Elementary school · Ages 5-11
Elementary Reading Tutor for Grades K-5
From sounding out words to reading chapter books, one-to-one lessons for children in Kindergarten to Grade 5.
Prefer to ask a question first? Chat on WhatsApp
How it works, in short
TaleemSquare elementary reading tutoring supports children from Kindergarten to Grade 5 in live, one-to-one lessons. Younger children work on phonics, sight words and decoding. Older elementary children build fluency, vocabulary and comprehension as they move from learning to read to reading to learn.
Lessons use books at your child's level and plenty of encouragement. Plans start at $85 a month after a free assessment.
- Format
- Live, one-to-one, online
- Lesson length
- 45 minutes
- Level
- Ages 5-11
- Price
- From $85 a month
What changes after a term of lessons
Decodes with confidence
Sounds out unfamiliar words using phonics instead of guessing.
Reads chapter books
Builds the stamina and fluency to enjoy longer books independently.
Understands and retells
Retells stories, explains characters and answers questions about what they read.
What we cover
Lessons follow your child's own school or homeschool curriculum. These are the areas we work on most at this level.
Phonics and sight words
Letter-sound patterns and common words for fluent early reading.
Decoding longer words
Syllables, prefixes and suffixes for multisyllabic words.
Fluency
Reading smoothly with expression through practice and modeling.
Comprehension
Retelling, predicting, sequencing and answering why questions.
Vocabulary
New words from books and topics, discussed and used.
Reading stamina
Gradually building time spent reading independently.
Nonfiction reading
Reading about science, animals and history with text features.
Signs your child could use help
- Struggling to sound out new words
- Reads slowly, word by word
- Can read the words but can't retell the story
- Avoids reading at home
- Teacher says reading level is below expected
- Starting to say they hate reading
One of these on its own is normal. Two or three together usually point to a specific gap, and finding it is what the free assessment is for.
Taught to your curriculum, wherever you live
Common Core ELA K-5 and state early literacy laws
Foundational skills are taught through Grade 5, alongside reading literature and informational text. Many states focus on reading proficiency by the end of Grade 3.
National Curriculum English, Key Stages 1 and 2
Phonics and the Year 1 phonics screening check, then reading comprehension through Key Stage 2, tested in the Year 6 reading SATs.
Level: Reception to Year 6
Ontario Language curriculum, Grades 1-6 (other provinces similar)
Explicit phonics and foundational skills in the early grades, with EQAO reading and writing in Grades 3 and 6.
Level: Kindergarten to Grade 5
Australian Curriculum: English, Foundation to Year 6
Phonics and phonemic awareness early, then comprehension of increasingly complex texts, with NAPLAN reading in Years 3 and 5.
Level: Foundation to Year 5
Inside a 45-minute elementary reading lesson
One 45-minute session. Tutors adjust the timings to your child.
6 min
Sound or word warm-up
Phonics or sight word practice.
9 min
New skill
A decoding or comprehension skill.
14 min
Read together
Your child reads aloud with coaching.
8 min
Talk about it
Questions and retelling.
5 min
Word play
A quick vocabulary or spelling game.
3 min
Goodbye
A reading tip for home on WhatsApp.
How we teach young readers
Phonics first for decoding
Children who are still decoding get systematic phonics, not guessing strategies.
Lots of reading aloud
Every lesson includes your child reading aloud with gentle, immediate correction.
Talk about books
Discussing stories builds comprehension and vocabulary at the same time.
Celebrate progress
Children see their own improvement, which motivates them to keep reading.
After each class you get a WhatsApp note: what was read, what clicked, and one thing to practise at home.
Simple monthly plans
$85a month for 2 one-to-one reading and English lessons a week
- Free 45-minute assessment first
- No contract, cancel any month
- No registration fee
- 4-class money-back promise
- Switch tutor at no cost
- WhatsApp update after every class
Starter
2 lessons a week, best for keeping up with school
$85/mo
GrowthMost chosen
3 lessons a week, best for catching up + building confidence
$119/mo
Intensive
4 lessons a week, best for exam prep & fast improvement
$149/mo
Common worries, honest answers
“My child is in Grade 3 and still struggles to decode.”
That is worth addressing now. Older children can learn phonics too, with age-appropriate materials that don't feel babyish.
“Will tutoring put my child off reading?”
We aim for the opposite. Lessons are encouraging and use books your child enjoys, so reading starts to feel possible.
“Should I read to my child or have them read to me?”
Both help. We share simple suggestions after lessons on what to do at home.
Frequently asked questions
How can I help my elementary child with reading?
What reading level should my child be at?
When should I worry about my child's reading?
How much does elementary reading tutoring cost?
Do you use leveled books?
Can my child have both reading and math tutoring?
Book a free 45-minute assessment
Your child meets a tutor for a real one-to-one session. You get an honest read on where they are and what would help, even if the answer is that they don't need tutoring right now.
- 1
We reply on WhatsApp
Usually within 10 minutes, to find a time that suits your family.
- 2
Your child meets the tutor
A relaxed 45-minute session to see their level and how they learn.
- 3
You decide
You get a recommendation and a plan. No card details, no pressure.