Testimonials

Before I was involved in the reading program, I couldn’t read well and if someone offered me a book, I would not read it because I found it to be too much of a hassle. I used to simply act like I was reading in class and I was scared that people would make fun of me. I was frustrated and a few times someone would say something and I would snap. I did some things that I am not proud of. I agreed to be involved in the reading program and came to school 1/2 hour early every day to work in a one to one setting for 30-45 minutes per day for 3 months. Now I understand more in life, my grades are improving, I am doing better at home as I am able to read instructions, hook ups etc. Being able to read has really promoted my confidence.

— Stanley, Grade 6 Student

In elementary school, I was really frustrated because nobody understood how my brain worked. They tested me all of the time. It seemed that I never had a chance to try the normal work that my classmates were doing. I worked in a small group with an EA for most of my 8 years in elementary school. In Grade 8 my mom pushed really hard to get me assistive technology. I went into the Pathways program in Grade 9. During the summer after grade 10 I worked with a tutor on the reading program for 1-1 1/2 hours per day for 3-4 weeks. Now I take my time reading and am able to break the words down. I am now able to read pretty much anything. I have worked very hard and am now taking college level courses. My dream is to go to college for photography and I’m sure now that I will be able to get there! It is good to understand that I am a smart person and smarter in different ways. I now understand that for me reading took a lot more practice and I needed to have it broken down. I love reading the newspaper!

— Kaitlyn, Grade 11 Student

My name is Kyle, I am 11 years old and I am dyslexic. My dad is too. I don’t really know what that means but I do know that my brain processes information differently than everyone else. Last year I started coming to classes with Linda and she really helped me with my reading. Now when I’m asked to find something on a label or in a book or paper, I can find it because I know how to read better. My mom pushed me real hard and made me read my book every day and do my word cards. I still don’t like to read very much but I know that I can. Now I understand what the words are trying to tell me because I can sound them out and know what each word says. I know that I will always be a slow reader but I know that I can.

— Kyle, Age 11

My name is Jayme and I too had difficulty learning to read. I really struggled even though I tried very hard each day at school. By age 9 I felt helpless and extremely embarrassed with my situation. I couldn’t even enjoy a family visit to a restaurant because I needed help reading the choices on the menu. Then my mom read about Linda’s program in the local newspaper and gave her a call. From this moment on my life changed dramatically for the better. I am in grade eight now. With Linda’s program, I have become a confident reader at the Z level and I’m even willing to read text aloud in front of my classmates! What a difference this makes. It feels great knowing that I can read and have more opportunities available to me in my life! Thank you Linda!

— Jayme, Age 13

The reading rescue program is by far one of the best ways to enhance English skills. Whether you have dyslexia or ADHD, struggle with comprehension, spelling, and reading, this program will help you refine your skills at a pace and level that is customized to your own individualized needs. The staff is very friendly and caring. They have a deep understanding for you and they are always there for you offering a helping hand every step of the way. As someone who was diagnosed with dyslexia, I had very low spelling and reading abilities during my elementary school years. I attended the program for grade five to seven and witnessed a tremendous increase in my abilities both in reading and spelling. The program has allowed me to have the proper tools in my toolbox to succeed at school and in life. I have recently been accepted by three universities, Guelph, McMaster, and Western, for an honours arts and science program and kinesiology. I have also received entry scholarships for academics to each of these schools. At my high school graduation, I even received the academic English award for proficiency in senior English. Overall, I am eternally grateful for the program and the wonderful staff, they have reshaped and changed my life for the better.

— Matthew M, University Student

At ten years old, my son, an intelligent, inquisitive child, was reading at an early kindergarten level. He soaked in stories read aloud but the ability to read independently eluded him. Mrs. Soehner took David under her wing and created a program to help him overcome dyslexia. She is one of those rare people who sees every child as a successful learner and helps them see this too. Her research based approach combined with an ability to connect and communicate with her students works! Each week in the program my son gained ground and confidence. Two years later he placed top of his class in the Grade 6 EQAO reading test.

— Dawn’s Mother, Parent

Our experience with Linda Soehner’s reading program has been very positive. As a past participant in the Sylvan reading program, it was interesting to see how Linda’s assessment identified specific problems. I was particularly impressed and thrilled to see, on paper, one of my son’s specific problems which involved crazy word substitutions. It was amazing to realize that others had this very same problem. I would strongly recommend this individual program for anyone in need of extra assistance. It is built on a firm foundation. The program that Linda has developed helped my children to improve their reading levels. These tools are precious.

— Nancy’s Mother, Parent

My daughter Jenna first showed signs of reading difficulty in grade one. I was quite concerned and contacted the school and was told that it was rather common for children of her age to struggle with reading. We were introduced to Linda and Reading Rescue Ontario. Linda was very welcoming to me and my daughter and I felt an immediate connection. Linda wasted little time getting started and quickly determined that Jenna was at approximately a grade one reading level. At the end of six months Jenna had greatly improved and is now reading at a strong grade four early grade five reading level. I would recommend Linda’s program to any parents that are concerned with their child’s reading capabilities.

