Signs include difficulty sounding out words, slow reading speed, trouble understanding what they've read, avoiding reading, or falling behind grade-level expectations in reading. If your child has been identified through school screening or you've noticed persistent struggles despite regular reading instruction, Certified Reading Intervention can help. Varsity Tutors can connect you with tutors who assess where your child's reading skills stand and create a personalized plan.

The first session typically includes an assessment to understand your child's current reading level, identify specific challenges (like phonemic awareness, decoding, or comprehension), and gather information about their learning history. Based on these findings, the tutor develops a personalized instruction plan targeting the areas that need the most support. This diagnostic approach ensures every session builds on your child's strengths while addressing their specific gaps.

Many students show noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent, targeted instruction, though the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty and how frequently tutoring occurs. Research on reading intervention shows that intensive, personalized instruction can accelerate progress significantly compared to classroom-only support. Regular tutoring sessions combined with practice at home help reinforce skills and build momentum.

Look for tutors with certification or specialized training in reading intervention methods, such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, or similar evidence-based programs. Many hold credentials like Reading Specialist certification or have formal training in literacy instruction. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with tutors who have the expertise and credentials to deliver effective reading intervention for students in Salt Lake City.

Effective reading intervention addresses both decoding and comprehension, since students need strong foundational skills (phonics, fluency) to free up mental energy for understanding. Once decoding becomes more automatic, tutors focus on comprehension strategies like predicting, summarizing, and asking questions while reading. This balanced approach helps students not just read words, but truly understand what they're reading.

Consistent practice outside tutoring sessions is key—tutors typically recommend 15-30 minutes of daily reading practice using strategies and materials provided. This might include phonics exercises, fluency practice with decodable texts, or comprehension activities. Your reading intervention tutor will give you specific guidance on how to practice at home in a way that reinforces what's being taught in sessions without overwhelming your child.

Yes—communicating with your child's teacher helps ensure everyone is working toward the same goals and using consistent strategies. Teachers can provide valuable insights about your child's classroom performance and may adjust their approach to complement the intervention work. This coordination between home, tutoring, and school creates a stronger support system for reading improvement.