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Reading Rocks

Grades 1 – 8

Reading Rocks is a structured literacy intervention program designed by Dr. John McNamara, PhD, who specializes in Learning Disabilities. This program is designed for students in Grades 1 to 8 who are performing a minimum of one year behind in the area of literacy due to a diagnosed, identified, or suspected reading disability (Dyslexia).   

Participants work one-to-one with a trained tutor to enhance their literacy skills such as phonics principles, sight word knowledge, and reading fluency. Sessions are taught using a combination of direct instruction and engaging literacy games and activities. Participants use individualized workstations to set goals and visualize their progress throughout the program in order to boost self-confidence and intrinsic motivation.

Please Note: Reading Rocks is a remedial literacy program that targets specific learning gaps as determined by the program pre-assessment. The program is not intended as a homework or school work support program.

Questions? Contact Program Coordinator, Jessica Yaguchi | jyaguchi@LDANiagara.org


Participant Eligibility

This program is intended for students who are:

  • In Grades 1 through 8 at the time of participation;
  • Diagnosed with, or suspected to have, a Learning Disability* (click here for the definition of a Learning Disability);
  • Not diagnosed/identified with an intellectual disability or have significant behavioural support needs.

*Please Note: While exceptionalities such as ADHD, Autism, Mild Intellectual Disability, etc. may impact an individual’s learning, a Learning Disability is a specific impairment and is distinct from these and other exceptionalities.


Spring 2024 applications now open!


Spring 2024 Program Details

IN-PERSON SITEONLINE SITE
Cost:$150*$150*
Dates:May 13 – June 19**May 14 – June 20
Days of the Week: Monday & Wednesday (11 sessions)*** Tuesday & Thursday (12 sessions)***
Duration:6 weeks 6 weeks
Time:6:00 – 7:00 pm 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Location:Our Lady of The Holy Rosary Elementary School (41 Collier Road S., Thorold)**** Microsoft Teams
Important Notes

* Fees subject to change. If you require financial assistance, subsidy and payment plans may be available.
** Program will not be running on Monday, May 20 (Victoria Day Holiday)

*** Families must be available BOTH nights of program.
****In-Person location subject to change


Proud Community Partner:


Testimonials

We are very happy with Reading Rocks. My son has improved 5 reading levels at school and his teacher is also impressed! We have gone from tears at homework time to his near complete independence. What used to take him 3 day of struggles he now completes on one morning of the weekend before we start the day! The activities that he is engaged in truly inspire him. His tutor has gone to the effort of discussing his interests and tailoring the lessons according to his tastes. This program is such a valuable asset to our community. I also believe the tutors’ passion and commitment are reflected in the relationship they build with the students which is essential to the learning process.”

“My son has more confidence with his work now rather than feeling defeated and shutting down refusing to do the work. He loves chatting and learning with the volunteers and doesn’t refuse to go as they make it fun and tailored to his learning style. We, as parents, also don’t feel alone in navigating his learning disability as there are so many others out there in the programs that have children that struggle in certain areas too.” 

“We wanted to reach out and let you know how pleased and impressed we are with [our child’s] tutor this session. For us to find out tonight this was [the tutor’s] first time doing Reading Rocks we were blown away. She is very skilled with redirection and getting [our son] to refocus when he needed to. She leads with kindness and has a gentle/ firmness when needed. [Our son’s] teacher has let us know she has noticed an improvement in his reading since this session started. Thanks so much for matching our son with [his tutor], he has greatly benefited from her teaching abilities.” 


Research

LDANR partners with research assistants to inform and evaluate the efficacy of our programs. See below for links to research papers completed on LDANR’s Literacy Programs:

Our Mission

Our purpose is to provide resources and support to individuals who are affected by learning disabilities within the Niagara Region. We provide leadership in learning disabilities awareness, advocacy, research, education and services.

Registered Charity # 73291 9097 RR 0001

Get In Touch

Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region
The Branscombe Centre
1338 Fourth Avenue
Unit S215
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
L2S 0G1

info@LDANiagara.org
Phone: (905) 641-1021
Fax: (905) 641-2336
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