Sonny's Place : Skills & Enrichment Studio

05/19/2026

05/05/2026

This was an interesting read.

Struggling readers are missed all the time in schools, I see it every day in my work.

This article explores the disconnect between how we identify students and how we actually support them with the individualized reading instruction they need.

A little snippet 👇

The Brink: What might the screening issues you uncovered mean for kids?

Ozernov-Palchik: If you imagine a child is struggling with reading, before universal screening, that child would not be identified until third or fourth grade, when children in the United States are expected to know how to read and when the instruction in schools is transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn. We know that is way too late; at this point, many children may think they’re not smart, that teachers think that they’re just not trying hard enough. The gaps between them and their peers widen and become much more encompassing of other domains. They’re not motivated to go to school, and we know that closing those gaps becomes harder and harder with every year.

We know, based on our national literacy scores, we’re not doing a good job at teaching kids how to read—we have only 40 percent of children in our nation that read at a proficient level. Children who have dyslexia are less likely to graduate from high school and to go into higher education, are more likely to have a range of social-emotional difficulties, anxiety, depression.

Nationwide study shows mandated universal literacy screening programs aren’t translating into help for struggling young readers, including children with dyslexia

01/30/2026

It’s never too late!

But getting kids access to services as early as possible can really help.

And I know how hard that can be...especially when so many families are told to “wait and see.”

There are so many barriers to starting early:
• Second-guessing ourselves and worrying we’re overreacting
• A “wait and see” approach from schools
• Not knowing what is and isn’t typical reading development

Early support isn’t about panic, it’s about prevention, confidence, and giving kids tools before frustration sets in.

If you have questions, concerns, or just a gut feeling, reach out anytime!

01/30/2026

I’ve been hearing from a lot of parents of younger students lately... kiddos wrapping up kindergarten and 1st grade, who are thinking ahead about reading skills for next school year.

And yes, as we sit here in frigid temperatures, it can feel very early to be thinking about spring, summer and fall!

But I get where this comes from.

Parents are noticing early signs that their child might need a little extra support. They’re wanting another set of eyes, some reassurance or advice, and a chance to build skills before reading struggles start to impact confidence.

One thing I hear all the time from my older students and their parents:
“I wish we had found you 3, 4, or 5 years ago.”

Which I get, because once you get the right kind of support, and you start making progress, it's hard not to really see and feel how hard the struggle before that really was.

If you’re considering reading support for your younger student or if you have questions about what is or isn’t typical for kindergarten, 1st grade (or beyond) readers, feel free to reach out.

I’m always happy to chat, answer questions, and help you think things through.

(contact information on my website)
https://sonnysplaceri.com

01/09/2026

📚 Winter Session Enrollment Is Open 📚

Do you have a struggling reader whose skill gaps are suddenly feeling a lot more noticeable?

With RICAS right around the corner, it’s common for stress and overwhelm to set in and we're starting to hear all about it in our tutoring sessions.

A few of our long-term students have graduated or will be taking a break for winter sports, so now is a good time to join us for those prime after-school and weekend spots!

This time of year, we’re helping both new and returning student readers:
🎯Build and strengthen foundational reading and writing skills
🎯Prepare for upcoming RICAS and MCAS state assessments
🎯Develop strategies that support comprehension, fluency, and written expression
🎯Gain confidence to finish the school year feeling capable and prepared

Winter is a great time to refocus, reinforce skills, and support your students through academic challenges that often become more noticeable and frustrating as the year progresses.

Reach out on the website or give me a call if you'd like to chat more about how I might be able to help you and your family.

- Sidney

https://sonnysplaceri.com

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

Some fun ideas her for family game night!

1. Resources:
https:www.landmarkschool.org/landing-pages/reading

Reading Is a Right🗽🇱🇷

https://youtu.be/DvTf47yP2h8

2. http://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/signs-of-dyslexia/?

3. My Amazing Brain 🧠
https://youtu.be/BhTa8pdl-s8

4. USA state of dyslexia info:

https://www.stateofdyslexia.org/

5. https://govsalaries.com/cat/school-district

6. Legal help : https://www.copaa.org/page/Direct

7. The Reading League, Cox Campus, Learning Disabilities Association of America, Reading Rockets, Understood

8. https://www.decodingdyslexia.net/decoding-dyslexia-states/

9. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/checklist-signs-of-dyslexia-at-different-ages

10. https://www.dyscalculia.org/experts

11. https://www.dysgraphia.life/

12. https://smarts-ef.org/resources/?

13. Seeds of Learning, LLC

14. Beyond Booksmart

11/17/2025

Steven Spielberg wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia until age 60, which is a great reminder of how many kids slip through the cracks. But it’s also proof that a late diagnosis doesn’t limit your potential. With the right support, kids can learn to read and find their own path to success. I see it everyday!

Steven Spielberg is one of the many creative and successful individuals who have dyslexia. www.DyslexiaConnect.com

11/03/2025

Haven’t been posting much lately because the studio has been BUSY!

Back-to-school season is always a big transition and after those first few weeks of settling in, we often start to see where extra support is needed.

For some kids, challenges with reading, writing, or spelling begin to stand out.

What might have slipped under the radar in past years (or even just at the start of the school year) starts showing up as:
💧 after-school meltdowns
📞 calls from teachers or specialists
📝 referrals for testing for things like dyslexia, ADHD, and more

And while this can feel overwhelming, even like a punch in the gut, it’s actually good news.

It means there’s an opportunity to make changes, get support, and help your child thrive.

If this sounds familiar, reach out!

I offer free consultations to brainstorm next steps with parents even if that support ends up being somewhere else.

We’ll figure it out together. 💛

09/22/2025

Helping children develop a love for reading goes beyond assigning books. Creating opportunities for choice, making reading a family activity, and exploring different formats like audiobooks or magazines can all make a difference.

The Florida Center for Reading Research created this helpful infographic with practical strategies families can use to encourage more reading at home. See it here:https://fcrr.org/sites/g/files/upcbnu2836/files/media/PDFs/infographics/Beyond_the_Books.pdf

A trusted resource we’re happy to share.

The Florida Center for Reading Research