Reading & Writing Therapy in Calgary
Helping children become confident readers and writer through structured, evidence-based support
When Reading or Writing Feels Hard
Some children pick up reading easily, while others struggle to sound out words, spell, or remember what they have just read.
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If this sounds familiar, you are not alone - and with the right support, your child can become a confident reader and writer.
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At True North SLP, we specialize in reading and writing therapy for children in Calgary, helping students build a strong literacy foundation and rediscover the joy of learning.
How we Help
- Structured Literacy in Action -
Our approach to literacy is grounded in the science of reading and structured literacy, which teaches reading in an explicit and systematic way.
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Therapy sessions are engaging, hands-on and tailored to your child's needs.
We focus on:
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Phonological awareness: hearing and manipulating sounds in words
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Decoding and spelling: connecting sounds to letters and spelling patterns
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Fluency: building automatic and accurate word recognition for smooth reading
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Vocabulary & Comprehension: understanding and using words
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Written Expression: organizing thoughts and expressing ideas clearly
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Whether your child has a diagnosis of specific learning disorder with impairment in reading (formally known as Dyslexia) or is simply finding reading and writing harder than expected, our therapy builds the skills and confidence they need for success.
We bring therapy to where your child learns best - at home or in their school environment.
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In-Home Reading Therapy in Calgary: Personalized sessions in your child's familiar space, with parent coaching to help you carry over strategies between visits.
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School-Based Support: Collaboration with teachers and learning support staff to integrate literacy strategies into their classroom routine.
We serve families across Calgary (primarily the SW and NW quadrants).
In-Home & School-Based Literacy Support
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Reading Therapy
You may notice your child:
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avoids reading aloud or becomes frustrated easily
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mixes up letters or skips words when reading
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struggles to spell even familiar words
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writes short or incomplete sentences
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has difficulty remembering sight words or spelling rules
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says they "hate reading" or feel "not good at school"
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Early intervention makes a big difference - even small changes in confidence adn skill can open new doors for learning.
What to Expect
Every child's literacy journey is different, so we start with a comprehensive language and literacy assessment to identify strengths and challenges.
From there, we design a personalized plan that may include:
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targeted reading and spelling instruction using structured literacy methods
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fun, game-based practice activities to build motivation
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home carryover tools so parents can support progress between sessions
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ongoing monitoring and communication between families and teachers
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Therapy sessions typically occur once or twice a week for 30 - 45 minutes, depending on your child's needs​​
Our Goal - Confident, Capable Readers
We want every child to feel proud of what they can do. By teaching reading and writing in a clear, supportive and encouraging way, we help students find their "true north" in learning - steady progress, stronger skills, and renewed confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is reading therapy and how can it help my child in Calgary?
A: Reading therapy is personalized support that helps children develop strong literacy skills, including decoding, fluency, comprehension and written expression.
At True North SLP, our in-home and school-based sessions use evidence-based structured literacy methods to build confidence and skill, even for children struggling with dyslexia or other reading challenges
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Q2: Can a Speech-Language Pathologist help with dyslexia?
A: Yes!! Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are trained to support children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Through structured literacy techniques, we focus on the underlying skills needed to reading and writing, including phonological awareness, decoding and spelling strategies.
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Q3: How long does reading therapy usually take?
A: Every child is different, but most children benefit from weekly 30-45 minute sessions over several months. Our team continually monitors progress and adjusts therapy plans so your child receives the right support at the right pace.
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Q4: Do I need a referral to start reading therapy in Calgary?
A: No referral is needed. Parents can reach out directly to True North SLP to schedule a consultation. We'll complete an initial assessment and create a personalized plan tailored to your child's needs.
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Q5: Will reading therapy be done at home or at school?
A: Both options are available. Our in-home sessions provide convenience and parental involvement, while school-based sessions allow us to collaborate with teachers and integrate strategies into your child's classroom learning.
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Q6: Is speech therapy for reading therapy covered by insurance?
A: Most insurance plans cover speech-language therapy. We are not able to direct bill insurance but we are able to provide detailed receipts to support with reimbursement. Each insurance plan is unique and we encourage you to ask your provider what SLP coverage is available for your child.
Getting Started is Easy...
At True North SLP, we are here to support your child discover the joy of reading.
Let’s go on this journey together!
1
Complete our Online Intake Form
​Share information about your child and your primary goals.
We aim to respond to your speech therapy request within 1-2 business days.
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Get connected with an SLP
Discuss with a speech therapist during a free 15-minute consultation what you hope to achieve through therapy sessions and gain insights into how we can help.
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Start Speech Therapy
Begin personalized speech therapy sessions in your home that support your child's unique communication needs.