Our Reading Clinic
The Reading Clinic at Gentle Scholars Academy
Building confident readers from the ground up
At Gentle Scholars Academy, The Reading Clinic is not just a reading class—it is a comprehensive, research-based intervention program tailored for students who struggle with reading, as well as those who need a strong foundational boost. We specialize in treating reading challenges early, ensuring children not only learn to read but develop a love for reading that transforms their academic journey.
We Start with the Foundation: Phonemic Awareness
Our program begins where true literacy begins: phonemic awareness. This is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. Without this essential skill, many children struggle to decode words fluently. At The Reading Clinic, we ensure this foundation is solid and secure before moving into more complex reading skills.
The 5 Components of Reading
Our reading curriculum is structured around the National Reading Panel’s Five Pillars of Reading Instruction:
Phonemic Awareness
Understanding and manipulating sounds in spoken words
Phonics
Connecting sounds to written letters to decode words
Fluency
Reading with speed, accuracy, and proper expression
Vocabulary
Understanding the meaning of words and how to use them
Comprehension
Extracting meaning from text and thinking critically about it
Each child is assessed and supported in all five components to ensure balanced and lasting reading development.
Our Unique Approach
Unlike standard reading programs, The Reading Clinic provides personalized, skill-based instruction that is child-centred, data-driven, and built on proven literacy research.
Here’s how we’re different:
- Customized Reading Plans: Based on an initial diagnostic assessment, we create a plan that targets the child’s specific weaknesses and strengths.
- Multi-Sensory Instruction: We use sight, sound, touch, and movement to teach reading, which is especially effective for children with learning differences.
- Small Group & 1:1 Support: Low student-teacher ratios allow for individual attention and accelerated progress.
- Blended Learning Model: Traditional methods are combined with engaging digital tools and manipulatives to reinforce learning.
- Progress Monitoring: We continuously assess growth to adjust instruction and ensure consistent improvement.
Activities that Engage and Empower
Students participate in fun, structured activities such as:
- Phoneme segmentation games
- Interactive read-alouds and guided reading
- Vocabulary scavenger hunts
- Fluency races with timers
- Story mapping and sequencing crafts
- Reading comprehension projects
- Word building with magnetic letters and sand trays
Every session is designed to be interactive, motivating, and hands-on, so children stay engaged while developing crucial skills.
Today a Reader, tomorrow a Leader
Learning Environment
Our Reading Clinic is housed in a welcoming, distraction-free space, carefully designed to promote focus, comfort, and creativity. We maintain small group sizes to ensure maximum individual support, and our educators are trained to work with a variety of learning styles. Whether visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a mix, your child’s learning needs are understood and respected.
Subjects and Focus Areas
While our main focus is reading, our instruction often supports connected areas such as:
- Spelling and phonics rules
- Grammar and sentence building
- Listening comprehension
- Critical thinking and inferencing skills
- Creative storytelling and writing
- Confidence in oral reading and presentations
We don’t just teach children how to read—we teach them to think, comprehend, and communicate with confidence.
Expected Outcomes
Parents can expect to see:
- Significant improvement in reading fluency and comprehension
- A confident, motivated reader who enjoys books
- Improved spelling, vocabulary, and grammar
- Greater performance in other subjects that require reading
- Enhanced focus, independence, and love for learning
Our ultimate goal is to close reading gaps while nurturing a deep-rooted love for literacy that empowers children across their academic and life journeys.
Program Duration & Cost
12-month program
Registration Fee: $100.00 (non-refundable) Pre-Assessment: $150.00 (includes written report and consultation)
- Pre-Assessment Details ($150.00)
- Phonemic and phonological awareness testing
- Reading fluency and comprehension benchmarks
- Learning style analysis
- Behavioral observations
- Detailed written report with recommendations
- One-on-one consultation with a reading specialist
Parental Involvement
Your role is vital. The learning doesn’t stop in the classroom:
- Support home reading exercises
- Encourage daily practice
- Participate in feedback meetings or workshops
- Receive bi-weekly video updates on your child’s progress
Frequently Asked Questions about Our Reading Clinic
The Reading Clinic supports children ages 5 to 12 who are struggling with reading, phonics, comprehension, and fluency.
No formal diagnosis is required. The clinic is open to any child who needs remedial reading support, whether they are below level or simply need a confidence boost.
