Phonemic awareness
Notice, identify and work with the individual sounds that make up spoken words.
KKAsk about the programme← Child & family servicesSMARTER*phonics reading intervention
Help reading feel clearer—and more possible.
Structured one-to-one support for children who find English or Malay reading and writing difficult, including children with dyslexia-related needs.
One-to-oneEnglish & MalayChild-pacedMultisensory
A calm place to practise and progressFocused support · Encouraging instruction
Could this help my child?
When reading takes much more effort than it should.
Children can struggle with reading for different reasons. The programme is designed for learners who need more focused, systematic support than they may receive in a busy classroom or general tuition setting.
- 01Reading noticeably more slowly than expected
- 02Difficulty learning letter names or sounds
- 03Finding it hard to sound out unfamiliar words
- 04Frequent spelling or writing difficulties
- 05Reading below their expected school level
- 06Avoiding reading or becoming easily discouraged
What the programme develops
Build the foundations behind stronger reading and writing.
Instruction targets the specific processes a child needs to practise, with activities selected around their current level and learning response.
Decoding
Connect letters and sound patterns so unfamiliar words can be approached more independently.
Fluency
Develop greater accuracy, steadiness and confidence when reading connected text.
Comprehension
Strengthen understanding, recall and the ability to make meaning from what has been read.
Spelling & writing
Apply sound and word-pattern knowledge when spelling and expressing ideas in writing.
Learning confidence
Experience reading in an encouraging environment where progress is paced and visible.
How children are supported
Structured enough to guide. Flexible enough to fit the learner.
The former programme’s core principles remain at the centre of this service.
- 1
Individualised attention
Focused one-to-one sessions allow instruction and practice to respond to the child in front of us.
- 2
Paced instruction
Skills are introduced and revisited according to the child’s learning pace—not a fixed classroom timetable.
- 3
Multisensory learning
Visual, auditory and hands-on activities help children build stronger connections between sounds, letters and words.
- 4
Reduced distractions
A calm setting can help children who become overwhelmed or lose confidence in larger learning environments.
- 5
Encouraging teaching
Sessions are supportive and low-pressure, with effort and developing independence recognised along the way.
Meet the educator
Teacher Jen
Jernestcia Febronia Gimbad
M.Ed. Educational Psychology · B.A. English
Teacher Jen believes learning goes beyond textbooks. With a background in English and Educational Psychology, she helps students develop communication skills, confidence and the motivation to continue learning.
She also brings creativity into her work through music, performing as a singer and violinist, and serving as a multilingual emcee for community and educational events.
Read Teacher Jen’s full profile →Reading intervention or assessment?
You do not need to choose the pathway alone.
Reading intervention builds skills. A learning assessment investigates why difficulties may be happening and may clarify dyslexia or other learning needs. Depending on your child’s history and goals, one or both may be useful.
Parent questions
Before your child begins
Does my child need a dyslexia diagnosis first?+
Every child’s situation is different. Contact us with your main concerns and any school or assessment information you already have. We will help you understand whether reading intervention, a learning assessment or another first step may be more suitable.
Is this the same as ordinary tuition?+
The programme focuses on the underlying reading and writing skills that may be difficult for the child, including sound awareness, decoding, fluency and comprehension. It is delivered individually and paced around the learner rather than a general class syllabus.
Does the programme support both English and Malay?+
Yes. The programme is intended to support reading and writing needs in both English and Malay. Please tell us which language or combination is most relevant for your child.
How many sessions will my child need?+
The duration depends on the child’s starting point, learning profile, goals, attendance and response to intervention. The team will discuss progress and the recommended direction with you rather than promising a fixed outcome.
What are the current fee and session times?+
Reading intervention fees and availability can differ from psychology services. Contact our team for the current rate, available days and the most suitable way to begin.
A gentler next step
Tell us what reading has been like for your child.
Share your child’s age, the language involved and what you or the school have noticed. We’ll help you understand a suitable starting point.