EXPLICIT, MULTISENSORY INSTRUCTION AND INTERVENTION FOR ALL AGES
For young learners, it is important to acquire the basic, underlying skills of literacy. The development of phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary is a cumulative process and should be the primary focus in the early stages of schooling.
Unfortunately, young children today are being pushed way too early to “read” complex text and understand nuance. This practice is developmentally inappropriate and only results in children guessing at words, becoming frustrated, and losing confidence. Misinformed teachers and administrators will emphasize the importance of critical 
thinking and reasoning as early as possible. Schools are being pressured to have children as young as five years old read fluently and with understanding. This is faulty logic; at this stage, children need to build their language skills and understand the alphabetic principle, namely, that 26 letters, when combined, are symbols for the 44 sounds (phonemes) in the English language. Foundational skills in reading and writing are being neglected in favor of reading strategically, writing persuasively, and defending an argument. It is unrealistic for many children and causes more harm than good.
Systematic, explicit instruction is the key to building a strong foundation. At High Five Literacy and Academic Coaching, we understand the learning process deeply, and we are well prepared to work with children just starting their school careers to ensure that they learn to read accurately and smoothly. When this is accomplished successfully, the brain is free to make meaningful connections. This short window of opportunity is when the brain needs to be primed to develop the correct neural pathways. Left to chance, children begin to develop coping strategies such as guessing and “word solving” based on what they think rather than what is written. High Five Literacy and Academic Coaching works with families, not just the child, to teach correctly from the start!
Who is this for?
Emergent readers and writers, children needing extra readiness, as well as children who exhibit strong foundational skills and show an interest in wanting to read and write at a higher level will improve tremendously since the rate of growth in four to six year olds is profound!
The three key research conclusions that support seeking help early are:
“Parents who understand these research conclusions realize they cannot afford to waste valuable time trying to figure out if there really is a problem or waiting for the problem to cure itself.” – Susan Hall, Ed.D.
Helping Parents Feel Empowered
As a teacher I knew my son was lacking quite a few phonemic awareness skills that needed to be in place before he began to read. The focus on sight words in school was frustrating and confusing him… While sitting in during sessions, I learned more than any graduate course on reading intervention or school in service. She not only helped my son but she helped me feel empowered to advocate for my child.
Jenny Vasquez
Facebook Review
The Best Decision We Made
I can’t thank Faith enough for what she’s done for my daughter. Over a year ago, I reached out to High Five Literacy and Academic Coaching. My daughter was in 3rd grade getting services and was still severely struggling with reading. I knew if we didn’t do something outside of school services, it would have gotten worse. The best decision we made, was to start sessions with Faith, whose knowledge and patience surpassed my expectations. Her kind voice and positive reinforcement gave my daughter the confidence she lacked for so long. Faith has given her the foundation and tools she needs to be a successful reader and we couldn’t be more thankful to her. I highly recommend anyone with a child who struggles, to reach out to her. It will be the best experience for you and your child!
Michele Alonso
Facebook Review
Improving Children’s Confidence and Skills
I would highly recommend the reading services of High Five. Faith was knowledgable, patient and efficient. My son struggled with decoding and comprehension before using coaching services. Within a few sessions my son’s confidence and skills in reading were substantially improved. I am grateful to Faith for working with us. I appreciated her request in a parent being present during the sessions in order to help reinforce skills at home. An excellent program and evaluator!
Marlena Stagliano
Facebook Review
Changing the Way Children are Taught
Faith is phenomenal in so many ways- patient and kind, incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about her work and helping struggling readers and to change the way they are taught, and so very smart. My daughter was frustrated with reading and starting to feel badly about herself, I’m grateful to Faith for helping her catch back up and showing us how to help our daughter. Most importantly my daughter adores Faith, she was comfortable with her, she could be herself around her, and made such a connection with her. I cannot recommend her enough.
Holly Bobker
Facebook Review
Empowering Parent and Child
Faith has literally been heaven sent. She has opened my eyes and helped my child so much. I appreciate everything she does and feel so lucky that I found her. My daughter struggled tremendously in school and I couldn’t understand why. It was her book Failing Students or Failing Schools that really helped me get the ball rolling. It empowered me and allowed me to search for answers and help to make changes in school. I attribute any and all progress my daughter has made to her expertise.
Joanne Franco
Facebook Review
The Best Reading and Writing Intervention
After only a four months with Faith, my daughter’s reading and writing skills have improved tremendously. While reading and writing homework used to be a fight filled with tears and frustration, my daughter now looks forward to these tasks (and actually gets mad at me when I take too long to come and read with her!). It is my dream come true! It’s amazing what the proper instruction can do! Do not hesitate to give Faith a call if your child is struggling with reading. She will provide your child with explicit tools needed for reading success. It’s the best choice I ever made for my child!
Melissa Mattia-Sansobrino
Facebook Review
My kindergartener was struggling with letter identification, reading and writing. It affected his self-esteem and confidence severely. HW time was filled with tantrums. In three short weeks my son was reading!! In five weeks, he was expressing excitement and enthusiasm for reading. Faith created an environment that was nurturing, patient and able to keep a child with attention challenges on track. Faith is truly a miracle worker.
Elyse Hart
Facebook Review
The presentation was not about selling… Instead she tried reaching out to parents about ways they can help their own child while providing background knowledge for them on basic educational concepts. Thank you, Faith, for contributing so much to our school community and PTA goals!!
Kathleen Faccio Debesis
Facebook Review
Faith presented at our SEPTA meeting on Monday and she was wonderful. She was well prepared and entertaining. We found her to be informative and down to earth. She explained reading difficulties in a way that everyone could understand. Parents left with a better understanding of why their kids struggle and ways they could help. I would definitely recommend her and I’d love to see her presentation again!
Colleen Brady Torres
Facebook Review
Valuable Advice and Tools
“I feel like I rocked it.” That is what my child said to me after his most recent session with Faith. She has not only given my child the tools to become independent but the confidence to soar. Her extensive knowledge is incredible and she is always willing to listen to parents. I value her advice and suggestions greatly. We hit the jackpot with Faith and I’m so thankful for her each day!
Keri L.
Facebook Review