Cultivating Literacy
Specialized tutoring for reading, spelling, & writing
Providing instruction that is:
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Relationship-centered — building trust and reducing anxiety around reading and writing
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Individualized — tailoring instruction to each student's unique learning profile
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Research-informed — using scientific research to guide instructional decisions
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Language-focused — helping students understand how language works, from sounds and letters to complex words, sentence structures, and larger text structures
"My goal is not simply to help students become better readers and writers, but to help them become more confident, curious, and independent learners."
Instructional Approach
About Me
I am a licensed intervention specialist in Ohio and am currently in my final dissertation phase of the Special Education Ph.D. program at The Ohio State University. I have spent over a decade studying dyslexia and effective literacy instruction. I tailor instruction to each student's current needs using my experience with structured literacy, Orton Gillingham, scientific word study, and foundations of grammar to advance students' skills.
My approach to tutoring is built around a simple belief:
Students learn best when they feel safe, understood, and capable. Reading and writing struggles can create anxiety and frustration, so building trust and protecting a student's confidence are just as important as choosing the right instructional strategies.
I help students become curious about how language works—exploring connections among sounds, spelling, word parts, meaning, and word origins. Understanding the "why?" behind interesting aspects of our language can make all the difference!
Getting Started
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Reach Out
Email me at amyduncan@cultivatingliteracyohio.com with your child's age and a brief description of your concerns or the areas in which you would like support. -
Meet & Greet
We'll schedule a free 15-minute Zoom meeting or phone call. -
Schedule Tutoring
If you decide to move forward, we'll find a schedule that works for your family.
Family Resources
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International Dyslexia Association – Central Ohio — Dyslexia information, resources, and support for Central Ohio families.
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Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center – Family Literacy Toolkit — Literacy information and resources for families.
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Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children — Dyslexia education, advocacy, and family support.
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Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship — Information about Ohio's scholarship program and application process.
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Structured Word Inquiry – Peter Bowers Video — An introduction to Structured Word Inquiry and exploring how English spelling works.