Reading and Phonics Tutoring (K–5)
Reading and phonics tutoring is one-on-one or small-group teaching for K–5 readers: letter sounds, phonics and decoding, reading fluency, and understanding what they read. At Thousand Acorns Tutoring, Adriana, a California-credentialed teacher, teaches every session herself, in your home, online or in a small group of 2–4. Tutoring is $80 an hour in your home or online, or $50 an hour per child in a group, and the first consultation is free.
What K–5 reading covers, by grade
California's English standards split early reading into foundational skills and reading itself. From the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts:
| Grades | Foundational skills | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten and 1st | Print concepts; phonological awareness (hearing, blending and splitting sounds); phonics and word recognition; fluency | Stories and information texts, read with help, then on their own |
| 2nd and 3rd | Phonics and word recognition (longer words, vowel patterns); fluency | Reading literature and informational text, and answering questions about them |
| 4th and 5th | Phonics and word recognition (unfamiliar multisyllable words); fluency | Reading closely, comparing texts, explaining what a text says and how |
Print concepts and phonological awareness end after 1st grade. Phonics and fluency continue through 5th.
California's K–2 reading screening
Since the 2025–26 school year, California public schools screen kindergartners, 1st graders and 2nd graders every year for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia (Education Code section 53008). Parents get the results within 45 days. A flag means possible risk, not a diagnosis. The screening guide explains what's tested and what the results mean.
How she teaches reading
In her words: "Everything is different per student and the grade they are in, but I will focus on whatever hands-on training and education they will need to get ahead." Her sessions are hands-on and keep students engaged, with positive reinforcement and connections to real life.
Other reading help nearby
- Lindamood-Bell in Westlake Village is a reading specialist. It is open weekdays from 8 to 5 and publishes no prices.
- PRIDE Reading Program teaches Orton-Gillingham structured literacy in homes and online, with no published prices.
- Kumon teaches its own reading program at $170–$190 per subject per month.
Details are from each provider's page, opened October 13, 2026. Dyslexia intervention is a specialist service, and Thousand Acorns Tutoring doesn't offer it.
When families usually start
- In kindergarten and 1st grade, when letter sounds and blending aren't coming together.
- After the K–2 screening results, which arrive within 45 days of the screening.
- After fall conferences. CVUSD elementary conferences are October 12–16, 2026.
- In 3rd grade, when CAASPP testing begins.
Progress
At the end of every session, she goes over with you what your child covered, so you know what they're supposed to be learning. Tutoring can't guarantee a reading level or a test score.
Sources, opened October 13, 2026: California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts; Education Code section 53008; Orange County Department of Education: screener for risk of reading difficulties; Lindamood-Bell Westlake Village; PRIDE Reading Program, Thousand Oaks; Kumon Thousand Oaks North; Kumon Moorpark; CVUSD 2026–27 school calendar.
Who teaches reading and phonics
Adriana Martinez
California Multiple Subject Teaching credential, listed on the state's public credential search
Adriana has taught students from TK through 8th grade: kindergarten and 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes in public and private schools, intervention and reading specialist work for TK through 6th grade, and homeschool pods for TK through 4th grade. She has a BA in Liberal Studies from CSU Channel Islands.
She teaches every session herself. About her teaching
Safety rules
- An adult stays home for in-home sessions.
- Sessions happen in a common area with the door open.
- Online sessions: camera on, with an adult nearby.
Reading and phonics terms, defined
| Term | What it means at Thousand Acorns Tutoring |
|---|---|
| In your home | $80 per hour |
| Online | $80 per hour |
| Small group (2–4) | $50 per child, per hour, 2 to 4 children |
| Session length | 60 minutes |
| Free consultation | A free consultation by phone or Zoom, before any paid session |
| Travel fee | none |
| Cancelling | Cancel or reschedule with 24 hours' notice at no charge. |
| Included | Letter sounds, phonics and decoding, reading fluency, and understanding what they read. |
| Dyslexia intervention programs | Not a Thousand Acorns Tutoring service |
| Special education or IEP services | Not a Thousand Acorns Tutoring service |
| Reading tutoring in Spanish | Not a Thousand Acorns Tutoring service |
| Doing homework for the student | Not a Thousand Acorns Tutoring service |
Reading and phonics questions
How much does reading and phonics tutoring cost?
$80 an hour in your home or online, or $50 an hour per child in a small group of 2 to 4. The first consultation is free.
Is this a dyslexia program?
No. Reading and phonics tutoring isn't a dyslexia intervention program. If you think your child may have dyslexia, ask the school about an evaluation.
My child was flagged by the K–2 reading screening. What now?
A flag means possible risk, not a diagnosis. California law says the school must support flagged students; ask the school what support it will give. The screening guide explains the results.
Which grades is reading and phonics for?
Kindergarten through 5th grade. Older students can work on writing.
More reading and phonics guides
- Is my child reading at grade level?
What reading looks like at each grade from kindergarten to 5th, how schools measure it, and the signs a child is behind.
- How can I help my child with phonics at home?
Short phonics routines for K–2 children at home: sounds, blending, word families and decodable books, and when to get help.
- What is California's K–2 reading difficulties screening?
California now screens K–2 students for risk of reading difficulties. What the screening is, when it happens, and what the results mean.
- Is my child ready for kindergarten?
What California kindergartens expect in early reading, math and routines, and simple ways to get ready at home.
- What are the signs my child needs a tutor?
Signs a K–8 child could use a tutor, in math, reading and homework habits, and the best age to start.
- How often should my child see a tutor?
Sessions per week and session length by grade and goal, from catching up to staying ahead, and when to taper off.
Where she tutors reading and phonics
Thousand OaksNewbury ParkWestlake VillageOak ParkAgoura HillsMoorparkSimi ValleyCamarillo
Book a free consultation
Tell her your child's grade and what's hard right now.