Dear Readers,

I hope you were able to enjoy some of those trademark summer activities you love, whether that means fishing, hiking, going on a special trip… For our family, summer often revolves around baseball games (for my son) and soccer (for my daughter). I love encouraging my kids in their sports and being outside, cheering them on. We also try to make the most of the long, warm days by spending time in the yard, taking our dog Sunny for as many walks as she wants (and she wants *a lot* of those). For me, it also means trying to enjoy a few date nights with my husband with the slightly slower pace of life that summer brings. And outdoor dining, of course.

September is here, however, and it is one of my favorite months of the year. It is still warm and mostly sunny in Minnesota, with the promise of crisp days and the fresh start of a new school year– even if we have long since finished school ourselves.

We found a new school for our children last year, and it proved to be a wonderful change for our family. It was a new start in many ways for our whole family during what was a challenging year for virtually everyone. My son and daughter are excited to return this fall, which has to be a good sign, right?

Fall also means homework and new classes and new teachers. Does your child need some extra, one-on-one reading and writing help? I’m scheduling my fall calendar now, so if you are interested in having your son or daughter work with me, please reach out sooner rather than later so I can fit in your family.

Current Availability (subject to change): Mondays-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-2:30p.m.

Where: In-person at my home or virtual, using Google Meet or Zoom.

FAQS: How long (and how often) are tutoring sessions? Usually 45-50 minutes, 1-2 times per week.

What do you tutor? Primarily reading (decoding and comprehension), often using the Wilson Reading System (Orton-Gillingham-based approach), along with my own teaching methods and style. I do not offer math tutoring at this time.

Do you require contracts? I have a Policies & Procedures letter that families are asked to read and sign. Contracts are not required, but in general, it is appreciated if families commit to 3-6 months at a time.

“No shows” and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are still charged, as it takes time and effort to plan for tutoring sessions, and that time slot has been reserved for your student.

How do families pay for tutoring? Most families pay per month using Venmo or Paypal.

More questions? Please send me an email or message me.

If you choose the virtual option and your child is attending school in person this year, I encourage you to inquire at your child’s school if there is a quiet space during the school day when he or she could meet with me. Perhaps during a study hall, a language class, or other specialist class (yes, while specialist classes are often wonderful, enriching, and important, they aren’t always as pressing as being a successful reader, in my opinion). I love fitting in tutoring during the school day for families– I have seen firsthand the stress it eliminates, as children are tired after school and often have other extracurriculars they want to participate in.

Please know I am happy to give my opinion as needed, for friends and family who have reading and/or learning disabilities questions. May you and your families have a blessed fall!

Happy reading,

Julia