ in Singapore. I was among the first clinicians the Macquarie University Reading Clinic licensed to use their evidence-based treatment programs.

In the years since, the business has grown, and we now have a highly-skilled, dedicated team helping those with reading and spelling difficulties.

Can you tell me a little bit about who you are?

As a child, I was curious (always asking questions!) and loved reading. I would hide in my room to read when I was supposed to play outside with my sisters! I also looked up to my grandfather, a teacher and principal, and wanted to be a teacher. When I moved from the UK to Sydney, my first job was as a research assistant working on a longitudinal reading study at Macquarie University’s Department of Cognitive Science. It now seems like it was meant to be, as I stuck with it and later became a clinician, assessing and delivering treatments to clients, and fast forward to now, and I’ve been working in the reading research, assessment and treatment for over 15 years.

Easy ways to encourage a love of reading

December 6, 2022 in /by

The holidays are coming and one of our favourite online teachers, Mr. Shameer has written this handy guide to encourage children to keep reading during the school break.

Shameer is a strong advocate for building the enjoyment of reading in his students and we have seen first-hand how his passion leads reluctant readers to not only improve their reading but enjoy reading as well.

Shameer’s suggestions for nuturing a love of reading in children are:
  • Let children read anything they want, even if it’s something you think is not quality reading, e.g., comic books
  • If a child does not like the book they are reading, put it to one side and find a book they do enjoy reading
  • Parents – never stop reading to your kids. As well as being a great bonding experience it can help demonstrate reading skills.
Why is holiday reading important?

Numerous studies indicate that students who don’t read or read infrequently during their school vacation see their reading abilities stagnate or decline. This effect becomes more pronounced as students get older and advance through the school system.

If a child reads just 6 books over the summer, or several longer ones, they can prevent the decline in reading comprehension skills.

Every year about a third of our students report not reading a single book over the holidays, while another third report reading just one book. We see this then play out in their reading abilities and relationships as they come ready for Grade 3 and beyond. Simply put, when children don’t read over the holidays, we see a decline in their reading skills which means that they start the next year at a deficit.

How can you help?

While we know many of you already promote holiday reading (thank you!), here are a few more ideas on how adults can help kids make great holiday reading plans:

  • Have a to-be-read list: All year we have learnt how to choose books that we would like to read. Let your child exercise choice in selecting books for their to-be-read list.
  • Visit places where books are present: Sign up for a library card and make it a routine every week to go and get new books. Bookstores are great too.
  • Make it social: We love reading a great book and then talking to others about the book or even better passing the book on to them. Make reading a social aspect of your holidays, have reading ‘parties’ where kids can discuss books safely, create a book swap with other families. Offer up yourself to read with you learner or get more then one copy of a book (if you have access to them) so that others may join in the reading. Offer yourself up as a reading partner or get a friend of your child to be a reading partner.
  • Read aloud: Many home adults assume that their kids (especially those who can read independently) do no want to be read aloud to, and yet, our students tell us repeatedly how much they miss it.

One of our programs – Cracking the ABC Code

November 2, 2022 in , /by

Cracking the ABC Code is a reading program developed by Dr. Lillian Fawcett to help those with reading and spelling difficulties. This program uses a multisensory approach to delivering direct, systematic and structured evidence-based literacy intervention. Cracking the ABC Code has shown evidence in being effective in improving reading accuracy, spelling and reading comprehension.

Cracking the ABC Code has been successfully completed by hundreds of students of all ages in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and the United States of America. It is also approved for use by SPELD, a not-for-profit organisation focused on finding early support and intervention for those with learning difficulties

The Cracking the ABC Code program targets gaps in the following:

  • Letter-sounds and digraphs
  • Sight word reading and spelling
  • Vocabulary
  • Phonological awareness
  • Reading accuracy and fluency
  • Syllabification

The Cracking the ABC Code treatment program has an intensive approach, which is shown to give the best outcomes, however, the mode of delivery is flexible depending on each individual’s circumstances. There is a choice of either:

a) One session with a specialist with four ‘homework’ sessions with a parent or carer per week, or;

b) Five sessions per week with a reading specialist

Option a) requires the parent/carer to be present at every scheduled session with the specialist, so the specialist can present and demonstrate the lesson. The parent/carer will then replicate the lesson during the ‘homework’ sessions.

Key features of the program include:

  • Flexible treatment options
  • Direct, systematic structured approach
  • Developed using evidence-based research
  • Multisensory approach
  • Easy to administer at home

 

Cracking the ABC Code is offered to our clients alongside our current programs from the Macquarie University Reading Clinic.

