Our Programs
Tutoring Programs for Every Early Reader
Each program is built on the Science of Reading and systematic phonics — tailored to the specific skills and developmental stage of Pre-K through Grade 2 learners in the Twin Cities metro area.
Foundations of Reading
Pre-K & Kindergarten
Building the building blocks
The earliest years are the most critical for literacy development. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten program lays a joyful, solid foundation using the Science of Reading — so children enter 1st grade ready and confident.
What to Expect
- Sessions are playful, multisensory, and movement-based
- Short, focused activities matched to young attention spans
- Progress tracked through informal assessments every 4 weeks
Skills Covered
- 1Phonemic awareness — hearing and manipulating sounds in spoken words
- 2Letter recognition and letter-sound correspondences (the alphabet)
- 3Print concepts — how books work, left-to-right reading, word spacing
- 4Rhyming, syllables, and sound play through songs and games
- 5Early sight word recognition
- 6Oral language and vocabulary development
Building Readers
Grade 1
Decoding clicks here
1st grade is where reading really takes off — or where gaps begin to show. Our Grade 1 program uses systematic, explicit phonics instruction to make sure every child has the decoding tools they need to read independently.
What to Expect
- Structured Literacy approach — explicit, systematic, and cumulative
- Decodable readers matched to current phonics level
- Formal progress monitoring every 6 weeks
Skills Covered
- 1Systematic phonics — short vowels, consonant blends, digraphs, and more
- 2Blending and segmenting words fluently
- 3Sight word fluency (Dolch and Fry lists)
- 4Reading decodable texts with growing confidence
- 5Introduction to reading comprehension strategies
- 6Spelling patterns aligned with phonics instruction
Growing Readers
Grade 2
Fluency, expression, and meaning
By 2nd grade, children should be reading with fluency and beginning to read for meaning. Our Grade 2 program bridges the gap between decoding and comprehension — building confident, expressive readers who love books.
What to Expect
- Leveled texts chosen to build fluency and comprehension together
- Fluency timing and expression coaching
- Formal progress monitoring every 6 weeks with parent report
Skills Covered
- 1Advanced phonics — vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, silent letters
- 2Multisyllabic word reading and syllable types
- 3Reading fluency — accuracy, rate, and expression
- 4Vocabulary development in context
- 5Reading comprehension strategies (main idea, inference, retelling)
- 6Written response to reading
The Process
How We Get Started
Getting started is simple. Here's what the journey looks like from first contact to your child's first session.
Free Consultation
We start with a 20-minute call to learn about your child, your concerns, and your goals. No pressure — just a conversation.
Reading Assessment
We conduct a brief, informal reading assessment to understand exactly where your child is and what they need most.
Personalized Plan
Based on the assessment, we build a customized tutoring plan with clear goals, a timeline, and a recommended session schedule.
Tutoring Begins
Sessions are warm, structured, and joyful. We track progress regularly and adjust the plan as your child grows.
FAQ
Common Questions
How do I know if my child needs a reading tutor?
Signs include difficulty recognizing letters or letter sounds, trouble blending sounds into words, reading significantly below grade level, avoiding reading, or a teacher recommendation. When in doubt, a free consultation can help clarify.
What is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading is a body of research spanning decades and thousands of studies that tells us how the brain learns to read. It shows that explicit, systematic phonics instruction — not guessing from pictures or context — is the most effective approach, especially for struggling readers.
How is EdVentures in Learning different from other tutoring services?
EdVentures in Learning specializes exclusively in early literacy using the Science of Reading — not a generalist tutoring approach. Every session is built on research-backed phonics instruction, delivered with warmth and joy that keeps young learners engaged and motivated.
Not Sure Which Program Is Right?
Book a free 20-minute consultation. We'll talk through your child's needs and recommend the best fit — no commitment required.