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Supporting the Whole Child: Reading & Emotional Growth
- raman1258
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Dear iReading Tutor Families, Last month, we took a close look inside an Orton-Gillingham structured literacy lesson. Scroll to the end of our newsletter for links to this newsletter or other newsletters if you missed it. It's worth a read and they will help you understand the important components of an OG sample lesson. We shared the five parts of a structured lesson, including visuals and videos, a sample session, and provided a parent resource to help you support your child at home. Our focus was on how we teach reading here at iReading Tutor, your top-rated online reading and dyslexia tutor. This month, we want to focus on something just as important: how our children feel while they are learning to read. For struggling readers — especially students with dyslexia and autism — reading is not just an academic task. It can carry frustration, anxiety, self-doubt, and sometimes even shame. When learning feels hard, children may begin to believe they are the problem, rather than understanding that they simply need instruction that works for their brains. That is where Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) becomes essential. SEL helps students:
In structured literacy instruction, we are not only building decoding and spelling skills — we are building confidence, independence, and a positive reading identity. When students feel safe, understood, and supported, their brains are more available for learning. For children with dyslexia and autism, this emotional safety is not an "extra." It is foundational. This month's newsletter will explore how we intentionally support both literacy growth and emotional well-being — because strong readers are built not only through structured lessons, but through encouragement, patience, and belief. We are so grateful to partner with you in supporting the whole child. |
Social Emotional Learning Toolkit: FAMILY ENGAGEMENT from Move this World
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults develop the skills to:
Understand and manage emotions
Set and achieve goals
Show empathy for others
Build and maintain healthy relationships
Make responsible decisions
SEL helps students not only succeed academically, but also thrive socially and emotionally.
For more information, visit the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) website.
How does SEL affect our students with Dyslexia and Autism?
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) plays a critical role for students with dyslexia and autism because it directly impacts confidence, regulation, relationships, and academic success.
Students with Dyslexia
Students with dyslexia often experience repeated academic frustration, especially around reading and writing.
Over time, this can affect:
Self-esteem ("I'm not smart.")
Academic confidence
Anxiety around reading tasks
Avoidance behaviors
Strong SEL skills help them:
Manage frustration during challenging tasks
Advocate for help appropriately
Develop resilience
Separate effort from identity ("Reading is hard for me" vs. "I am bad at school")
When SEL is supported, students are more willing to persist through structured literacy instruction and take academic risks.
Students with Autism
Students with autism may experience challenges with:
Emotional regulation
Social communication
Flexibility with changes
Sensory overload
SEL instruction supports:
Identifying and labeling emotions
Using coping strategies before escalation
Interpreting social cues
Problem-solving in peer interactions
Explicit, structured SEL teaching is especially important because many students with autism do not automatically pick up social-emotional skills through observation alone.
Why It Matters Academically
Emotional dysregulation reduces access to learning
Anxiety increases cognitive load
Low confidence reduces participation
Poor self-management affects task completion
When students feel safe, regulated, and confident, they are far more available for instruction.
The 5 Skills That Help Kids Thrive
Adapted from Move This World
The chart below explains each social emotional skill and provides examples to help make it easier to understand.
Recommended Reading:
Watch and Learn:
Take a look at this video about Social Emotional Learning activities and the autism ABCs of Emotions!
Podcasts to Enjoy:
Click the image below to be directed to the podcast title Social Emotional Learning 101 on the host site.
Multisensory, explicit, systematic, structured literacy — for anyone, anywhere!
Many of our iReading Tutor instructors are trained in Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, or Barton Reading, and many hold CALT or CERI certifications. We are not just "tutors near me" you find on a quick Google search — we are highly specialized reading interventionists.
Your child will benefit from our expert tutors. Our team includes some of the most highly credentialed reading teachers in the United States and Canada, with experience teaching both online and in-person since 2015.
We provide research-based, structured literacy instruction tailored to your child's unique learning needs.
Parents often ask how they can best support their child's learning at home. Ask your iReading Tutor instructor for a list of words your child should practice, and use this online resource to reinforce learning in a fun and effective way.
What's New at iReading Tutor?
Join an iReading Tutor Book Club
Introducing an exciting new program that lets your child participate in a book club from the comfort of home!
We offer options in both fiction and nonfiction, so there's a book club for every reader. Explore our selections below and find the perfect fit for your child!
iReading Tutors Virtual Book Clubs
Reach out for more information. We'd love to have your child join us!
Grade 2The Magic Tree House Series* (book 1) Ivy and Bean Series* (book 1) National Parks Mystery Series (book 1) Clementine* | Grade 3-5thMiraculous Journey of Edward Tulane* Charlotte's Web* Because of Winn Dixie* Frindle* Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone* The Grimm Sisters-Fairy Tale Detectives The Borrowers* Ramona and Beezus Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library* The Wild Robot* | Grade 6-8thBridge to Terabithia* Rules Holes* Hoot* Number the Stars* Out of My Mind* Esperanza Rising* Peter & The StarCatchers |
Call or Text us at 561.418.6856 |
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Full payment is due prior to first session. Use EMA funds or parent is billed with card on file.