The Reading Specialists programs offer what is essential to successful reading and spelling intervention:

  • Evidence-based
  • Structured
  • Direct approach
  • Target phonics
  • High frequency sight words

If you would like more information on which program would best suit yourself or your child, please contact us for a free consultation.

Understanding phonics: A key to reading success

August 11, 2022 in , /by

Educators often emphasise the importance of phonics in reading. But what exactly are phonics?

Phonics explained:

Phonics are the sounds that letters represent, also known as letter-sound relationships. Most letters have one main sound, like “t” in “tap.” However, some letters have multiple sounds depending on the context, like “c” which makes a “k” sound in “cat” and an “s” sound in “city.” Phonics also include letter combinations like “th,” “ch,” and “ee,” and even three-letter groups like “igh” in “light.”

Why phonics matter:

The English language has two types of words: regular words that follow phonics rules (like “ship”) and irregular words that don’t (like “yacht”). Phonics are crucial for learning to decode unfamiliar regular words. By identifying the letters and their corresponding sounds (e.g., “cat” = c-a-t = k-a-t), children can blend these sounds to read the word (“cat”). This process is called decoding.

Knowing phonics helps children read many words, but not all. While skilled readers use phonics intuitively, struggling readers may need explicit instruction on letter-sound rules to become proficient.

Teaching phonics to struggling readers:

Research suggests a systematic and direct approach is most effective. Systematic means following a plan that starts with easier letter-sounds (“t”) and progresses to more complex ones (“ph”). Direct instruction means explicitly teaching letter-sound rules, not expecting children to learn them on their own.

Learning phonics at home:

Decodable readers are great tools for practicing decoding skills. These books focus on specific letter-sounds and spelling patterns children have learned, allowing them to practice in a reading context. Decodable readers are available for both beginning and older readers (check websites like speldsa.org.au for resources).

Many phonics apps are available, but some with structured approaches include ABC Pocket Phonics and Teach Your Monster. Spelfabet (www.spelfabet.com.au) also lists various phonics apps for struggling readers.

Phonics for reading vs. spelling:

For skilled readers and spellers, phonics may seem the same. However, struggling readers and spellers may need to be taught both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling). Encoding involves the opposite process of decoding. When spelling a regular word they don’t know (e.g., “ship”), children need to segment the word into sounds (sh-i-p) and convert those sounds to letters (s-h-i-p).

Irregular words:

The English language has many irregular words, like “yacht,” where some sounds don’t follow phonics rules. While some parts of “yacht” follow phonics (“y” and “t”), the “ach” makes an “o” sound, an exception to the rule. Here, phonics can still be helpful in reading parts of the word, but not the entire word. Completely irregular words like “choir” need to be taught differently.

The importance of phonics:

Phonics are the foundation of word reading, even for irregular words. Children who understand phonics have a strong base for independent reading, allowing them to decode new regular words on their own. However, due to the complexity of English, irregular words require additional teaching methods to build strong reading and spelling skills.

Contact The Reading Specialists today if you suspect your child may need a little help.

Living with Dyslexia: An adult’s journey

July 5, 2022 in , /by
Although Hannah was diagnosed with Dyslexia in the 1990’s while in primary school, this did not stop Hannah from having a successful corporate career, so we wanted to understand more about Hannah’s journey with Dyslexia from childhood to adulthood.
When were you first diagnosed with Dyslexia?

I was assessed and diagnosed late in primary / elementary school. From a very young age I had problems with my eyesight, which involved a lot of eye training. As this eye training progressed it was recognised that some of the issues may not be just because I wasn’t able to see things clearly and that’s when specialised testing for Dyslexia was recommended.

Did you notice that reading was a challenge at school?

I dreaded reading at school and to be fair I still dread being asked to read something out loud even as an adult when I haven’t been given time to pre-read it. Reading was never easy and I often avoided it altogether. I couldn’t sound-out new words and struggled with putting the letters into the right order. I also struggled with numbers, which is called Dyscalculia, and in addition to my Dyslexia is something I still struggle with every day. Unfortunately, in my school years, there wasn’t as much support, awareness and access to tools that we have today. A lot of the burden of my diagnosis and finding the right tools fell on my parents and I’m very grateful for the extra effort they put into giving me the best platform for adulthood possible. Was there any underlying reason to finding reading a challenge? As mentioned before, my eyesight has always been an issue. I also have a family history on my dad’s side. Unfortunately, my uncle was severely Dyslexic and was unable to read or write for most of his life.

Did it affect any other areas of your life at the time?