— Jenna’s Mom, Parent

Our son Kyle is dyslexic, as is his father, so we were aware that it may be passed down. We started Kyle in the Reading Rescue program with Linda when he was in Grade 4, at that time he was reading at a grade 1 level. Kyle was enrolled in Reading Rescue in the fall, he worked extremely hard and in the spring, was rewarded with reading at an advanced grade 5 level. To have a 10 year old advance from a grade 1 reading level to a grade 5 reading level in six months is amazing. There has to be dedication on both the child side and the parent/guardian side to make the program work for you.

— Angela & Les Fry, Parents of Kyle

My daughter Sidony was identified as LD in grade one. Salvation came in grade 5 for my daughter. Her teacher recommended Linda Soehner. Sidony began Linda’s Reading Rescue program in November of grade 5, her established reading level was 2.3. We attended weekly lessons and followed up at home. Sidony finished the program in early December of grade 6 reading at a grade 6 level! My daughter Sidony wakes up each day without an alarm clock and prepares for school. There are no complaints, or tears. She is reading the same books as the rest of her grade 7 class. This is the greatest gift.

— Susan and Sidony, Parent & Student

My daughter had trouble reading and I was at a loss as to what to do. I ran into a friend one day and she told me about Reading Rescue. I phoned right away and was thrilled that there was a spot. The program was easy to follow and within weeks my daughter was reading better. She gained confidence in her reading and through the program I found ways to help her learn at her speed. This program was the miracle that I had been looking for. I highly recommend this program for anyone that is challenged when it comes to reading.

— Lisa, Parent

At ten years old, my son, an intelligent, inquisitive child was reading at an early kindergarten level. He soaked in stories, read aloud, but the ability to read independently eluded him. Mrs. Soehner took David under her wing and created a program to help him overcome dyslexia. She is one of those rare people who sees every child as a successful learner and helps them see this too. Her research based approach combined with an ability to connect and communicate with her students works! Each week in the program my son gained ground and confidence. Two years later he placed top of his class in the Grade 6 EQAO reading test. In David’s words, Linda never gave up, even when I couldn’t figure stuff out and now I don’t struggle with learning.

— David’s Mother, Parent

When our son entered Grade 3, we already knew he was having problems with reading and writing. The trouble was finding someone to teach him the way he learned. When a friend told me about Reading Rescue, we thought why not try it. The day we had our assessment, I cried. I was so filled with hope after meeting with Linda. I finally felt we had found our spot. We were placed with Lori. She took us right back to the beginning. We went every week and did the homework. The progress was slow, but we were always moving forward. Lori was so gentle, but firm with our son. In November, we completed the program. We are very proud of our son, he went from Level A to Level Q.

— Laura, Parent

Reading Rescue came highly recommended from friends, so when our daughter was struggling, we reached out. Before meeting Julia, our daughter did not want to even try anymore. She was so frustrated. We didn’t know how to help. Julia worked wonders with her and from the first class, our daughter was motivated and it grew her confidence immensely. In fact, she loved it so much that she chose to continue throughout the summer and this school year even though she had already been rated above grade level. Please, if you have a child struggling, sign them up!

— A Grateful Parent, Parent

What an exciting and rewarding program! The long-term positive effects that are the result of a child progressing from the label of poor reader to good reader in one year cannot be underestimated. The increases in a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence are much more significant. From observing the effectiveness of your program, I would say that the drills using word building blocks, the mastering of sight words, and the organized teaching of vowel sounds and combinations produce much greater results in very little time.

— Heather Davidson, Retired Teacher

I want to officially acknowledge and thank you for all of your efforts in co-ordinating and overseeing the volunteer reading program this past year. It has benefitted many students in very significant ways. All of the students in my class were very keen and eager to participate in this program on a daily basis. I firmly believe these students would not be reading at the same level they are at now without your intervention.

— Marilyn Short, Grade 2 Teacher

After reading the Plastic Brain and hearing about the reading program at Beavercrest School, I was sure that using my time with children could make a real difference for them. I believe that investing in reading fluency at the elementary level will lead to a better and richer high school experience for students. I really like the Reading Rescue Program as it is easy to administer; all of the steps are clearly explained and the volunteer for the next day can pick up where I leave off.

— Kathryn, Volunteer

I like volunteering at Beavercrest as there is real satisfaction in contributing to the development of literacy skills, a cause in which I believe passionately. The Reading Rescue Ontario program provides a structured framework while allowing volunteers to tailor the approach to the needs, preferences and interests of individual students.

— Ron, Volunteer

Reading Rescue Ontario allows children to work at their own level and get exactly what they need in a one to one setting.

— Pauline, Grade 3 Teacher

As a retired elementary school teacher with 25 years of experience, I am delighted to be able to volunteer at Beavercrest Community School. I enjoy seeing the progress of the students with whom I am working and see the pride that they exhibit with each new accomplishment. Linda’s program offers many different strategies to strengthen reading skills. It is easy to follow the instructions and present each lesson to the child. I love to witness their accomplishments.

— Patricia, Volunteer