Book Club Sessions are 45 minutes.
$40 per class
2nd Grade Fiction: 4 sessions $160
3-5th Grade Fiction/NonFiction: 6 classes $240
6th-8th: 8 classes per novel $320
If your child misses a class, no worries—sessions are recorded so they can watch their book club meeting later.
Important Information for Families Receiving the PEP, Unique Abilities, or Florida Empowerment Scholarships
Did You Know?
Families can apply for the 2026–27 PEP and Unique Abilities Scholarships beginning February 1, 2026, through Step Up For Students.
What's the Difference?
Florida Scholarship Information for Families
PEP Scholarship (Personalized Education Program)
The PEP Scholarship is available for students who are not enrolled in public school, including homeschool families.
No specific disability diagnosis is required.
Funds may be used for approved educational expenses, including tutoring services.
Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA)
The Unique Abilities Scholarship is designed for students with a documented disability that impacts learning.
Eligibility requires qualifying documentation (such as an IEP or formal diagnosis).
Funding amounts are typically higher due to specialized educational needs.
Important Information for PEP Families
If your child is participating in PEP and you suspect they may have an undiagnosed disability, your child may qualify for additional funding through the Florida Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities (FES-UA).
Families may request a free evaluation through their local public school district.
Through the public school Child Find process:
Testing is provided at no cost.
A team of educators and specialists reviews evaluation results.
The team determines whether your child meets eligibility criteria for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
This evaluation process is available to all children — including homeschooled students, whether or not they participate in PEP. It is protected under federal law through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Application Season Opened February 1
The application window for both renewal and new students opened Sunday, February 1.
More Money for Your Child's Education for Florida ResidentsStack this new federal scholarship with your existing Step Up scholarship. Florida families can apply starting in 2027. Click the image below to read more about this great opportunity. |
Need help or guidance?Reach out to us at iReading Tutor — your online dyslexia specialists.
Advocacy & IEP Support Services
At iReading Tutor, we provide advocacy and IEP support services to help ensure your child receives the services and accommodations they need.
Our services include:
IEP meeting preparation
Document review and guidance
Attendance and support during meetings
Ongoing advocacy assistance
We are also available to answer questions about scholarship options and can assist your family with scholarship preparation and next steps.
Our goal is to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way.
iReading Tutor Family Empowerment ScholarshipUnique Abilities Homeschooling EvaluationEvaluation Fee: $75 This evaluation includes:
Important:This evaluation process differs from the requirements for PEP students. Students participating in PEP must complete approved norm-referenced diagnostic testing. If you have questions about which requirement applies to your child, we are happy to help guide you. |
Call or Text us at 561.418.6856 |
PEERS® SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM
For 2nd–5th Graders
Empowering Social Confidence Through Connection
What is PEERS®?
Developed at UCLA, the PEERS® program is an evidence-based social skills training program for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other social difficulties.
Parent-child participation is required — you'll both learn skills that build friendships and communication for life.
Children are taught through modeling, role-playing, and real-life practice. Parents become social coaches outside of sessions.
Program Details
📆 14-week program
📆 90-minute weekly sessions
📆 Both child and caregiver attend together in separate groups for 45 min sessions each
📆 In-person or virtual format options
📆 Weekly practice assignments and coaching
Contact: iReading Tutor in care of Dr. Sharon Buchalter
Clinical Psychologist | Certified PEERS® Provider and colleagues
Who Should Attend?👧 Boys & girls in 2nd–5th grade 👧 Verbally fluent children who want to build social confidence 👧 Parents or caregivers who want to support their child's growth at home 👧 Children with or without formal diagnoses | What Your Child Will Learn✔️ How to initiate and maintain conversations ✔️ How to handle teasing, bullying, and rejection ✔️ How to make and keep friends ✔️ Conflict resolution and emotional regulation ✔️ Social media and texting etiquette | Why PEERS® Works ✔️ Enhances child's social awareness and resilience ✔️ Strengthens parent-child communication and connection ✔️ Backed by over 30 peer-reviewed studies ✔️ Proven long-term benefits across school, home, and peer environments ✔️ Delivered by certified PEERS® providers |
Texas Residents
We have a great opportunity to share with you!
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program provides a one-time $1,500 online grant to parents or guardians of eligible students receiving special education services and enrolled in a Texas public school. | The application window for the 2025–2026 school year will open on April 1, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. CST and close on April 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Grant funds may be used toward our online tutoring services at iReading Tutor. |
Parents or guardians of eligible students may use their online accounts to shop the marketplace for approved educational materials and services. This includes items such as: textbooks, curriculum, technology devices, as well as services like speech therapy, tutoring, and other specialized supports. |
The iReading Tutor Newsletter arrives in your inbox every other Tuesday morning.
Did you miss a previous edition? We've got you covered!
Developmental Language Disorder (Dec '25)
At iReading Tutor, we believe that knowledge is power. We hope this week's newsletter has provided useful information and given you confidence as you support your child's learning journey.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out or send us a message with any questions. We're here to support you and help your child grow with confidence every step of the way.
Sincerely,
All of Us at iReading Tutor
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