Supporting Children with Dyslexia: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Summary
Dyslexia doesn’t look the same in every child—so the support shouldn’t either. At Commonwealth Learning Center, we understand that every learner is different. That’s why we offer a range of evidence-based programs and individualized tutoring options, designed to match your child’s specific needs and learning profile. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or just growing concerns, our team will meet you where you are and help your child thrive.
Why Personalized Support Matters
Some learners struggle with decoding. Others may have trouble with spelling, fluency, or written expression. Some are overwhelmed and frustrated. Others hide it well and struggle in silence. No single solution works for every student.
“Commonwealth Learning Center has consistently provided excellent individualized tutoring and academic support that has helped our child have proficiency and confidence in school.” —P. W. via Google
At Commonwealth Learning Center, we don’t apply a template—we develop a plan based on your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. We provide multisensory, direct, explicit, sequential, and cumulative instruction tailored over time as needed.
Early Support Makes a Big Difference
Early signs of dyslexia often appear in preschool or kindergarten and may include:
- Trouble learning letters and their sounds
- Difficulty rhyming or hearing syllables
- Avoiding reading or guessing words when reading aloud
- Difficulty with spelling simple words
- Low confidence around reading or writing
The earlier a child receives targeted help, the better, but it’s never too late. We’ve seen middle and high schoolers make tremendous gains—not just in skills, but in confidence.
How We Work with Families
We begin every relationship by listening—really listening.
Our process includes:
- A complimentary initial consultation to understand your concerns
- Optional educational evaluation(s)
- Personalized recommendations for tutoring
- Pairing your child with a highly trained educator
We support learners from elementary through high school and beyond, and our services are available in person at our Needham, MA center or virtually nationwide.
“Best tutors in the world. They’ve worked miracles with my three children. Excellent teaching style, compassionate, and understanding.”—R. M. via Google
What Happens in a Tutoring Session?
Each session is one-on-one, focused, and built around the student’s individual goals.
A typical session might include:
- Review of prior material
- Introduction of new concepts using multisensory techniques
- Practice through games, movement, or manipulatives
- Time for reading, writing, or responding to real classroom tasks
- Progress check and planning for next time
Tutors remain flexible, adapting lesson plans to school assignments when needed while staying true to a structured path for skill development.
“We appreciate how the tutors over the years got to know our child’s specific needs and how they followed a plan of development but remained flexible enough to apply their development plan to real life school assignments.”—P. W. via Google
Our Evidence-Based Programs and Approaches: A Closer Look
Orton-Gillingham Approach
- Best for: Students with foundational reading challenges
- Focus: Phonemic awareness, decoding, encoding (spelling), fluency
- Why it works: It is structured, sequential, and multisensory. Tutors teach concepts explicitly and move on only when the student is ready.
“I found Commonwealth Learning Center, and I’m not exaggerating when I say they have changed my daughter’s life. Her tutor is an amazingly wonderful woman who, by using the Orton-Gillingham approach, has taught my daughter to read fluently! I can’t even begin to describe the difference after 8 months.”—L. A. via Yelp
Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing® (LiPS®) Program
- Best for: Students who struggle to identify, differentiate, or sequence sounds
- Focus: Oral-motor awareness, phonemic control
- Why it works: This multisensory method uses speaking, seeing, and feeling mouth movements to reinforce sound recognition.
Nancibell® Visualizing & Verbalizing® Program
- Best for: Students who decode words but struggle with comprehension
- Focus: Strengthening mental imagery to support understanding of oral and written language
- Why it works: It connects the “movie in your mind” to the words being read, helping students make sense of stories and informational text.
Project Read® Framing Your Thoughts
- Best for: Students needing help with sentence construction and paragraph writing
- Focus: Grammar, organization, writing mechanics
- Why it works: It offers a visual framework for writing, teaching structure in a way that’s clear and concrete.
Multisensory Math (MSM)
- Best for: Students who struggle with basic math concepts and fact fluency
- Focus: Number sense, place value, computation, word problem solving
- Why it works: It uses hands-on methods to explain math visually and conceptually—perfect for learners who need more than rote memorization.
“We couldn’t be happier with Commonwealth Learning Center. Our tutor uses teaching strategies that really resonate with our son and make sense to him. Thank you so much CLC!”—V. L. via Google
In-Person and Virtual Tutoring Options
We offer:
- In-person sessions at our Needham, MA Learning Center, schools, and local libraries
- Remote learning sessions via secure online platforms
- Flexible scheduling including after school and limited weekend options
“Our experience is that the tutors at Commonwealth are deeply devoted to their students and go above and beyond to support them and their families! I cannot say enough good things about our experience at Commonwealth Learning!”—L. G. via Yelp
Whether you’re in Massachusetts or across the country, your child can get the expert help they need without compromising quality or connection.
A Safe Space for Learning
Individuals with dyslexia may feel embarrassed, anxious, or “behind.” That’s why emotional support is an important part of the learning process.
Our tutors:
- Meet students where they are so they feel successful and not frustrated
- Build self-esteem along with skill
- Celebrate progress in every form
- Create a space where kids feel safe
“The tutors we’ve worked with have been very warm, welcoming, and wonderful for our daughter.”—E. L. via Yelp
“My teenage son has a terrific tutor with a great deal of knowledge and experience. She knows how to connect with him and make the experience enjoyable. Highly recommend!”—J. H. via Yelp
How Long Until You See Progress?
It varies by student, but consistent, personalized instruction leads to measurable growth. Some kids start reading with more fluency within weeks. Others take longer to rebuild skills or confidence.
We’ll track progress, set realistic goals, and adjust instruction along the way. You’ll always know where your child stands and where they’re headed.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Does my child need a formal diagnosis to start tutoring?
No! Many families come to us before or during the evaluation process. We can begin support right away, using our own assessments to guide instruction.
Can these programs be used alongside an IEP or 504 Plan?
Absolutely. We often complement school-based services, ensuring your child gets targeted, effective support.
What if my child is resistant to tutoring?
Our tutors know how to build trust and engagement. We focus on wins, not pressure—and that creates momentum.
How often should tutoring happen?
Most students benefit from 1–3 sessions per week. We’ll suggest a plan that balances results and flexibility.
Can we switch programs if something isn’t working?
Yes. Flexibility is part of our approach. We’ll monitor progress and adapt methods as your child grows.
Real Stories, Real Growth
“I was told by doctors my granddaughter would never read or write. She proved them wrong! Her tutor worked with her all year long for several years and together they succeeded.”—V. S. via Yelp
“My son wouldn’t have made it through fifth grade, middle school, or high school if it wasn’t for Commonwealth Learning Center. He almost was held back in fourth grade, now he is getting A’s and B’s in high school.”—R. B. via Yelp
“I highly recommend Commonwealth Learning Center. My son receives Orton-Gillingham tutoring services and has made tremendous growth this year. It is obvious to me that he has made substantial gains in his reading ability, but more importantly it is also obvious to my son, which has improved his confidence. He looks forward to going to his reading lesson and we are both excited to see him continue to grow!”—Rita B. via Yelp
Final Thoughts: A Personalized Path to Progress
Dyslexia doesn’t define your child—it’s just one part of their story. At Commonwealth Learning Center, we help write the next chapter: one filled with growth, confidence, and progress.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already know what your child needs, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about our personalized tutoring programs—in person or virtually across the U.S.
