Where Learning Becomes an Adventure
Reading Through Intentional Playtime
Discover a world where reading is fun, engaging, and tailored to your child’s unique learning journey.
Our play-based approach ensures every child develops a love for reading.
Hands-On Learning
Students get explicit teaching, guided practice, and independent work on vital literacy skills.
Adaptive Learning
A personalized learning experience that boosts reading success for all abilities.
Inclusive Support
Built-in assistance for children with dyslexia, ADHD, or those learning English.
New Summer Sessions
Discover our improved session types to meet your child’s needs this season.
PHONICS QUEST
Adventures in the Science of Reading Mastery: Join the quest to crack the code of words—one playful step at a time.
This specialized program is designed to meet all needs, combining evidence-based methods with playful creativity to create a personalized learning experience. Whether it’s strengthening reading skills, building focus, or enhancing comprehension, I am committed to helping every child succeed in a joyful and encouraging environment.
Ages 5+
Duration: 30 min.
Class Size: One-on-One
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My Reading Through Play packages offer a unique, play-based approach to learning that meets children where they are and addresses their individual needs. Each session is tailored to your child’s specific learning journey, focusing on filling in gaps, building confidence, and empowering every student to thrive, regardless of the challenges they may face.
I specialize in providing support for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and English Language Development (ELD), ensuring they receive strategies that are both effective and engaging. By incorporating Orton-Gillingham tactics, I build foundational literacy skills through hands-on activities that make learning both fun and impactful.
INKSPIRE
The Science of Writing Frameworks: Ignite creativity with structured, science-backed writing strategies
Empower your child with the tools to excel in writing through the Science of Writing, a program that integrates evidence-based strategies from the Science of Reading with engaging, play-based activities. This package focuses on helping children build strong writing skills that support their overall literacy development while making the learning process fun and approachable.
Ages 6+
Duration: 30 min.
Class Size: One-on-One
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What’s Included:
- Sentence and Paragraph Composition: Gradual introduction of writing simple sentences, eventually progressing to structured paragraphs that emphasize language structure, creativity, and clarity.
- Vocabulary Development: Thoughtfully designed writing prompts and activities encourage children to use new vocabulary in context, reinforcing both meaning and spelling.
- Decoding, Spelling, and Composition Connection: Writing exercises that strengthen the relationship between decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling), fostering a deeper
understanding of literacy concepts.
This program is tailored to meet each child’s needs, focusing on confidence-building, mastery of foundational skills, and making writing instruction both simple and effective. By connecting evidence-based methods with hands-on activities, your child will develop a lifelong appreciation for writing and literacy.
READY-SET-READ
Kindergarten Prep for Confident Little Learners
Prepare your child for kindergarten with Ready-Set-Read, a comprehensive package from Reading Through Play designed to make early learning fun and engaging. This program focuses on developing essential reading, ABC, and name-writing skills, setting your child up for success as they embark on their academic journey.
Ages 4 – 5
Duration: 45 min.
Class Size: 1 – 2
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What’s Included:
- Alphabet Introduction: Interactive activities and playful exercises to familiarize children with letter recognition, sounds, and formation.
- Name Writing Practice: Guided instruction to help children write their name with confidence, reinforcing fine motor skills and self-expression.
- Pre-Reading Skills: Foundational literacy strategies, such as phonemic awareness and sound blending, to build reading readiness.
- Fine Motor Skills Development: Activities tailored to strengthen hand coordination and dexterity, making handwriting easier and more enjoyable.
- Engagement Tools: Creative games and hands-on methods that keep children
actively involved and excited about learning.
For optimal progress, I recommend scheduling sessions twice a week. This consistent practice allows children to build skills steadily while keeping learning fresh and exciting.
Through Ready-Set-Read, children will not only gain confidence in their abilities but also foster a lifelong love for reading and discovery. Every lesson is thoughtfully designed to meet your child’s needs while encouraging growth in a supportive and playful environment.
THE ART OF THE PEN
Handwriting and Cursive
Unleash the beauty and skill of handwriting and cursive with The Art of the Pen, a personalized program from Reading Through Play. This package is designed to help children master the fundamentals of writing with confidence and creativity, while making the process engaging and fun.
Ages 7+
Duration: 30 min.
Class Size: 1 – 2
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Whether your child is just starting to form letters or refining their cursive script, lessons are structured to meet their current skill level and goals. Each session focuses on practicing proper letter formation, spacing, and flow to improve handwriting legibility.
For older students, cursive lessons go a step further, emphasizing smooth transitions between letters, fluency, and artistic expression to create beautiful, flowing scripts.
These lessons are designed to instill confidence, spark creativity, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the written word.
FLUENT FUTURES
Turning Frustration into Reading Success
This approach is perfect for students who can read but need a boost in fluency, confidence, and reading stamina. If your child experiences frustration, struggles with reading smoothly, or finds reading boring, a personalized and playful method can make reading more engaging, enjoyable, and successful!
