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MY APPROACH

girl-with-book-readingThe approach I use draws children in, fosters growth especially when started early, and is supported by research. There have been exciting advancements in the understanding of reading and spelling development for both English Language Learners and English speaking students who are struggling; call me to discuss your child’s progress. Our initial conversation can help you see how what I offer could be helpful for your child.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Early Years

“The sooner the better” is a very good mantra to adopt when learning to read and spell. If your child is a) just learning English, or b) is a beginning reader and you feel progress is slow, or c) is struggling and frustrated with the process of learning to read and spell, l can help.

Dyslexia?

When children are taught in the way they learn best, their reading and spelling can improve. Given that dyslexia means difficulty with reading and spelling, watch your child’s confidence soar when given the appropriate tools for learning.

Spelling

What word comes to mind when you and your child discuss English spelling - weird? unpredictable? crazy? Now imagine how children feel when they learn that English spelling is NOT weird or unpredictable or crazy! Making sense of our English language clears the way for learning to happen; the excitement when children have access to this understanding is amazing.

TESTIMONIALS

Take a look at what parents are saying.

Testimonial from a parent - English
Testimonial from a parent - Chinese
Being parents with English as second language, Melane is definitely my son’s help in picking up English. It’s beyond description how excited we were when we first heard our 6 years boy read out loud without any help. English reading is no longer a burden to him, amazingly, he just loves and enjoys the language. Melane is passionate about and professional in her work. She cares not only her students but also their parents. She is patient with our endless questions on reading and things related to learning. Melane, thank you very much!

S.L. & P.C.

Parents
Hi Melane, The work that you have done with our son this past year is just amazing. When we first met, his dad and I were desperate not knowing what we were going to do with our son and his problem with reading. The school was not seeing the problems we were seeing and the dr’s thought he would just figure it out. Meeting you and working with you has been the best thing that has ever happened to him! He went from reading a handful of words to reading books! He has worked so hard and he proved it today when he came home with a coupon today for a free pizza because he moved up in his reading challenges. Thank-you for all of your help!

W.F.

Parent
Hi Melane I just wanted to thank you so much for being in our lives. Not only for the help with her reading, but for her self confidence, that is what I have noticed the most. I can’t even express to you what a blessing your work has been. I just couldn’t stop squeezing her last night, I am so proud of her, I don’t even know what to do. And I know how hard this is, I am seeing more and more that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I so believe in what you are doing, I would scream it from the roof tops. I believe that this will have an everlasting impact on the course of her life. I only wish it would have been presented to me. It’s upsetting that this is not more known, this should be more exposed. I am excited to learn more of what you do, and I am so so so excited to watch my little lady flourish. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Melane.

J.M.

Parent
Melane Culham is exceptional with kids. Our daughter was severely delayed in her speech and language comprehension which made her extremely frustrated in all aspects. While working with Melane, she quickly made huge gains and became a confident, talkative, eager little girl. Our daughter is now reading and understanding books above grade level. My daughter said “Melane makes you want to learn and she makes you feel good about yourself.” Melane is very friendly and she encourages kids in the most beautiful way.

T.B.

Parent
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I understand the importance of reading. Why do you say spelling is so important for my daughter too?
These skills go hand in hand. Being able to successfully read a word is no guarantee that a child will spell it correctly. But the reverse is true- if she can correctly spell a word, she will be able to read it.
I sometimes wonder if my son is just disinterested or maybe not trying his best when we read together. What would you suggest?
If asked, I don’t believe a child would choose to be the one who struggles in class. So getting appropriate help is certainly critical for skill development. Of equal importance, in my opinion, is finding, fostering and celebrating your child’s many strengths. This will certainly assist your child in maintaining a positive self-esteem while working so hard to improve reading and spelling.
Growing up, my spelling was not always accurate and that hasn’t really improved. My child’s spelling seems to be following this same pattern. Can this be hereditary?
Yes it can. Sometimes the difficulties appear in subsequent generations, as either less or more of a challenge. If a parent struggles with reading or spelling, watching your child’s developing skills is strongly encouraged. I say this so often: the earlier the better!
My daughter has not been diagnosed with dyslexia. Would you still be able to help?
Absolutely! Dyslexia means there is difficulty when learning language (reading, writing, spelling). If you are searching for answers, you have already determined she has not yet found her missing piece to the puzzle. I’m always happy to speak to any parent about reading and spelling. Call me!
Do you know where I can get some general information on reading or dyslexia?
ABOUT ME

My passion is helping children to become confident readers and spellers. I have a Master's of Education and nearly 30 years experience as an educator.

Call me--let's get your child reading!

Melane Culham, M.Ed.

I am a Reading Specialist and educator with nearly 30 years of experience. I am passionate about teaching children to read. When children unlock the reading maze, their lives change. I am fortunate to be able to help foster these skills and be a part of the “a-Ha!” moment when it all finally starts to make sense. I acknowledge that parents can feel frustration when their child is clearly talented in many ways yet struggles with reading. I have the tools to not only help children learn to read but become more confident readers. Let’s remove the effects of overlooked reading difficulties on a child’s self-esteem; let’s change the perception of children who see others around them learning with such apparent ease that they come to the (unfortunate and incorrect) conclusion that they are just “not smart.” Let’s get your child reading!

Contact Info

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