Sounds and letters
Hearing individual sounds in spoken words, learning the most common sound for each letter, and blending sounds into short words like "map", "sit" and "dog".
Online Phonics Tutor for Kids
Clear, systematic phonics lessons that turn guessing into confident sounding out.
Phonics is the code that connects the sounds we hear to the letters we see. When children know that code well, they can sound out words they have never seen before, and reading becomes something they can do on their own instead of something they have to memorize. When the code has gaps, children guess, skip words or rely on pictures, and reading gets harder every year.
Our online phonics tutors teach that code directly and in order, 1-on-1, on a live video call with a colorful shared whiteboard. Every lesson builds on the last, with lots of practice reading real words and short texts that use only the patterns your child has learned. We work with children across the US and Canada, usually from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3, and with older students who still have phonics gaps.
Book your free consultation
Tell us about your child and we will hand pick the tutor that best fits their needs.
What grade is your child in?
Tap a grade to get started.
By grade level
The phonics skills we teach, in order
Phonics works best when it is taught as a sequence. Tutors find where your child is and start there.
Blends and digraphs
Consonant blends such as "st", "bl" and "tr", and digraphs where two letters make one sound, like "sh", "ch", "th" and "ck". These unlock a huge number of new words.
Long vowels and vowel teams
Silent e words like "cake" and "bike", then vowel teams such as "ai", "ee", "oa" and "igh", and r-controlled vowels like "ar", "or" and "er".
Longer words
Breaking words into syllables, common prefixes and suffixes, and reading two and three syllable words with confidence. This bridges phonics into fluent reading.
Common challenges
Signs your child needs phonics help
Knows letter names but not sounds
Many children can sing the alphabet but cannot say the sound each letter makes. Tutors build quick, automatic letter sound knowledge with games and repetition.
Says each sound but cannot blend
A child may say "c... a... t" and then say "tac" or a different word. Blending is a skill of its own, and tutors practice it in small, supported steps.
Guesses from the first letter
Reading "house" as "horse" means a child is not looking all the way through the word. Tutors teach your child to read every sound, left to right.
Memorized words but stuck on new ones
Children who memorize whole words can do well early on, then hit a wall as books get harder. Phonics gives them a way to read words they have never seen.
Getting started
How it works
Book a free consultation
Tell us about your child’s grade, what is going well and what has been hard. There is no cost and no pressure to sign up.
We hand pick a tutor
We match your child with a tutor who fits their needs and personality, and you choose days and times that work for your family.
Live 1-on-1 lessons
Lessons happen on a video call next to a colorful shared whiteboard, so your child can write, draw and practice right alongside the tutor.
See progress
We recommend 3 lessons a week, which we have found produces results fast. Your child keeps the same tutor every lesson if they like them.
Pricing
Tutoring prices
Quality 1-on-1 tutoring without the $50 to $80 an hour price tag charged by many tutoring companies.
- Lessons are booked in packages of 12, with no obligation to continue afterward.
- Reschedule any lesson with 24 hours notice at no cost.
- 10% off for a second child.
JK to Grade 8$30 USDper 45 minute lesson
Grades 9 to 12$40 USDper 1 hour lesson
How we teach phonics
Our Reading Boost Program is grounded in the Science of Reading. Phonics is taught explicitly and systematically: one pattern at a time, in a logical order, with plenty of review. Children practice with letter tiles and word building on the whiteboard, read lists of real words, and then read short decodable passages that use the patterns they know.
Phonics is connected to spelling and writing from the start, so your child practices writing the same patterns they are learning to read. Between lessons, your child gets short daily exercises to keep skills fresh.
What a phonics lesson looks like
A 45 minute lesson usually includes a quick review of known sounds, one new pattern taught clearly, building and reading words with that pattern, a short decodable story, and a fun game or challenge to finish. Young children stay engaged because activities are short and hands-on.
We recommend 3 lessons a week, which keeps new patterns from fading between sessions. Your child keeps the same tutor every lesson if they get along, so the tutor always knows exactly where they left off.
Tutors
Meet some of our amazing tutors
With over 500 tutors hand-picked to be on our staff, we are sure we have the right one for you!
Ellison
Math Tutor
Holds a Bachelor's in Medical Physics.
I find joy in guiding a struggling student to reach their full potential.
Natalie
Teacher
Holds a Bachelor's of Education.
I've been teaching for 13 years and have loved every second of it!
Rachel
Writing Tutor
Majoring in English Literature.
I like to build habits in my students, ensuring they stay on top of their work!
FAQ
Phonics tutoring questions
What age should a child learn phonics?
Most children begin learning letter sounds in preschool or kindergarten, and core phonics patterns are usually taught through Grades 1 to 3. Older children with gaps benefit from phonics too, and tutors adjust activities to their age.
Is phonics enough to become a good reader?
Phonics is essential, but reading also needs fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Our Reading Boost Program covers all five components of reading, and tutors move into those skills as phonics becomes secure.
How much do phonics lessons cost?
Lessons for JK to Grade 8 are $30 USD for a 45 minute 1-on-1 lesson, booked in packages of 12.
Can I practice phonics at home too?
Yes, and we encourage it. Your child gets daily exercises from the tutor, and you can print free phonics worksheets and decodable books from our site.
How do I get started?
Book a free consultation. We will ask about your child’s age and reading, then hand pick a tutor and schedule lessons that fit your week.
Keep exploring
Related tutoring
Tutoring near you
Free printable worksheets
From our blog
Book your free consultation
Tell us about your child and we will hand pick the tutor that best fits their needs.
What grade is your child in?
Tap a grade to get started.