Each child completes a comprehensive reading readiness and level assessment, which helps us identify gaps and create a personalized reading plan.
Sessions are held once or twice weekly, depending on the child’s needs. We also offer intensive holiday programs for accelerated improvement.
Our clinic is run by literacy specialists using proven, evidence-based strategies (e.g., Orton-Gillingham, Jolly Phonics, guided reading). Progress is tracked and shared with parents monthly.
Yes. Our team includes reading specialists, speech and language therapists, and special educators who are trained in evidence-based literacy instruction.
Absolutely. We also offer reading enrichment, vocabulary expansion, and writing support for students who are reading at or above grade level but need challenge or refinement.
Please view our Registration Requirements here
Please view our Special Needs section below
Our Special Needs Program
Empowering Every Child to Thrive
At Gentle Scholars Academy, we believe that every child deserves a chance to shine in a nurturing, structured, and stimulating environment. Our Special Needs Program is designed to support children with mild to moderate developmental, cognitive, emotional, and learning differences—ages 3 to 12 years old—within an inclusive, well-adapted educational framework.
Why Parents Choose Our Special Needs Program
- Specialized, Multidisciplinary Team
Your child will be supported by a team of certified professionals who specialize in working with children with special needs. Our team includes:
- Special Education Teachers
Additional Cost (optional) ↓
- Developmental and Behavioural Therapists
- Speech and Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Child Psychologists
- Learning Support Aides
2. Customized Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
Every child receives a tailored ILP created in collaboration with parents, therapists, and teachers—ensuring academic goals, sensory needs, social skills, and emotional growth are all supported.
3. Safe, Sensory-Friendly Classrooms
Our classrooms are equipped with calming spaces, tactile tools, communication boards, visual schedules, and adaptive learning materials to reduce anxiety and encourage engagement.
4. Therapeutic Integration During the School Day
Children receive in-house support sessions embedded into their school schedule—minimizing disruptions to their learning routine and allowing for consistent therapy.
5. Small Group Sizes with Individual Attention
Our low teacher-to-student ratio ensures every child receives the supervision, guidance, and connection they need to thrive.
Types of Special Needs We Accept (Ages 3–12)
Here are the developmental profiles we support:
- Special Education Teachers
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD – Level 1 & 2)
Children who demonstrate challenges with communication, social interaction, and behaviour regulation, but can participate in group learning with guidance.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children with persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity that impact learning and focus, managed with routine and behavioural strategies.
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Children who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory input (e.g., sound, light, touch) and benefit from a sensory-sensitive environment.
- Speech and Language Disorders (e.g., Expressive/Receptive Language Delay, Apraxia of Speech)
Children who struggle with speaking, understanding language, or forming words.
- Mild Intellectual Disability (ID)
Children who learn at a slower rate and need extra support, visual aids, and repetition to grasp academic and functional concepts.
- Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, etc.)
Children with specific learning challenges in reading, writing, math, or processing that require modified instruction.
• Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
Children under age 5 with significant delays in multiple areas—cognitive, motor, speech, or social—but who show potential to integrate with early intervention.
12-month program
Full-Time Class Duration: 8:30am – 3:00pm
- Pre-Assessment Required ($150.00)
Focus
Tailored education plans based on each child’s needs, including speech delays, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities.
Subjects
Language and Communication, Functional Math, Life Skills, Sensory Integration, Motor Development, Social Skills
Approach
A flexible, student-centred program incorporating play therapy, hands-on learning, and multi-sensory teaching methods.
Activities
Sensory Play, Art Therapy, Music and Movement, Social Skills Training, Storytelling with Visual Aids
Learning Environment
A structured yet adaptable classroom with individualized support, fostering confidence and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Our Special Needs Program
We provide both small group and individualized support as needed. One-on-one shadow aides or therapists can be arranged for specific cases.
We offer both options depending on your child’s age and individual needs. Full-day includes structured learning, therapy sessions, meals (optional), and play.
Each child’s progress is tracked using their ILP, with quarterly reviews, regular assessments, and collaborative parent-teacher-therapist meetings.
Yes, provided the child can follow basic routines and is not aggressive or self-injurious. We assist with potty training and communication alternatives.
Absolutely. We value parent partnerships. We host workshops, progress meetings, and provide home-support strategies.
Please view our Registration Requirements here