Q.Is there an age requirement for your student programs?
A.Yes. We work with students from age 5 through to adulthood. Many young adults lack basic reading skills and find “upgrading” a difficult task.
Q.Are the methods you use with students different from traditional schooling or tutoring methods?
A.Generally speaking, "Yes". First, we are much more specialized and focused on a process. Coming to The Reading Foundation is like coming to a specialist after you have seen a general practitioner. Many students come to us with significant learning issues despite being very bright. By dealing with one issue at a time with a specialized program, we ensure the building blocks for future learning are properly placed. Our programs are also different in terms of delivery. If possible, we like to immerse our students in a program for four hours of one-to-one each day to bring them the fastest possible gains in the shortest period of time. This has a significant impact on both their learning and their confidence.
Q.What would be a typical schedule if I were a student of The Reading Foundation?
A.Students are first assessed for their needs. If they enter the program, they receive one-to-one instruction for four hours daily, either mornings or afternoons. Morning sessions are from 8AM to Noon and afternoon sessions are from 12:30 to 4:30 PM. There are short breaks between each hour and a 15 minute "recess" after two hours. Students usually come for about four consecutive weeks and can start the program on any Monday, provided there are openings. The Reading Foundation is busiest in the summer months in both Calgary and Vancouver.
Q.Isn't four hours a day too much for students?
A.This concern is expressed by most people when they first hear about the "immersion model". However, it has been our clinical experience that students adjust very well to this routine. The main reason for this is that they are experiencing success every step of the way, which becomes self-motivating. Within a few days, all students adjust and in fact surprise their parents by actually wanting to come to the clinic. Each hour is also broken up into a number of activities, so students get plenty of variety.
"You must have a magic clock here. The time goes so fast."
10 year old student
Q.What is the cost of your student programs?
A.Please refer to the section "Programs for students" of this web site, or contact us at
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(Calgary) or
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(Vancouver) if you require further information.
Q.Is there homework?
A. No. Our experience is that homework assignments during the intensive program become counter-productive. However, parents are invited to observe and are given strategies and materials for follow-up once the student leaves the program.