Upon reflecting many years later, I have come to realise that whilst there may have been more hurdles to jump with my Dyslexia, it has also given me a set of thinking skills that are uniquely mine and I tend to find they are somewhat more creative. I personally believe my Dyslexia and having the right tools has enabled me to see past some of the more trivial details in a problem to gain a better understanding of a whole picture quickly.

Was intervention available at your school or near where you lived?

My family was given tools to help with learning at home but unfortunately in-school intervention wasn’t available until secondary school, and even then, it was more on a teacher-by-teacher basis and not a formalised program. I was lucky that because of my diagnosis and the tools I was utilising I was eligible for and got into an ALFHA (Advanced Learning For High Achievers) program at my high school. They recognised that whilst my reading and writing may have been a little behind my peers, my vocabulary and listening comprehension was actually more advanced than others.

The Benefits of online learning

October 28, 2021 in , /by

At The Reading Specialists, we understand that every child learns differently. We’re committed to providing accessible and effective reading intervention, and online learning has emerged as a powerful tool in our approach. Here, we explore the benefits of online reading programs, building on a recent study by Macquarie University [^1].

Flexibility and convenience:

Online learning offers unmatched flexibility. Lessons can be scheduled around your child’s busy schedule, eliminating the need for travel. This can be particularly helpful for families with tight schedules or those living in remote locations.

Individualised attention:

Just like in-person sessions, online programs allow for personalised instruction. Qualified specialists can tailor lessons to your child’s specific needs and learning style, ensuring they progress at their own pace.

Engaging learning environment:

Many online programs incorporate interactive elements, games, and multimedia resources to make learning fun and engaging. This can be especially beneficial for children who may find traditional learning methods less stimulating.

 

Supporting research:

A recent study by Macquarie University [^1] found that online reading intervention using Zoom technology can be as effective as in-person sessions for improving children’s reading fluency and comprehension. This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of online learning for literacy development.

 

The Reading Specialists: Bridging the gap with technology

At The Reading Specialists, we leverage a combination of effective practices, including online learning, to deliver our evidence-based reading intervention programs. We offer a variety of online resources and tools to complement our in-person sessions, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for your child.

 

Don’t let location be a barrier to success! Contact The Reading Specialists today for a free consultation. We can explore if an online reading intervention program is the right fit for your child and help them unlock their full potential as a reader.

 

Reference:

[^1] Macquarie University. (2021, August 2). Zoom’s a boon when it comes to helping kids learn to read: World-first study. https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/august2/Zooms-a-boon-when-it-comes-to-helping-kids-learn-to-read-world-first-study

Busting Common Myths About Dyslexia: What Every Parent Should Know

August 15, 2021 in , /by

Published: August 15, 2021
Updated: 14 December, 2025
Author: The Reading Specialists Team

At The Reading Specialists, we frequently meet parents concerned about their child’s reading development. One of the most misunderstood learning challenges we encounter is dyslexia—and unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding it. In this article, we’ll debunk the most common dyslexia myths, based on the latest research and our experience supporting struggling readers.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a neurological specific learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language, primarily a person’s ability to read, spell, and decode language. It’s not a reflection of intelligence, laziness, or poor vision.

It’s characterized by difficulties with:

  • Phonological processing – recognizing and manipulating speech sounds

  • Rapid automatized naming – quickly identifying letters, numbers, and symbols

  • Working memory – holding information while processing tasks

  • Processing speed – completing reading-related tasks efficiently

Key insight: It affects up to 1 in 5 children, and early intervention is crucial. Dyslexia affects 10-15% of the population globally, making it one of the most common learning differences.

5 Common Dyslexia Myths

Myth 1: Dyslexia Means Seeing Words Backwards

Truth: Dyslexia is not a vision problem.
People with dyslexia don’t “see letters or words backwards.” The root issue lies in phonological processing—the brain’s ability to identify and manipulate the sounds in language.

Myth 2: Only Children With Low Intelligence Have Dyslexia

Truth: Dyslexia and intelligence are not connected.

“Some of the brightest, most creative, and insightful children I’ve worked with have found reading incredibly difficult.” Kristy Jones

Our experience is that every student we see has an astonishing level of intelligence. Many gifted students, entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists have dyslexia. In fact, with the right support, children with dyslexia often demonstrate exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills.

Myth 3: Children Can Outgrow Dyslexia

Truth: Dyslexia is a lifelong condition, however those with dyslexia can learn to read fluently and confidently with evidence-based intervention. The earlier the support begins, the better the outcomes.

