living literacy

alynn pessotto

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With all the options and information available, it's natural to feel confused and question what the best approach is to support your child. You’re not alone. I can help your child reach their potential.

I provide the learning tools children need and the support parents want, to help you all thrive.

- alynn pessotto -

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You've come to the right place.

EXPERIENCE A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH TO
LITERACY INSTRUCTION THAT GOES BEYOND

the ordinary.

YOUR CHILD WILL ENGAGE IN PERSONALIZED PRIVATE SESSIONS WITH THE OPTION TO JOIN A SMALL GROUP FOR WEEKLY SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPORT. ADDITIONALLY, OPTIONAL PARENT COACHING IS AVAILABLE TO OFFER HOLISTIC GUIDANCE.

SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN AN ENGAGING AND NURTURING HOME ENVIRONMENT.

I will complete a comprehensive literacy assessment to understand the specific learning needs of your child. This integrated approach to learning not only delves into academics, but also embraces the whole child to include physical, social and emotional considerations.

private

tutoring

Personalized one-on-one instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each child.

Private Tutoring offers a unique approach to instruction, blending the Orton-Gillingham method with holistic support for children with learning challenges. Whether your child is behind in school or has a suspected or diagnosed learning disability, support is here to connect, hold space and meet your child's needs.

Weekly Tutoring $75 CAD/session

PRIVATE TUTORING INCLUDES:

  • In person, 60 minute individual sessions (Calgary SW).
  • Initial assessment to identify the areas of learning needs. Each assessment is conducted with thoughtful consideration, prioritizing your child’s emotional well-being without imposing any undue pressure.
  • Individualized lesson plans based on your child’s needs.
  • Ongoing assessments so that instruction support gaps in learning and reflect areas of progress.
  • Utilization of all pathways (seeing, hearing, feeling and thinking) simultaneously to enhance memory and learning.
  • Integration of movement therapies that support focus, attention and development in higher level thinking skills.
  • Warm and intentional environment that creates a safe space for your child to feel comfortable taking learning risks.
  • Complementary hand-made book bags to keep practice readers safe when traveling back and forth.
  • Free parent-only gatherings.
  •  Peace of mind knowing all data is stored on local servers ensuring PHI and PIPEDA professional compliance. 
  • Unlike a regular tutor who focuses on specific school subjects and reteaches skills taught in class, the Living Literacy approach combines the Orton-Gillingham method with holistic education to offer personalized interventions.

Discover this unique program which blends the highly effective Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach with the fundamentals of a holistic environment. It includes personalized instruction for children struggling in reading, writing and spelling. Whether your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning difference, striving to learn English as a second language or simply struggling to grasp foundational literacy skills, every lesson is customized to the specific learning style and needs of each child.

BOOK A FREE 15 MINUTE PHONE CALL TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.

book your intro call now

small group

tutoring

Supplementing Private Tutoring with Small Group Instruction.

Nurture your child's learning with Living Literacy's Small Group Tutoring. Affordable weekly sessions complement private tutoring, and are customized to the group’s needs. Groups of up to five ensure personalized attention and effective progress.

Weekly Small group Tutoring $40 CAD/session

Small Group TUTORING INCLUDES:

  • A minimum of 4 private sessions is required prior to starting small group learning. This is needed in order to group children according to similar abilities. 
  • In person, 60 minute small group sessions (Calgary SW).
  • Maximum of 5 children in each group. 
  • Fun and engaging learning activities with peers. 
  • On-going assessments to identify the areas of learning needs.
  • Lesson plans are based on continuous evaluations of the small group and varying needs.
  • Optional take home materials to reinforce learning skills.
  • Free parent gatherings.
  • Peace of mind knowing all data is stored on local servers ensuring PHI and PIPEDA professional compliance. 

Living Literacy’s Small Group Tutoring service, provides additional weekly support for students enrolled in private tutoring, at an affordable price. Students are grouped according to similar abilities. Each group consists of no more than five children, allowing for continued individualized attention and focused learning. This offering applies the principles of the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, modifying instruction to accommodate small group learning and maximize educational outcomes.

BOOK A FREE 15 MINUTE PHONE CALL TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.

book your intro call now

What is Orton-Gillingham?

Orton-Gillingham is an effective research based approach to teaching literacy.

Developed by a neuropsychiatrist and pathologist, Dr. Samuel T. Orton along with a gifted educator, Anna Gillingham in the mid-20th century, this approach always focuses on the the learning needs of the individual child. 

Orton-Gillingham is an approach to teaching the structure of the language. Specialists who use this method design lessons and materials to meet the child where they are at by pacing instruction and the introduction of new concepts and skills. Each lesson starts basic and moves to the more complex. It provides a systematic, cumulative and personalized approach that involves simultaneous multisensory techniques. This means all senses are engaged simultaneously to create the neural network students need to learn the structure of this language. Phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, grammar, vocabulary, letter formation and reading comprehension are covered in lessons. After each lesson, the practitioner will complete an error analysis to plan for the following lesson. As a result, instruction addresses specific difficulties and weaknesses unique to each child.

