What Reading Intervention Looks Like at Bare Necessities Tutor

If your child is struggling with reading, you may be wondering what reading intervention actually looks like. Will they spend the whole lesson reading books? Completing worksheets? Practicing sight words? It can be hard to know what to expect, especially if this is your first experience with tutoring.

At Bare Necessities Tutor, every session is individualized because every child learns differently. My goal isn't just to help students become stronger readers. It's to help them build the confidence they need to approach reading with less frustration and more success.

Every child learns differently, and reading intervention isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Here's what families can expect during reading intervention sessions at Bare Necessities Tutor.

Getting to Know Your Child as a Reader

I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to reading intervention.

Before tutoring begins, I complete an assessment and spend time talking with parents about their concerns, goals, and what they're seeing at home or hearing from school.

I have a variety of reading assessments and choose the ones that best fit each child's needs based on our conversation and the concerns you've shared. This helps me gain a clear understanding of your child's current skills, identify areas of strength, and determine which foundational reading skills need the most support.

Some of the research-based assessments I use include the Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI-7), UFLI assessments, alphabet and phonics inventories, dyslexia screeners, and other assessment tools as appropriate.

Building Strong Reading Foundations

I use research-based programs and instructional materials that have been proven effective in helping struggling readers.

One of the primary programs I use is UFLI Foundations, an explicit and systematic phonics program developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute. Depending on your child's needs, lessons may focus on phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, or reading comprehension.

Because every child learns differently, I adjust instruction based on their progress. Some students need additional practice with letter sounds and blending. Others are ready to focus on multisyllabic words, fluency, or comprehension strategies. My goal is always to meet students where they are and help them take the next step forward.

Whether we're meeting in person or online, students actively participate throughout each lesson using interactive tools and research-based instructional practices.

Every Lesson Is Personalized

No two students learn exactly the same way.

Some lessons include magnetic letters, word mapping, decodable books, syllable activities, games, or reading passages. Every activity has a purpose and is selected to strengthen the specific skills your child needs.

I also pay close attention to how students respond during lessons. If something isn't working, I adjust my instruction. If a student is ready for a challenge, we move forward. Reading intervention isn't about rushing through a curriculum. It's about helping students make steady, meaningful progress.

Building Confidence Along the Way

Reading intervention is about more than improving reading skills.

Many students come to tutoring believing they're "bad at reading." One of my biggest goals is to help change that mindset.

I celebrate growth, encourage effort, and create a learning environment where students feel safe making mistakes and trying again. When children begin to believe in themselves, that's when real progress starts to happen.

Working Together With Families

Parents are an important part of the reading journey.

I keep families informed about what we're working on, celebrate progress, and communicate areas that still need support. I also provide suggestions for ways parents can reinforce skills at home without adding unnecessary stress.

When appropriate, I'm happy to collaborate with classroom teachers and support teams to help create consistency between tutoring and school.

My Goal for Every Student

Every child deserves instruction that meets them where they are.

Whether your child is just beginning to learn letter sounds, struggling with decoding, or working to improve fluency and comprehension, my goal is to provide individualized reading intervention that builds strong foundational skills and lasting confidence.

If you're wondering whether reading intervention is the right fit for your child, I'd love to talk with you.

Why I Use Research-Based Reading Instruction

At Bare Necessities Tutor, I use instructional methods and materials that are supported by reading research. Research shows that struggling readers benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in foundational reading skills, which is why I use programs like UFLI Foundations and select assessments based on each child's individual needs.

My goal is to combine research-based instruction with personalized lessons that help students build strong reading skills and confidence over time.

About the Author

Cara Robertson is a Reading Specialist, certified elementary educator, and the owner of Bare Necessities Tutor. She is passionate about helping struggling readers build confidence, strengthen foundational reading skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning through individualized, research-based instruction.

References

Lane, H. B., et al. (2025). Effect of an Instructional Program in Foundational Reading Skills (UFLI Foundations).Reading Research Quarterly.

University of Florida Literacy Institute. UFLI Foundations.https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/