Myth 4: There’s No Cure for Dyslexia

Truth: While there’s no medical “cure,” dyslexia can be managed.
With explicit, structured evidence-based literacy programs, children with dyslexia can build essential reading and writing skills. These interventions rewire the brain’s reading network through consistent practice.

Myth 5: People With Dyslexia Can’t Read

Truth: People with dyslexia can read—just differently.
While reading may take more effort or be slower, many individuals with dyslexia become proficient readers over time. The key is customized, consistent support.

The Path Forward: Getting the Right Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s reading skills, don’t wait. Early intervention is the single most important factor in a child’s success. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified specialist can provide clarity and a roadmap for support.

At The Reading Specialists, our team is dedicated to helping children with dyslexia unlock their full potential. We offer personalized, evidence-based reading programs that are designed to meet each child’s unique needs.

Dyslexia is not a barrier to learning or a limitation on future success. It’s a different way of thinking that, with the right support, can be a source of strength.

Five tips for reading to your children

June 2, 2021 in , /by

At The Reading Specialists, we know that reading aloud to children is one of the most powerful ways to nurture a love of language and literacy. But beyond the educational benefits, reading together creates a special bond and a lifetime of cherished memories. Here are five heartwarming tips to make story time magical for you and your child, inspired by an article from The Conversation [^1].

1. Cuddle up and create a cozy atmosphere:

Find a comfortable spot – a couch, a beanbag chair, under a blanket fort – and snuggle in together. This physical closeness fosters a sense of security and connection, making your child receptive to the story.

2. Make it interactive!

Bring the story to life with your voice. Use different tones and inflections for different characters, and encourage your child to participate. Let them sound out words, make animal noises, or ask questions.

3. Embrace the power of repetition:

Children love familiar stories! Rereading favorites allows them to anticipate what comes next and feel a sense of mastery. This repetition also strengthens their vocabulary and comprehension.

4. Go beyond the words:

Talk about the pictures in the book. Ask your child questions about the characters, the setting, and the plot. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and make connections to the story.

5. Spark a love of learning:

Let story time be a springboard for further exploration. Visit the library together, choose books based on your child’s interests, and encourage them to tell you stories of their own.

Remember, reading aloud is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the time you spend together, celebrate your child’s curiosity, and create a lasting love for the written word.

The Reading Specialists: Empowering a Love of Reading

At The Reading Specialists, we are passionate about supporting parents and caregivers in fostering a love of reading in their children. We offer a variety of resources and workshops to help you make the most of story time.

 

Ready to embark on a reading adventure with your child? Contact The Reading Specialists today for a free consultation. Let’s help your child unlock the magic of books!

Reference:

[^1] Mears, S. (2017, February 21). Five tips to help you make the most of reading to your children. The Conversation. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2021/01/22/tips-reading-aloud-children

What does evidence-based reading intervention mean?

April 7, 2021 in , /by

At The Reading Specialists, we understand that seeing your child struggle with reading can be a source of worry. You want to help them succeed, but navigating the world of reading intervention options can be overwhelming. Here, we want to assure you that we offer evidence-based reading intervention, a powerful approach rooted in research and proven to yield results.

What does “evidence-based” mean?

Simply put, evidence-based means our programs are built on a foundation of scientific research. We don’t rely on guesswork or fads – our methods are backed by studies that demonstrate their effectiveness in improving reading skills.

Here’s a breakdown of what “evidence-based” means at The Reading Specialists:

  • Research-backed techniques: We utilise strategies and approaches that have been shown to be effective in improving reading skills in children with various reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
  • Individualised programs: We understand that every child learns differently. We conduct a thorough assessment to identify your child’s unique needs and then tailor a program that specifically addresses their challenges.
  • Data-driven progress tracking: We monitor your child’s progress regularly using ongoing assessments. This allows us to adjust the program as needed and ensure they are making measurable gains.
  • Collaboration with you: We believe in open communication and collaboration with parents throughout the intervention process. We keep you informed of your child’s progress and provide you with strategies to support their learning at home.

The benefits of evidence-based reading intervention:

By choosing an evidence-based approach, you can be confident that your child is receiving the best possible support. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Improved reading skills: Our programs are designed to target specific areas of difficulty, leading to measurable improvements in reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
  • Increased confidence: As your child experiences success, their confidence in reading grows. This fosters a love of learning and motivates them to continue exploring the world of books.
  • Stronger foundation: Evidence-based intervention equips your child with the skills they need to become successful readers, both now and in the future.

Ready to help your child thrive?

At The Reading Specialists, we are passionate about helping children overcome reading challenges and unlock their full potential. Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we can create a personalised, evidence-based reading intervention plan that empowers your child to become a confident and successful reader.