Dyslexia Therapy & Structured Literacy

CALT-led dyslexia intervention for children and teens in Castle Rock, Monument, Highlands Ranch, and the Denver metro area. Individualized instruction for stronger, more confident reading and spelling.

Wordsmyth provides one-to-one instruction for learners with dyslexia and persistent difficulties in reading, decoding, spelling, fluency, or written language. Instruction is designed from the learner’s current skill profile—not simply from age or grade placement—and adjusted as progress is demonstrated.

WHO MAY BENEFIT

Structured-literacy therapy may be appropriate for school-age learners and older students who:

• Have an educational diagnosis of dyslexia or a related reading disability

• Show persistent difficulty learning sound-symbol relationships

• Struggle to decode unfamiliar words or read words automatically

• Have weak spelling despite repeated practice

• Read slowly, inaccurately, or with significant effort

• Have not made expected progress through classroom instruction or prior intervention

WHAT INSTRUCTION MAY ADDRESS

Individual goals are based on assessment and ongoing performance and may include:

• Phonological and phonemic awareness

• Letter-sound correspondence and the structure of written English

• Decoding and encoding

• Syllable types and division patterns

• Spelling rules and orthographic patterns

• Morphology, including meaningful word parts

• Word-reading accuracy and automaticity

• Oral-reading fluency

• Vocabulary, comprehension, and written-language support when appropriate

HOW THE APPROACH WORKS

Instruction is explicit, systematic, cumulative, diagnostic, and responsive. Previously taught skills are reviewed and connected to new learning. Multisensory routines are used purposefully to help learners attend to, practice, and remember language concepts. Lessons are adjusted from session to session using performance data and error analysis.

TRAINED CURRICULUM OPTIONS

TJ has completed program-specific training in three reading interventions developed by the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children:

• Build: A K-1 Early Reading Intervention — foundational small-group intervention for younger learners who are struggling to read

• Take Flight: A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia — comprehensive structured dyslexia intervention designed for learners age seven and older

• Jet: A Fast-Paced Reading Intervention — an accelerated curriculum designed for older learners with dyslexia

The curriculum and lesson format are selected according to the learner’s age, evaluation results, instructional history, needs, and ability to participate at the recommended intensity. Wordsmyth does not assume that one program is appropriate for every learner.

WHAT FAMILIES CAN EXPECT

• Review of evaluation results, school information, and prior intervention history

• Clearly defined instructional priorities and measurable goals

• Individual lessons paced for mastery rather than exposure

• Regular progress monitoring

• Periodic family updates and recommendations for supporting practice

• Coordination with school teams or other professionals when authorized and appropriate

EVALUATION AND THERAPY

A prior Wordsmyth evaluation is not required. Existing school or private testing may provide enough information to begin planning. When the learner’s profile or instructional needs are unclear, TJ may recommend additional educational evaluation before therapy begins.

ABOUT TJ

TJ Feth is a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), licensed educator, and U.S. Air Force veteran. He holds an M.A. in Math Education and more than 30 graduate hours in special education. His approach draws on structured-literacy and Orton-Gillingham principles while remaining individualized to each learner.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dyslexia therapy is an educational service, not medical, psychological, speech-language, or occupational therapy. It does not replace services required under an IEP or Section 504 plan. Progress varies according to the learner’s needs, attendance, practice, instructional intensity, and other factors; no specific outcome or timeline can be guaranteed.

Take Flight, Build, and Jet are curricula developed by the Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders at Scottish Rite for Children. Their names and instructional materials remain the property of their respective owner.

Contact TJ at tj@wordsmyth.us or 303-918-1106 to discuss the learner’s needs, available records, and whether structured-literacy therapy may be a good fit.