Ages 8+
Duration: 30 min.
Class Size: 1 – 2
Learn More
My Reading Through Play packages offer a unique, play-based approach to learning that meets children where they are and addresses their individual needs. Each session is tailored to your child’s specific learning journey, focusing on filling in gaps, building confidence, and empowering every student to thrive, regardless of the challenges they may face.
I specialize in providing support for children with ADHD, dyslexia, and English Language Development (ELD), ensuring they receive strategies that are both effective and engaging. By incorporating Orton-Gillingham tactics, I build foundational literacy skills through hands-on activities that make learning both fun and impactful.
Our Mission and Vision
Discover the Benefits
Program Benefits
Tailored Learning
Personalized, one-on-one reading instruction that celebrates every child’s unique potential.
Interactive & Extra Practice
Fun, hands-on activities in phonology and morphology to make learning exciting. Engaging activities that go beyond the standard curriculum, designed to reinforce and master challenging skills, building confidence and proficiency.
Scientific Approach
Our methods align with the proven Science of Reading.
Focused Skills
We zero in on key reading skills like phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency.
Parental Insights
Keep track of your child’s progress with real-time growth updates.
Custom Phonics Practice
Multi-sensory phonics activities tailored to each student’s needs.
Teacher Owned and Ran Business.
Meet Jessica!
A passionate teacher and reading coach with nearly 20 years of experience, Jessica has taught in classrooms around the world, from Mongolia to Japan. She holds a Reading Coach certification and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Elementary Education. Her expertise includes working with students with dyslexia, ESL, and ADHD, using interactive, multisensory techniques to build strong reading skills.
Making Reading Fun and Engaging
As the founder of Reading Through Play, Jessica has crafted fun, effective literacy activities that spark a love for reading. With years of experience teaching young children—including her own—she’s dedicated to making learning engaging, accessible, and enjoyable for every child.
What is Reading Through Play and how can you help my child be a better reader?
Welcome to Reading Through Play, your friendly neighborhood reading coach!
My mission is to make your child the best reader they can be, all through the magic of play.
What sets me apart?
I blend the science of how our brains learn to read with fun, engaging activities. I’ve got an arsenal of techniques, activities, and resources that I’ve personally used with my students—trust me, they’re incredibly effective. Kids love our sessions because we make reading an absolute blast.
So, how do I do it?
I transform those daunting phonics lists into playful, enjoyable activities.
I believe that learning to read should be fun and exciting, and I’m thrilled to guide you and your child on this wonderful journey.
What are your qualifications?
Hey there! I’m a passionate teacher and reading coach with nearly two decades of experience in the educational world. I kicked off my journey by earning my AA degree at San Joaquin Delta College in 2000 (Stockton, CA), followed by a bachelor’s degree at California State University, Sacramento in 2004. Fast forward to 2024, I achieved my Reading Coach certification, and I’m currently pursuing my Masters degree in Elementary Education.
I’ve been lucky enough to teach in various roles and capacities, including an adventure teaching Kindergarten English in Mongolia and High School English and Linguistics in Japan. These experiences have broadened my perspective and enriched my teaching methods.
With expertise in working with students with dyslexia, English Language Development (ELD), and ADHD, I use engaging, multisensory activities to help students develop strong reading skills and a genuine love for literacy. This approach ensures both reading success and a lifelong passion for learning.
As the proud founder and owner of Reading Through Play, I have years of experience teaching young children, including my own kiddo! I’ve fine-tuned the most effective activities to build strong literacy foundations in a fun and engaging way. My mission is to make reading an enjoyable and exciting journey for every child.
What is phonological awareness?
As your child embarks on the Reading Through Play journey, you’ll witness their phonological skills flourish. Phonological awareness is an important skill for young learners as it helps them understand and manipulate the sounds of spoken language. Imagine it as your child’s ability to hear and play with sounds in words. For example, they might notice that “cat” and “bat” rhyme, or they can break down the word “dog” into its individual sounds: /d/, /o/, and /g/. This skill is crucial for learning to read, as it helps children connect sounds with letters and recognize patterns in words. By grasping these connections, young learners can decode words and read with greater ease and confidence. So, encouraging activities that involve rhyming, clapping out syllables, and playing sound games can really boost your child’s phonological awareness and set a solid foundation for their reading journey
Did you know that a child’s ability to rhyme in Kindergarten can predict their reading success in Grade One?
It’s true! Rhyming is the first of seven phonological skills your child will master with Reading Through Play.
What is The Science of Reading?
The science of reading is all about understanding the magic behind how we learn to read. Imagine it as a giant toolbox filled with all the best tricks and methods that researchers have discovered about reading. This toolbox includes things like phonics (knowing the sounds letters make), vocabulary (understanding what words mean), fluency (reading smoothly), and comprehension (grasping the meaning of what you read).
Scientists study how our brains work when we read and find the most effective ways to teach reading to everyone, especially kids. It’s like having a secret recipe for baking the perfect cake, but instead, it’s for creating strong, confident readers.
