About Me
Hi there! My name is Daisy. I believe reading instruction should be based on research and full of heart. I have been teaching since 2009. I began my teaching career in the city of Rochester, NY. I quickly found that I had little to offer my students if I didn't learn to master teaching the foundations of reading. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to receive training in phonics instruction and the science behind how humans actually learn to read. In addition to working with students from Kindergarten-High School, I also had the opportunity to spend a year training teachers in phonics instruction. After focusing intensely on all that goes into teaching a student to read, I was ready to get back to working with students. I started Sound to Spelling in 2020.
Take a look around and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thank you for stopping by!
Daisy
My Approach
Sound Play
Phonological and Phonemic Awareness-
Can you hear and manipulate the sounds in spoken words without actually seeing the word?This is the beginning of a strong reading foundation.
Phonics Instruction
Explicit and Systematic Phonics Instruction- English may seem random, but it's not!
This is good news. The patterns of English can be learned, and your student can confidently move through the code.
Reading Vocabulary
Vowels, Consonants, and Digraphs oh my!...
Knowing these and other "reading words" will take you far. I have worked with many students who couldn't tell me the difference between a vowel and a consonant. This is not just "extra" information. Knowing the building blocks of our language is central to mastering it.
Fluency
Reading with accuracy and expression builds comprehension- the ultimate goal of reading.
A child who reads with fluency and expression has a much better chance of actually understanding what they've just read. I love hearing my students read out loud because I love helping them hear how much they've improved.
Testimonials
Before Daisy started tutoring my son Anthony, he could only read about five words and was starting first grade. His teacher had told me that he would most likely be held back since he wasn't on the correct reading level. Daisy has been working with him every week for almost 6 months, and he is reading so well, and he will not be held back next year. It's truly amazing!! She is so patient and so kind- we absolutely adore her!!
Lauren, parent of 1st grade student
Daisy is a uniquely qualified, specifically trained and experienced tutor. Daisy has been tutoring my son, who has Dyslexia, twice a week, for about 1 year. She has been the only tutor who has actually been able to motivate my son and get him to show progress in reading and spelling. In fact, my 16 year old actually asks when he can work with Daisy again! She is always looking for ways to engage him and provide opportunities to use the skills in his day to day life. I have been amazed to see my son take an interest in reading all because of Daisy's expertise, patience, and kindness!"
Patricia, parent of 11th grade student
Our daughter started working with Daisy in the fall of 2020, at that time she was reading below her grade level. In just 6 months of working with Daisy and the reading program, she is above reading level! Daisy has taught her to decode and read more independently and confidently. I would highly recommend working with Daisy for your tutoring needs. We are beyond thankful for the help, encouragement, support, and confidence Daisy has given our daughter.
Jaclyn, parent of 3rd grade student