Helping a Third Grader Transition from Learning to Read vs. Reading to Learn

Case Study: How Dylan Jumped Four Reading Levels in Just 24 Sessions

When Dylan first started online tutoring with Bright Idea Reading Tutoring, she was finishing third grade—and feeling defeated.

Despite enjoying graphic novels and series like The Babysitters Club, she had just received discouraging AIMS test results and didn’t feel confident in her reading ability.

Her mom reached out, looking for help. What followed was a six-month journey of growth, strategy, and transformation for a 3rd grader transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn.

Starting Point: Confidence Shaken, Comprehension Gaps

Dylan's early reading assessment showed a split in her skills:

• Sight word recognition was on grade level.

• Nonfiction comprehension lagged significantly behind. Her independent reading level for fiction was at first grade, with second grade being instructional and third grade too difficult.

Her biggest struggle? Making sense of fiction and nonfiction texts beyond surface-level decoding.

The Plan: Strategic Weekly Sessions

Over the course of six months, Dylan and I met once a week for 60-minute online sessions. That added up to just 24 total sessions. But every single session was intentional.

We focused on:

• Text structures: Learning what to expect from books about people, places, or events.

  
  

• Comprehension strategies: Understanding how to think about the text while reading.

  
  

• Question-based methods: Using tailored strategies to tackle specific question types (like author’s purpose, fact vs. opinion).

  
  

• Metacognitive coaching: Learning that reading comprehension isn’t about remembering every word—it’s about knowing how to go back and find the answer.

• 

I’ve developed a methodology that teaches students how to approach every kind of comprehension question with a specific strategy. Dylan picked it up quickly and began applying it on her own.

The Results for Transitioning from Learning to Read vs. Reading to Learn: Four Grade Levels Up & MAP Mastery

By the end of our time together:

• Dylan's independent reading level jumped to fifth grade for both fiction and nonfiction texts.

  
  

• Her MAP score rose from 201 to 211 in just one testing cycle.

  • A 201 puts a student at the upper end of average for third/fourth grade.

  • A 211 placed Dylan in the 95th percentile for fourth grade, reflecting advanced critical thinking and comprehension.

  

Perhaps even more importantly: Dylan walked into our first session after the MAP test beaming with pride. She was holding herself taller, more confident not just in reading but across all subjects.

"Dylan carries herself differently this school year than last school year." —Amanda Wolfgram

What This Means for Other Families

Dylan's story is proof that:

• You don’t need to tutor multiple times a week to see massive growth.

  
  

• The right approach—based on strategy, not just repetition—can create confident, capable readers.

  
  

• Online reading tutoring is just as effective or more effecitve, as in-person.

  
  

Need Support for Your Struggling Reader?

If your child is struggling to make the transition from learning to read vs. reading to learn I’d love to help. You don’t have to wait for the next disappointing test score. Let's make a plan now.

Schedule a free consultation to get started.

About the AuthorJoanne Kaminski is the founder of Bright Idea Reading Tutoring. She specializes in helping struggling readers—including kids with dyslexia, ADHD, and comprehension challenges—build lasting confidence and skills. With a strategic, encouraging approach, Joanne delivers measurable progress in just one session a week. Learn more at www.theonlinereadingtutor.com