Reading Tutor for First Graders and K-6 Students
Online reading tutor for first graders and K-6 students, providing personalized, evidence-based instruction to help your child become a confident reader
If your child is struggling with reading, early support can make all the difference.
I’m Diane Marthaler, a reading specialist and retired public school teacher with over 24 years of experience. Based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, I work with students locally and across the United States through online tutoring.
Experienced Reading Specialist for Elementary Students
(Grades K–6)
I spent 24 years teaching in public elementary schools, including Kindergarten, First Grade, and Third Grade, and served as a school-wide Reading Specialist in two schools. I understand how children learn to read, how to identify missing foundational skills, and how to provide structured instruction that helps students make lasting progress.
Who I Help
- First graders learning to read
- Older elementary students with reading gaps
- Kindergarteners who are just getting started and struggling with beginning reading skills
- Students who need support with phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, or comprehension
My tutoring is designed for students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade who need individualized support to become confident, successful readers.
Reading isn’t just a school subject—it’s the key to everything.
Is your child struggling to learn
how to read and unlock that door?
You've tried everything - reading at night, using flashcards, even purchasing reading apps -
but nothing seems to stick.
The curriculum is moving way too fast and through it all your child is quietly wondering,
"Why is reading so hard for me?"
Does this sound familiar?
I'm a recently retired elementary school reading specialist and teacher with decades of experience. I understand the challenges children face in learning to read.
I offer customized one-on-one lessons to help your child break the code, unlock the door, and learn to enjoy reading!
When learning to read feels harder than it should
Are you noticing that reading isn't coming easily for your child?
Maybe you're hearing things like,
“I hate reading” or “I don’t want to go to school.”
You've had conversations with their teacher about reading progress. You might even be wondering if your child is falling behind.
At home, you see it with slow and labored reading, difficulty sounding words out, or guessing.
As a parent, it's not hard to wonder: Will this get easier? Am I doing the right things to help?
If this feels familiar, you're not alone - and there is a way forward.
You know that the longer this goes on, the harder it gets.
Over time, reading struggles can start to affect your child's confidence. They may notice others reading more easily while they're still working through the basics.
And as a parent, it's not easy to watch. You want to help - but you're not always sure what the next right step is.
Reading time can become frustrating.
Homework can feel like a challenge for both of you.
And underneath it all is a simple question:
How can I help my child feel more confident and successful with reading?
There’s a better way—and it starts with meeting your child exactly where they are.
That's where I come in. I begin with a FREE reading assessment to determine your chid's strengths and areas for growth. From there, I create a personalized plan to help your child break the reading code and become a more confident reader at home and at school.
I work one-on-one with students using proven methods rooted in the Science of Reading - always at a pace that feels supportive, not overwhelming.
Just as important, I focus on building trust. Your child will feel safe to make mistakes, try again, and grow in confidence. I create a warm, judgment-free space where they don’t feel “behind” — just supported.
We focus on the foundational skills that matter, celebrate progress along the way, and replace “I can’t” with “I did it!”
This isn’t just about rushing to catch up - it’s helping your child feel capable, confident, and successful. From reading full sentences to finishing their favorite books, your child will see themselves as a reader - and believe it!
How it Works
Book a FREE one-on-one online reading assessment and parent consultation with me. I'll assess your child's strengths and weaknesses in reading and then meet with you to discuss the results and your goals. We'll create a customized plan that fits your child's needs.
Your child participates in 45-minute fun and engaging lessons designed just for them, using proven techniques to build confidence and reading skills. We'll build on reading strengths, provide instruction on missing skills, and allow your child time to practice.
You’ll receive regular updates and tips as your child progresses, so you can see their growth and support their success at home. Your child gains confidence as a reader, prepares for the next grade level, and starts learning to love reading!
I specialize in first grade reading foundations and support struggling readers in kindergarten through sixth grade.
First grade is a critical year for building foundational reading skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding. For children who don’t get enough guided practice, it’s easy to fall behind. The curriculum continues moving forward, and reading can begin to feel frustrating instead of natural.
Early, targeted support can change that trajectory.
I provide targeted, one-on-one reading tutoring using Science of Reading–based instruction that is explicit, structured, and tailored to each child's needs. I assess each child to understand exactly which reading skills are secure and which need strengthening, then provide focused practice at a level where progress feels achievable.
Although my website highlights first grade, I work with students in kindergarten through sixth grade who need help learning to read or closing reading gaps.
Older children who struggle with reading often carry missing foundations from earlier years. Through a reading assessment, I identify those gaps and rebuild them step by step using evidence-based instruction.
With the right support, students can strengthen core skills, gain confidence, and move forward as capable readers.
Click below to schedule your FREE Reading Assessment today!
Reading Tips for First Graders and Growing Readers
Support your first grader and growing readers (K-6) with guidance from a reading specialist -
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Teaching children to read — and giving back
My goal is to help children become confident, capable readers while also supporting a cause that matters deeply to me.
Online Reading Tutor for First Graders and K–6 Students
Based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin — Serving the Madison Area and Students Nationwide
Diane Marthaler Reading Tutor, LLC
Online Reading Tutor for First Grade and Grades K-6
(608) 218-4431
Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