The research shows improved outcomes in reading accuracy and comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, written work and spelling skills. I believe in the power of the Orton-Gillingham approach, knowing it has not only helped my child but also many other children and adults.

What is holistic education?

A holistic approach to education seeks to fully utilize and acknowledge all aspects of a child to facilitate learning. This means that a child’s imagination, emotions, strengths, interests, intellect and kinetic needs are all honoured and integrated to nurture learning.

What is Waldorf Education?

Waldorf education is an educational philosophy founded by Rudolph Steiner in the early 20th century. The child is placed at the center of all education efforts and emphasizes educating the whole child. It’s pedagogy always strives to build each child’s inner strength and to recognize their abilities. Teachers educate and teach by infusing intellectual, artistic and practical elements in all lessons. It incorporates the concept of thinking, feeling, willing, which is often referred to as the threefold nature of the human being. Thinking refers to the intellectual and cognitive development involving engagement of the mind, logic and reasoning. Feeling involves the social and emotional aspect of the human being and emphasis is placed on nurturing empathy, emotions of one’s self and of others. The willing refers to the physical body and it’s engagement in physical activity. It involves turning thoughts and feelings into purposeful action. Waldorf education emphasizes protecting childhood and a nurturing learning environment which fosters a love of lifelong learning. 

What are movement therapies?

Movement exercises and activities to build and strengthen connections in the brain. I will use exercises and activities from Blomberg Rhythmic Movement, Brain Gym, and Bal-A-Vis-X . To learn more, check out Barbara Arrowsmith’s Ted Talk about how the brain can change and neuroplasticity.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a type of learning disability that affects how people process language, particularly when it comes to reading. It causes difficulties with recognizing and understanding written words, which can also lead to challenges with spelling, writing, and pronouncing words correctly. In a typical classroom setting, a child with dyslexia may face significant challenges in finding academic success often requiring extra support or accommodations. To learn more FACTS about dyslexia you can visit the EIDA website.

What if I have to cancel a tutoring session?

It happens- things come up and children may get sick. I understand that unexpected situations arise and you'll need to cancel at the last minute. A single grace session will be made available, however any cancellations should be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Can I take my child out of tutoring at any point?

Yes, you can stop private or group tutoring at any point, and your child’s place will be offered to another student.  

monthly parent

gatherings

Join me in building a warm and supportive community where you can connect, share experiences, offer support, and learn together. Some months I will host activities and events that will nourish your soul while other gatherings will offer a more relaxed and informal setting.

connect, inspire, thrive

I'm so glad you're here.

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COME BE A PART OF CREATING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY WHERE YOU CAN CONNECT, OFFER SUPPORT, SHARE STORIES AND FRUSTRATIONS (WITHOUT LITTLE EARS AROUND), AND GROW TOGETHER. GATHERINGS ARE TYPICALLY HELD IN MY HOME, IN A RELAXED AND INFORMAL SPACE.

Whether you have questions, prefer to listen, or want to be an active participant, You're welcome to join in

any way that feels comfortable to you.

Gatherings will take place on the 4th friday of most months. tea and snacks will be provided. you're welcome to bring knitting or a crafting project (or not).

Parents who are not enrolled in a program are more than welcome to attend with a minimum donation of 5$.

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it's never too late to

ask for help

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welcome

I'm alynn pessotto

I am a certified teacher in Ontario and Alberta, with nearly two decades of experience in education.

As a teacher I was always passionate about reaching all of my students, particularly those who struggled in various areas. This need intensified while navigating the challenges of parenting my own children. This commitment to learning and growth led me to pursue extensive professional development opportunities.

Driven by my love for the outdoors and observing children thrive in alternative settings, I enrolled and completed training in Forest and Nature School (FNS) education. When our son experienced significant health challenges prior to starting kindergarten, our priority for him was finding a therapeutic educational environment that would support his unique needs. This led me to find Waldorf Education, which resonated deeply with our family values. Immersing myself further in Waldorf Pedagogy and the work of Rudolph Steiner, I completed Foundation Studies at the Rudolf Steiner College Canada (RSCC) and eventually joined Toronto Waldorf School as a substitute teacher.

Another significant turning point in my career was when our second child received a dyslexia diagnosis. This prompted me to explore the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching literacy. I completed training and coursework at the associate level and received incredible insight into the challenges faced by students with learning differences. 

Recently, I have felt disheartened by the limitations of our education system. The widening learning gaps are clear, leaving many students without the personalized support they need. Despite the efforts of teachers, resources remain scarce. After months of reflection, I made the difficult decision to transition from teaching in the classroom to pursue a vision of sharing my gifts in a different way. My combined love of teaching, fierce advocacy for children and sheer determination ignited the spark for something new. This planted the seed for Living Literacy to become part of my story. 

I believe all children are capable of thriving when given the space, support, and love they deserve. With this firm belief in mind, I am dedicated to fostering growth and success for all students through specialized teaching in a supportive environment.

I would be honoured to join you in creating a nurturing educational environment where your child can flourish and reach their full potential.

let's get to know each other