Many students struggle with letter-sound correspondence, blending sounds together, or understanding irregular words that don't follow standard phonics rules. Others may have difficulty with phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words. Some students also find it challenging to apply phonics skills when reading connected text, even if they can decode words in isolation. These challenges are completely normal and respond well to targeted, personalized instruction.

In a classroom setting with a 10.2:1 student-teacher ratio like many Buffalo schools, phonics instruction follows a set pace that may not match each student's learning speed. Personalized tutoring allows tutors to assess exactly where a student is struggling—whether it's initial sound recognition, blending, or sight word fluency—and focus instruction on those specific gaps. This targeted approach means students spend less time on skills they've already mastered and more time on areas that need reinforcement, leading to faster progress.

Kindergarten and first grade typically focus on letter recognition, basic letter-sound relationships, and simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. By second grade, students should blend multi-syllabic words and recognize common sight words. Third grade introduces more complex phonics patterns, digraphs, and blends. If your student is falling behind these benchmarks, personalized instruction can help them catch up and build confidence before gaps widen.

During the first session, a tutor will assess your student's current phonics level through informal activities like reading simple words, identifying letter sounds, and blending exercises. This helps the tutor understand which foundational skills are solid and where instruction should focus. The tutor will also discuss your goals and any specific challenges you've noticed, then create a personalized plan tailored to your student's learning style and pace.

With consistent, focused instruction, many students show noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks—such as improved letter-sound recognition or smoother blending. More significant gains in reading fluency and independence often emerge within 2-3 months of regular sessions. The timeline depends on your student's starting point and frequency of tutoring, but personalized instruction accelerates progress compared to waiting for classroom-based interventions.

Yes. Tutors work with students using evidence-based phonics approaches that complement what's taught in Buffalo schools. Whether your child's school uses a specific phonics program or balanced literacy approach, personalized tutoring reinforces those skills while filling individual gaps. Tutors can also coordinate with classroom teachers when helpful to ensure consistent instruction and messaging.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in phonics instruction for students in Buffalo. You'll tell us about your student's age, current level, and specific challenges, and we'll match them with a tutor experienced in addressing those needs. Once matched, you can schedule sessions at times that work for your family and adjust frequency based on your student's progress.