Unlock Your Child's Potential

Diane Lavin - Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist

boy in black and white striped shirt holding book

A Structured Literacy Program

Learning to read is a skill that requires specific instruction. Reading can be a frustrating experience for some children. Thirty-five years of research has identified that a structured literacy approach (sometimes called Orton Gillingham) is the most effective way to teach reading to all children, with or without reading difficulties. Structured literacy explicitly teaches reading and spelling using simple techniques in a sequential, cumulative, and multisensory approach that is more memorable for children.

Structured Literacy Skills

Early Literacy Skills (age 3 - 6) Print awareness Phonemic awareness Letter knowledge Vocabulary development

Reading Skills (age 6+) Phonemic awareness Phonics Vocabulary development Reading fluency Reading comprehension

Writing Skill Development Spelling Grammar/syntax Sentence/paragraph/story writing

woman in gray t-shirt and blue denim jeans reading book

Why is Structured Literacy Effective?

Structured literacy explicitly and effectively addresses foundational literacy skills, a core need of children with dyslexia as well as many other struggling students. Also, in all components of literacy, it emphasizes teaching that is clear, systematic, and unambiguous to the learner—all important qualities for students experiencing difficulty. Structured literacy instruction is engaging to struggling students because they are learning the keys to unlock text they have been struggling with and they are finally experiencing success with reading. Helping children to succeed at literacy is a crucial way to motivate and engage them, as well as to prepare them for ongoing, higher-level literacy learning.

About

Diane Lavin , B.S., SLDS, CALT

Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist
Certified Academic Language Therapist
BS degree - Elementary Education
Academic Language Therapy Association Member

I have 25+ years experience as a special education and primary classroom teacher. While in Texas, I gained certification as a Structured Language/ Dyslexia Specialist and an Academic Language Therapist. I have worked exclusively with children identified with dyslexia for the past 10 years. I use a structured literacy approach as the base for my teaching (Orton-Gillingham). I love what I do and believe that I have the best job in the world!

I live in Sedona, AZ with my hiking buddy, Abby. I think she loves the red rocks more than I do! I'm originally from Minnesota but have lived in Colorado and Texas as well. My interests include painting, hiking, skiing, beading, and volunteering at horse rescues.

Success Stories

I don’t know if he told you or not today, but he took his end of the year standardized reading test and improved SO much from where he started the beginning of the year! Thank you so much for what you do for him each week! We see such a difference, and even better - HE sees a difference, and is so happy with himself! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Sarah H.

We’ve seen great improvements in our son’s reading and spelling. Diane is professional, courteous, respectful, and has made a special connection with our son. We are so grateful for her help and enthusiastically recommend her. Josh M.

At school (our son) has grown exponentially in reading, writing, and spelling (MAP scoring). Most importantly to us as parents, his confidence is high and learning is fun now. Diane is thorough and we always felt she was being honest and straightforward with us when asked about (our son’s) progress. She was focused in on the areas where (our son) was weakest and not just what was the curriculum schedule for that particular day/week. Best of all there was honesty and sincerity with every session. Diane has changed our life in so many ways. We were lucky and blessed to have been paired with Diane, we consider her a friend. Sarah & Nick R.

Thank you for all your excellent work with (our daughter)! She is starting to read more trick words with confidence and sounding out more difficult words. Your patience and dedication with her education has been fantastic. We really appreciate all the extra effort you have been putting into educating her early in the morning and online, no easy task. I know she respects and enjoys you! Mindy & Peter R.

Our son really enjoys working with you and we all (including he himself) have seen improvements. Thank you so much for sharing your time, talent, and expertise with us and the many kids you work with. Such a gift! Jen H.

(My child) is doing well at school! She placed at the 74th percentile in reading!! Thank you for all the work you are doing with her. She really enjoys you and has said multiple times how much she likes you! Lesley M.

Springboard Reading: Unlocking Potential, One Page at a Time.