How do I know if my child is ready for Reading Through Play?
No Prerequisites Needed!
We start from the very beginning, so there’s no need for any prior knowledge! We’ll progress through the lessons at a comfortable pace, pausing whenever your child needs extra time to play and practice their new skills.
While most educators recommend beginning phonological awareness around the age of four, every child is unique. Some might be ready earlier, while others may need more time.
What is the difference between a Reading Coach, Teacher, and a Tutor?
A teacher (or instructor) lays the foundation by teaching the basics of a skill, getting you started on your learning journey. Think of it as the starting point.
A reading coach, on the other hand, helps develop a student’s overall reading strategies and skills, working on the root causes of reading difficulties. They often team up with teachers to improve classroom instruction. A tutor focuses on specific reading skills, helping students catch up on immediate needs or assignments.
Does Reading Through Play teach writing too?
YES!
Research shows that reading and writing are like two peas in a pod. They both rely on similar skills, strategies, and knowledge. Phonics helps kids understand the sounds that letters make, while writing lets them put those sounds into action. By learning both at the same time, kids can see just how connected reading and writing really are.
What Our Clients Say
Casspooh Calhoun
“My son at first did not like to read, and now he loves to read! He looks forward to reading everyday now! I recommend Mrs. Jessica to any parent who is looking for help with their child in reading!”
Starr Musgrove
“We love Reading Through Play! My daughter has excelled at school significantly after just 3 sessions! She is way more confident in her skills & learning so much stuff!”
Reading Through Play Success Path
Use our success path guide to learn where your child is at and where they should be in their development. If you’re unsure or would like to speak with a professional, schedule a free consultation with us.
Welcome to the BUCCANEER stage of learning!
Here’s what your little explorer might be doing:
- They know 5-10 letters—arrr, that’s a good start!
- They start pretending to read, just like a real pirate.
- They realize that words on a page have meaning, like finding hidden treasure.
- They spot familiar signs and logos in their surroundings—X marks the spot!
- They can recount the key details of a story after it’s been read to them, like sharing tales of their adventures.
- They recognize words that rhyme—ahoy, matey!
- They’re starting to write their name, making their mark on the map.
If your child is a BUCCANEER, congratulations! They’re on an exciting journey!
Your little one is cruising along on their learning journey, with some exciting adventures ahead! As they get ready for kindergarten, remember that play is still super important. It helps their brain work in harmony for better engagement, memory, and retention. Playtime isn’t just fun—it’s a crucial part of their learning.
Start here to advance your child’s reading with the Reading Through Play phonics program. Register here for your FREE assessment:
Welcome to the PATHFINDER stage of learning!
Here’s what your adventurous learner might be doing:
● They know most letters and their sounds—great job, explorer!
● They recognize a few basic sight words like “the,” “and,” and “me.”
● They understand that words are made up of sounds—decoding like a pro!
● They use pictures to help understand stories, like finding clues on a treasure map.
● They love books with repeating phrases or patterns—it’s like following a rhythmic path!
If your child is a PATHFINDER, congratulations! They’ve been working hard and are ready to dive into important foundational learning, like discovering the magic of reading!
Start here to advance your child’s reading with the Reading Through Play phonics program.
Register here for your FREE assessment:
Welcome to the TRAILBLAZER stage of learning! Here’s what your little adventurer
might be doing:
● They know most letters and can match them to their sounds—fantastic progress!
● They’re starting to sound out simple words by identifying beginning and ending sounds, just like a detective.
● They rely heavily on pictures to understand the story and guess unknown words—visual clues are their treasure maps!
● They may “read” familiar books by memorizing the text and relying on pictures—story time magic!
● They can read basic sight words like “cat,” “dog,” “the,” and “and.”
● They may not fully grasp the story plot or complex concepts just yet, but they’re on their way!
If your child is a TRAILBLAZER, congratulations! The steps they take now set the course for their future educational journey. Give them an amazing head start in reading, building confidence and a love for books that will last a lifetime.
Start here to advance your child’s reading with the Reading Through Play phonics program.
Register here for your FREE assessment:
Welcome to the GUIDE stage of learning! Here’s what your little navigator might be
doing:
● They can sound out most basic phonemes and blend them together to read words—great progress!
● They recognize and read common high-frequency words quickly.
● They can answer basic questions about a story, identify main characters, and retell key events—story time champs!
● They read with increasing smoothness and appropriate pace, though they may still pause to sound out some words.
● They can self-correct when they make mistakes—awesome self-awareness!
● They use picture clues and context clues to figure out unfamiliar words—smart problem-solving!
If your child is a GUIDE, congratulations! The steps they take now set the course for their future educational journey. Give them an amazing head start in reading, building confidence and a love for books that will last a lifetime.
Start here to advance your child’s reading with the Reading Through Play phonics and writing program.
Register here for your FREE assessment: