Learning to read: Schools, tutors, resources

Children with dyslexia can learn to read with effective instruction — the earlier the better.

Children with dyslexia can learn to read, write and spell with effective reading instruction called “structured literacy.” Structured literacy is essential for students with dyslexia, and benefits all children.

On this page

1. Effective reading instruction: Where to find it?
2. Effective reading instruction: Learn to teach it
3. Free and low-cost resources
4. Webinars and online learning for parents and teachers

1. Effective reading instruction: Where to find it?

Here you’ll find a listing of dyslexia-friendly schools, structured literacy programs and tutors across Ontario. We don’t endorse specific schools, tutors or programs. Resources listed here use some form of structured literacy instruction.

Tip! Before hiring a reading specialist, ask if they are trained in structured literacy and have experience teaching children with dyslexia.

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2. Effective reading instruction: Learn to teach it

Many parents and educators are training in the structured literacy approach to teach their own, and other children. The following is a list of organizations that provide structured literacy training.

DDON defers and refers to the knowledge and research presented by the International Dyslexia Association on issues of programs and interventions:

• International Dyslexia Association, Ontario Branch: Links to structured Literacy training in Canada
• Independent Teacher Training Programs Accredited by International Dyslexia Association

More structured literacy training programs:

• Barton Reading & Spelling
• The Claremont School (Toronto), O.G
• Dyslexic Advantage teachers online course (US)
• Fraser Academy (B.C.), O.G. Certification
• Fundamental Learning (Toronto)
• Learn Literacy – Cheryl Urbanczk
• Nancy Young B.A., M.Ed. (Special Education) – Reading, Spelling, Writing Specialist & Educational Consultant
• Orton-Gillingham taught by Liisa Freure,  M.ED., OCT, FELLOW/AOGPE, CDT/IDA, Founder of Fundamental Learning (Toronto)
• Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation (Learning Centres)
• Sound Readers – Martha Kovaks
• Valdine Bjornson, The Reading and Learning Clinic of Manitoba (online courses available for educators and parents)
• The Wilson Language Program
• Word Works – Peter Bowers

3. Free and low-cost resources

“Many families can’t afford tutoring. Not everyone has internet access, a computer or time as they may be working multiple jobs. You can help by sharing this list of free/low cost resources, suggesting trips to the library for Internet use and offering time to teach parents things you have learned on your dyslexia journey.” ~Kim, Ontario parent/educator/advocate extraordinaire

• Teach early literacy skills at home through play: Games to Promote Early Literacy – Rhode Island Department of Education (A free guide for parents)
• Haskins Global Literacy Hub: providing free, trusted resources for parents and educators
• Nancy Young, Canadian reading, spelling and writing expert – links to her presentations, trusted information and resources
• Nessy phonic sound cards – free downloadable (US)
• All about learning press (US):
  • Free resources
  • Letter Tiles App (low-cost downloadable)
• Orca Two Read (decodable books and resources from Orca Books, Canada)
• Phonics infographics from Phonics Books – Free (UK)
• Keys to Literacy – Free resources (US)
• Videos from the Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association:

4. Webinars and online learning for parents and teachers

• Helping Your Struggling Reader – Jan MacLean, founder of the Reading Clinic (Kingston)
• Ontario Branch International Dyslexia Association webinars
• IDA/New Jersey Department of Education Webinar on Dyslexia & Other Reading Disabilities
• Dyslexia Training Institute
• Bright Solutions for Dyslexia Learning
• Dr. Louisa Moats, Why Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science