Literacy isn't a one-stop shop; it's a unique journey with many twists and turns.
Sunnyside Literacy Lab offers a holistic approach to literacy. Our courses, taken together, set learners up for success throughout their academic careers.
Every child has a different starting point and timeline. During our initial consultation, we’ll determine the best first step for your family.
Over time, your child will be reading, writing, debating, public speaking, journaling, brainstorming, and self-actualizing.
Step 1: Word Study (Grades 1-10)
The Word Study course is designed for learners working on their reading and spelling.
Our Word Study course primarily uses the Orton-Gillingham method, a multi-sensory research-based approach to reading.
This program is effective for little ones just learning how to read as well as adolescents who need extra support.
Level 1 Phonics: We cover word sounds so learners can successfully decode words (ex. h-a-t, p-oi-n-t).
Level 2 Morphology: We cover meanings of prefixes, suffixes, and base words so learners can find meaning in vocabulary (ex. pre-dict-ed, sub-tract-ion).
Step 2: Interest-Based Reading Comprehension Courses (Grades 4-10)
Our reading comprehension courses teach transferable thinking strategies through high-interest texts. For example, your child will practice annotations and exercises about theme by reading texts about magic or sports. When they finish the course, they’ll have a toolbox of strategies to bring back to the classroom.
Fiction: Magic
We will bring young explorers on a journey through multiple universes and into dialogues with mischievous foxes and wise sequoias. Learners will review significant literary elements while reading favorites of fantasy.
Nonfiction: Animals
This course will tap into your child’s curiosity about furry friends. Learners will become experts on the food chain, social behavior, and the carnivorous connection between Timer Deer and Komodo Dragons.
Nonfiction: Philosophy
Through a kid-friendly study of Eastern and Western philosophy, we’ll dive deep into questions of ethics, happiness, and justice.
Fiction: Neurodiversity
This course explores growing up with exceptionalities. We’ll read texts with characters who have dyslexia, ADHD, and autism with the goal of learning and developing empathy for others and ourselves.
Nonfiction: Global Issues
This course will introduce children to development challenges worldwide, including girls’ education, access to clean water, and biodiversity.
Fiction: Sports
Our sports course sets to untangle complex themes of teamwork, competition, and ethics in athletics through the lens of growing up on the court or the field.
Nonfiction: US History 1 + 2 Preview (Grades 7-8)
We’ll preview big ideas of US History following NY State Standards, learn grade-level academic vocabulary, and practice transferable note-taking strategies. This is the perfect opportunity for your child to gain a foundational understanding of US history before they enter the classroom.
Step 3: Writing (Grades 4-10)
Writing + Grammar: New York City (Level 1)
Through a study of texts about the history of New York City, learners will practice writing. We start at the sentence level with direct instruction about parts of speech and move on to descriptive, comparative, and argumentative paragraph writing.
Writing + Grammar: History of Disease (Level 2)
We’ll learn about diseases throughout history, including their origins and impact. Through a study of this history, we’ll dive into more challenging grammar concepts and then complete a research paper in four phases (research, outline, draft, and revise).
Step 4: Executive Functioning (Grades 8-10)
Structured Study Sessions
Structured study sessions are an executive functioning lite approach to productivity. This session is designed for learners who struggle with independent work.
Resources provided include calendars, checklists, writing organizers, note-taking structures, and snacks. While working independently, learners can check in with an educator anytime if they need help.
The Structured Study Sessions program is $250 for ten 75-minute sessions and has a 10-student cap since it does not include direct instruction.
Executive Functioning Through Literacy
Our executive functioning course combines activities that teach personal organization, goal-setting, and study habits through reading nonfiction texts about the brain. We’ll read books including ADHD 2.0, Atomic Habits, and Mindset to learn how to gain control of our powerful brains.
Important Information
School Data
Knowing your child’s reading level is critical for identifying their skill focus and making measurable progress. Before beginning a course, please collect any report cards, IEPs, or other reports to share with us.
Course Fees
Courses are $540 for ten 50-minute weekly sessions (about three months of services).
All payments are made online using invoices through Square.
Payment Plans
One payment: $540 in-person
Two payments: $270 x 2 in-person
Three payments: $180 x 3 in-person
Materials
Included in the fee are three books that go home with your child.
Sunnyside Literacy Lab uses both paper materials and Chromebooks provided by the Lab.
Virtual students have all materials mailed to them before the first day.
All courses utilize the book Transferable Literacy Strategies for Young Readers. Copies are available for families to purchase and bring home.
Group Structure
All courses are capped at four students. Our group structure helps learners make friends and participate in an academic community while receiving targeted support.