Structured Literacy
Orton-Gillingham Tutoring
A structured, sequential, multi-sensory approach to reading that is proven to work, delivered one-on-one by a practicum certified reading specialist.
What is the Orton-Gillingham approach?
Orton-Gillingham is a structured literacy approach that teaches reading and spelling the way the brain actually learns them: one carefully sequenced step at a time. Rather than asking a child to memorize whole words or guess from pictures, it builds an explicit understanding of how letters and sounds work together.
It is direct, diagnostic, and endlessly adaptable. I meet each child exactly where they are, then move forward only when a skill is genuinely secure, so nothing gets skipped and confidence grows with every lesson.
Why it works so well
The approach is multi-sensory, meaning your child sees, hears, says, and moves through each concept. Engaging several senses at once creates stronger, more reliable pathways for reading, which is especially powerful for children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
- Structured and sequential, so skills build logically with no gaps
- Diagnostic and prescriptive, tailored to your child in real time
- Multi-sensory, engaging sight, sound, speech, and movement together
- Explicit, teaching the rules of language directly rather than by guessing
What a session looks like
Every lesson is planned around the five components of reading and woven together with purposeful, hands-on activity. For children who find it hard to sit still, I integrate purposeful movement so that focus and learning happen together rather than working against each other.
Sessions can be scheduled virtually, at your home, or at mine, whatever fits your family best.
Why families choose this
Certified & experienced
Practicum certified through IMSE with 25+ years working with children.
Truly one-on-one
Every minute of every lesson is focused entirely on your child.
Measurable progress
A structured scope and sequence means growth you can actually see.
Confidence first
Success is built in from the very first lesson, not left to chance.
The 5 Components of Reading
Every lesson is built around these five pillars, woven together with multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham instruction.
Decoding
Breaking words into sounds and blending them back together.
Fluency
Reading smoothly, accurately, and at a comfortable pace.
Vocabulary
Building the word knowledge that unlocks meaning.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding, remembering, and explaining the text.
Written Expression
Putting thoughts into clear, organized writing.
Common Questions
What ages do you work with?
I work with children from Pre-K through 6th grade, meeting each child at their current level regardless of age or grade.
Do you work with children who have dyslexia?
Yes. The Orton-Gillingham approach was originally developed for children with dyslexia, and it is highly effective for dyslexic learners as well as any child who struggles with reading.
How often should my child have sessions?
Consistency matters most. Many families choose one or two sessions per week, and we can discuss a schedule that fits your child and your calendar during your free consultation.
Are sessions in person or virtual?
Both. I offer virtual sessions, in-home sessions, and sessions at my location. We will choose whatever works best for your family.
What families and colleagues say
Ms. Keppler is one of those teachers that challenges students academically. I have been impressed with Patricia’s flexibility in using a variety of multi-sensory methods to teach struggling readers.
Boblyn Dobbs I am a parent who has known Patricia Keppler for the last 2 years. She has provided service for my son in decoding, spelling, reading, vocabulary, and solid study habits. Patricia is punctual and has implemented a wide range of methodologies to ensure that my child is successful in literacy.
Regina Vortman Patricia is a person of genuine care and has a passion to work with children to help them achieve their fullest potential. She is dedicated to helping the students.
Candace Galvez
Ready to help your child read with confidence?
The first step is a free consultation. Call or email Patricia to talk about your child, with no pressure and no obligation.