Our Student Success Stories

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The best investment for my child's future!

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winner (4)Halifax Learning has changed the lives of thousands of struggling readers with the SpellRead program. Here are just a few, but we are proud of each and every student that has worked hard to improve their reading skills and become skilled, confident, readers. If you're a SpellRead graduate, please share your story with us!

"Declan's grade one teacher noticed early on that he was struggling with his reading. She kept in constant contact with us during the year as to his progress. She noticed and showed concern that he was not progressing as he should. Come to the end of the school year she suggested we research some extra help for him. When I asked if she had suggestions she automatically suggested Spell read. We jumped on it right away and had him registered within a week. It has been a very long and hard year for all of us with some very frustrating times. But the time and financial commitment were well worth it. Declan has shown a lot more interest in reading and his abilities are amazing. It is hard to believe he struggled as much as he did. It is also nice to see his confidence level return. Rebekah was amazing and seemed have kept him in line and his assessment scores show how hard she worked with him over the last 120 hours. Thank you all very much."

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Karie
Elementary School Teacher

“I am a mother of 3 boys and a Clinical Psychologist specializing in psycho-educational assessments and learning difficulties. I first realized that my youngest son was struggling with learning some of the foundation level reading skills when he was about 4 years old. He was having a harder time than would be expected learning the alphabet, rhyming, and hearing sounds that were in words. I did a little bit of extra reading work at home with my son during his Primary year, but towards the end of Primary I knew he would benefit from some additional help. I also realized that it was not a good fit for him to be working one-on-one with me. His frustration level was high and one of us often ended up angry or upset. I enrolled my son in Halifax Learning summer camp at the end of Grade Primary and then arranged for SpellRead instruction twice a week for his entire Grade 1 year. I chose SpellRead because it is an empirically based program, and the program I was most familiar and comfortable with for my son.My son's instructor, Brittany, was the perfect fit for him. Although there have been some trying times, Brittany worked with me to figure out ways to best approach lessons with him. Brittany has been patient, professional, positive, and encouraging. She knows the SpellRead program inside out and her experience and dedication are impressive. Brittany managed to get my son to grade level (if not slightly beyond) during the school year. Although he is now at grade level, we have decided to continue to work through the SpellRead program. Now he is accustomed to SpellRead being part of his schedule and I don't want to lose the momentum we've made. I am very grateful for SpellRead and what it has done for our family.”

Clinical Psychologist
Proud Parent
Clinical Psychologist

We learned from the psychologist that our daughter was going into grade 8 at a grade 4/5 level for reading comprehension and phonetic learning. We needed to get that addressed and the psychologist suggested Halifax Learning. We had an initial assessment with Halifax Learning and it lined up with what the therapist had told us. We enrolled in the program and could see improvements along the way. It was the best investment we could make in our daughter to help her future.

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Sarah
SpellRead Graduate

“SpellRead has given my son confidence in his reading - his sounds have become automatic and he can decode words. This really means that he now has “reading problem solving skills”.

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Shannon
Proud Parent, School Teacher & Former SpellRead Instructor

"SpellRead is my favourite class! I didn't like reading before but now I can read and it is easy."

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SpellRead Student
Grade 6

Since our son started SpellRead in November 2017, we have seen a significant improvement in both his reading fluency and his confidence. His teacher is also noticing significant improvement and noted "Brandon met instructional level for end of grade level benchmarks! His phrasing is much better, his comprehension has improved.” He is enjoying reading now and asks to read every night! Thanks Halifax Learning for supporting our child and helping to positively impact his progress and confidence in reading!

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Shannon
SpellRead Graduate

SpellRead helped me with writing, reading and spelling. At first I did not want to go but then when I met Lorrie I started loving to go but then one day Lorrie said I would have a different teacher and I got so mad at this that I did not to go like before. Then I met Kim and she was as nice as Lorrie. Also at SpellRead I would talk about things and how my day was. SpellRead is awesome and the teachers are even better. I learned so much while having fun and talking. I love SpellRead.

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Logan
SpellRead Graduate

Students are "re-taught" reading strategies, starting from the very beginning of phonological awareness to spelling and into essay writing. They are able to tackle any unknown word, because they are explicitly taught to implement the rules automatically. There is no opportunity for confusion or frustration because we "over-teach" concepts until they are firmly established to the point of independent implementation.

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Brittany
SpellRead Instructor since 2014

As a long term teacher for the Spell Read program, I would have to say it is for everyone. Yes, it is excellent for those who might be a little behind in school or those who have one or more learning disabilities. However, it is also beneficial for those students who want to get ahead and progress more quickly than usual. It is awesome for young students learning to print or adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills. Those with English as a second language have also been greatly helped by going through this process.

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Linda
SpellRead Instructor since 2006

SpellRead is a specially structured, engaging, progressive, hands-on program that allows people of all ages to explore and learn how to read and write. With a focus on developing phonological automaticity, SpellRead uses interactive activities in phonetic, phonemic, and language based reading and writing techniques to support and develop a person’s reading and writing skills.

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Heather
SpellRead Instructor since 2015

When Danica started with SpellRead halfway through grade 4 it was in desperation. As both her father and I love books, we really didn't know what we had done wrong. What it came down to was that she had never really grasped the fundamentals of reading. She couldn't remember or just didn't know what the individual letters could sound like. This greatly impacted both her written school work and her understanding of the written word. After her time with SpellRead it's hard to find her without a book-when she should be sleeping, in the bathroom or even in school when she should be paying attention to the teachers. You might say SpellRead created a monster! But, boy, are we happy about it.

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Danica's Mom
SpellRead Graduate

Hi! It has been almost a year and a half and thought it was time to touch base. Just wanted to let you know our son is in grade 3 now and is having a great year. In fact, he just received an A in English literature. Can you believe it?!? We are all so proud. To see comments saying he is such a good reader and loves to read is truly amazing. Without his hard work and Halifax Learning’s SpellRead program this wouldn't of been possible. Thanks for everything!

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Robyn
Proud Parent

"SpellRead is an amazing program and our daughter thoroughly enjoys is. Prior to SpellRead, reading was a challenge, however, now she'll read and actually enjoy doing it. The program is easy to follow for parents to help in their child's success."

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Parent
SpellRead Student, Grade 5

"Our son was reading at a grade primary level in September 2017. Now we are proud to say he's reading chapter books."

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Parent
Spellread Stuident, Grade 6

I love SpellRead. I could do it all day long. And SpellRead has helped me out so much and all of my teacher’s have noticed a big difference in my reading since the summer and so has my Mom and my Dad. I want to say a huge thank you to Halifax Learning for helping me so much. Thank you.

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Madison
SpellRead Student