Build language for learning
Vocabulary, speaking, reading comprehension and writing for children developing English. Teaching is informed by extensive experience of EAL curricula and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
INDIVIDUAL ONLINE SUPPORT · AGES APPROXIMATELY 8–14
Online English &
Literacy Tutoring
The right support.
The right challenge.
A clearer way forward.
When reading, writing or English feels difficult, more of the same is rarely enough. I identify the learning that needs attention and build purposeful, stimulating lessons around your child.
Arrange a free parent consultationOne child. One teacher. Teaching shaped around their needs.
39 years in education37 years with teaching responsibilitiesEAL & learning support experience
WHO I HELP
Different starting points.
Carefully chosen next steps.
I work with children aged approximately 8–14, including upper-primary and middle-school learners. Support responds to what your child understands, what they find difficult and what they are ready to learn next.
Support that fits the learner
Structured literacy teaching, clear modelling, manageable steps and frequent opportunities to respond. Lessons adapt to reading difficulties, attention needs and the child’s existing strengths.
Strengthen the foundations
Targeted work on gaps in reading, spelling, vocabulary, comprehension or written expression. We focus on the particular knowledge and skills that are making current learning difficult.
Develop confident readers and writers
Support and appropriate challenge in understanding texts, choosing precise language, organising ideas and explaining thinking. Activities respect the child’s age while addressing their current learning needs.
HOW I TEACH
Clear instruction.
Active thinking.
Meaningful practice.
My teaching draws on the science of reading and learning, critically evaluated through decades of classroom practice. Lessons combine explicit teaching with engaging opportunities to read, speak, write and think.
Find the starting point
A parent conversation and initial learning tasks help identify strengths, difficulties and priorities. Teaching decisions are based on what the child can demonstrate.
Model, practise and check
I explain and model new learning, guide practice and check understanding frequently. Short, purposeful activities and revisiting previous learning help make progress more secure.
Apply, discuss and explain
Children use their learning in appropriately challenging texts and writing. Carefully supported questions and discussion help them explain ideas and become more independent.
What might we work on?
Depending on the child’s needs: decoding and phonics, spelling patterns, vocabulary, morphology (how words are built), reading fluency, comprehension, sentence construction and coherent writing.
For learners ready for greater challenge, I use Socratic questioning and scaffolded argumentation, including Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) and Toulmin’s model. These approaches are adapted to age, language proficiency and prior knowledge.
YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER
Hello, I’m Simon Saunders.
A British educator who became a school leader while continuing to teach.
Across 39 years in education, I have had direct teaching responsibilities in 37 of those years. I have taught Grades 3–5 for decades, alongside middle-school English and other age groups.
My experience includes teaching native English speakers, EAL learners, children with dyslexia and ADHD, and students with significant learning gaps. I have established and led EAL departments and SEN teams, developed EAL curricula, and trained as an Orton–Gillingham practitioner.
I bring that experience to each lesson: ambitious expectations, patient explanation and resources that stimulate learners at the appropriate age and level.
View my professional background on LinkedInFOUNDING FAMILIES · FIRST FIVE FAMILIES
Start with four lessons.
Decide what comes next.
The introductory package gives us time to establish learning priorities, begin targeted teaching and discuss sensible next steps.
Introductory package
US$60 for four lessons
Four individual 45-minute online lessons, a free 15-minute parent consultation and brief parent feedback after the package.
Equivalent to US$15 per lesson. The standard price for four lessons is US$100.
Continuing lessons
US$25 per 45-minute lesson
Continue only if the support is right for your child. Frequency and learning priorities are discussed together, with no obligation to continue after the introductory package.
All prices are in US dollars. The introductory price applies to the first four lessons for the first five families. After the consultation, we agree suitability, availability, scheduling and payment arrangements; the US$60 package is paid in advance. One reasonable rescheduling is permitted per package, arranged in advance.
Four lessons are a starting point. Feedback will describe the work completed, observations and recommended next steps; progress depends on the child’s needs and the time available.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Before we begin.
How do the online lessons work?
Lessons are delivered individually through an agreed platform such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Your child will need a reliable connection, a device with a microphone and camera, a quiet space, and paper and pencil. We discuss any access needs before starting.
Will the work be appropriate for my child’s age?
Yes. Texts, topics and activities are selected with both age and current skills in mind. A child who needs help with foundational reading should still encounter ideas and resources that respect their age and interests.
Can you work around our time zone?
I am based in Thailand. Please include your time zone and preferred lesson times in your enquiry so we can check availability before arranging the package.
A FREE 15-MINUTE PARENT CONSULTATION
Tell me where
your child needs support.
Email me with your child’s age or school year, the main area you would like help with, your time zone and preferred lesson times. We can then discuss whether this support is a good fit.
Enquire about the introductory offerthelearninggap.education@gmail.com
Enquiries come directly to Simon. An introductory place is confirmed once suitability, scheduling and payment have been agreed.
Reading.
Writing.
Language.
A purposeful next step.