For 15 years, I taught kindergarten, guiding children from knowing nothing about reading to reaching a first-grade level. Watching them learn to read so quickly and eagerly showed me how much kids can achieve with the right support. But when the pandemic shifted learning online, I saw so many young readers falling behind and struggling to keep up. It struck me personally—I was once one of those kids who needed extra help with reading. As a child, I was shy about reading in front of others until my 5th-grade teacher encouraged me, giving me the confidence that changed my outlook.

Seeing that need during COVID became my call to action. I realized that parents wanted support, too, and that online reading instruction could actually work, and work well. From then on, I knew that tutoring online was my path forward.

Starting out, I faced the challenge of keeping young learners focused and engaged online—a setting where distractions are just a click away. I experimented with different strategies, eventually building a library of interactive games and activities to capture their attention. Games like Tic Tac Toe with word practice, Find the Star, and treasure hunts with reading clues transformed our sessions into engaging, fun-filled learning experiences.

The results have been inspiring. I’ve seen students relax and grow more confident, which lets them progress faster. Parents tell me that their children love coming to class. I’ve helped students like one fourth-grader who began reading below grade level and, by the end of the year, reached his grade goal. Another young student overcame his stutter, gained confidence in reading aloud, and now eagerly continues his lessons with me. For some of my youngest students, starting as early as four, we’ve even set them up to enter kindergarten ahead of grade level—a thrill for them and their families.

Today, I’m dedicated to making reading a joyful, confidence-building experience for young learners, empowering each of them to succeed at their own pace and meet their full potential.