Brooklyn Letters
1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn
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I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
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Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
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Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
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We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
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Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
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Brooklyn Letters was recommended to me through a friend's speech therapist friend in NJ. The articulation evaluation for my daughter went well. We were pleased with Kristin's services.
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We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
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Melissa was wonderful. Our daughter warmed to her immediately and by the time she left, had already started "practicing" some of the techniques Melissa had shown her. I will not hesitate at all to reach out to Melissa again, should … More the need arise.
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Aileen was INCREDIBLY helpful to us, both in assessing possible origins of my grandson's food aversions, as well as informing us of various available interventions to consider.
I can’t thank you and Brooklyn Letters enough for connecting … More us with Aileen. In all our feeding therapy journey we have not gotten anything near the kind of benefit that we did from her. Her knowledge, professionalism, and responsiveness have put us on the path of progress with my grandson and has also made us feel genuinely well cared for. -
We were amazed with Allison! She met my son at 2 1/2 years old, not speaking much at all, and over a computer, and she was able to develop a bond and friendship, so much so that he would look forward to his weekly computer time with Allison. … More I was not sure how the speech therapy would go- but we are so happy that we tried it out and continued. It allowed my son to gain confidence in his speech, make a new friend :), and also give him the skills and a bit of understanding of how to shape his mouth or where to place his tongue to make the proper sounds. We were extremely happy with Allison- she was fantastic to work with.
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My sessions with Karen have been extremely helpful. My speech has improved tremendously. In fact, I just finished 2 hours of conducting interviews with a consulting client via MS Teams and I have an upcoming conference call. Both my … More neurologist and neurosurgeon remarked about how good my speech is. Much of the day it is perfect, although I still have some rough spots when I get tired or speak too quickly. One of my granddaughters is a speech pathology student at Ithaca College. She sat in on 2 sessions while she was home for winter break, and she was very impressed with Karen.
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We were delighted with Christie. First, and most importantly, our son made great strides under her guidance. So great, that we felt he no longer needed help! She was incredibly patient and kind with him and our son really responded to … More her. Christie was also great with me and my wife. She provided thorough and informative updates on our son's progress and which exercises she was using with him, so we could reinforce what she was teaching him. All in all, we had a fabulous experience with Christie and would highly recommend her.
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Theo was wonderful and his work with my son has produced some progress. I am grateful for the services Theo provided.
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Highly recommend Jill. She is a total pleasure to work with. After a few months working with Jill, my son is reading above grade level and LOVES to read. Mission accomplished!
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Paige was great and we had been really happy with her. I would highly recommend her! I recommend Brooklyn Letters to whomever asks for a speech therapist.
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Isabel was WONDERFUL and our son absolutely adored her, and he is making great progress with his reading and writing.
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Theo was fantastic with our 4yo son. We were very worried that his progress would fall off when we had to switch to remote sessions, but Theo kept our son happy and engaged through the screen. Highly highly recommend!
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We've been working with Theo from Brooklyn Letters for close to 4 months now and the results are apparent; our daughter has vastly improved her speech in a relatively short amount of time. We make "Theo Day" a celebration … More in our house with pancakes for breakfast, and the enthusiasm is matched in the sessions. Theo is fun, patient, professional, and caring, and he gives us the tools to take the lessons beyond the session. Thank you Theo, and Brooklyn Letters, for helping our daughter express herself.
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I worked with Alina to enhance my pronunciation, tone, and pacing while communicating socially and in a work environment. She was great to work with and clear about goals and learning objectives. The improvement from day 1 has been tremendous! … More
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Cathy has been excellent with us and our son. We will sorely miss her. He has improved significantly with Cathy’s help. Cathy was a true partner with us, especially as we pursued additional help through our son’s school system.
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We really loved working with Alina, she is so fantastic. Patient yet firm, and determined the best course of action very clearly and succintly for us. And it all transitioned so well to Zoom as well. I will definitely be back in touch for … More services for our other child after summer break!
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Vera was amazing! My 11 yo daughter made progress so quickly and really looked forward to her sessions. She was kept motivated and engaged.
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The work that Allison P. did with our daughter over the years has been invaluable to us. Our daughter had such a good relationship with Allison, and it allowed them to work really well together - even remotely these past 6 months. This … More year, Allison went above and beyond by helping us throughout the neuropsych eval we did, trying to re-open our daughter's IEP at her school, and eventually landing her at our chosen school. She was in contact with our daughter's teachers, with the neuropsychologist, and made herself available as a reference to speak on behalf of our daughter's learning differences.
Allison stopped by our house last week to give our daughter cupcakes and say goodbye, and I literally cried with appreciation for what an amazing speech therapist she has been. She has been our daughter's biggest champion. The new families that she will work with this year are lucky to have her. -
Sydney was great! Our son was sad to end his sessions with her, which says a lot. We appreciated her honest assessment of his skill level, and he now has materials to self monitor and practice. Thank you!
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Our experience with Theo was terrific. Theo was great with my son. He developed a positive relationship with him based on sincerity, respect, trust and a deep personal connection. In their lessons, Theo was encouraging, creative and kind. … More He helped our son understand how to differentiate the sounds he made when he spoke, and gave him great exercises to practice every week between lessons. Our son was sorry to have the lessons come to an end, but recognized that Theo had helped him as much as possible and it was time for him to stop. Theo explained to him (and us) how to keep working to get the last 5%, and encouraged him to keep working on the exercises on his own. I have recommended Theo to another parent who noticed my son's improvement and inquired for her own son.
We are all grateful to have gotten to know Theo, and we greatly appreciate all the work he did to help our son. -
"I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Michelle Macroy-Higgins. We are extremely pleased with her work with our daughter. I was so grateful for my daughter to have a speech therapist who is a researcher (specialty in late … More talkers), graduate professor and practitioner. Her expertise was clearly evident in our conversations and work with our daughter. She was very responsive to my questions and often sent articles and other materials about language development that I found helpful. Thankfully, my daughter's speech improved tremendously. Michelle developed such a warm relationship with my daughter. My daughter was always excited to see Michelle and would greet her at the door with a big hug. Lastly, I would add that Michelle always demonstrated empathy with me as a mother who was initially worried about her daughter's language development. I could go on and on about how pleased we were with Michelle's work."
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Theo is a wonderful Clinton Hill speech therapist. We were really pleased with him. Our son showed drastic improvement, not only in his speech but in his confidence.
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Alexa has been an enthusiastic, reliable, well prepared and caring teacher for our 6 year old daughter. She has been able to improve and increase our daughter's confidence lesson by lesson with patience and competence; through varied … More and productive didactic practice. Alexa has engaged our daughter in several activities that always kept her motivated and eager to learn literacy. My wife and I, both of us are educators, feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe Alexa's pedagogical skills. Alexa has had a big impact on our daughter literacy growth. Thank you Brooklyn Letters!
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We were absolutely DELIGHTED with Marsha's services. She was wonderful. We found her to be kind, fun, engaging, very knowledgeable. She provided us with clear instructions and additional written handouts each week. She engaged our … More son with different techniques and toys, and showed us how to use her techniques when we were interacting with him. I actually just texted her on Saturday - Our son finally said "more" - one of the target words we had been working on with her. It was a total joy to hear, and I had to share it with her - she wrote back immediately to congratulate us. I am so appreciative of her expertise, and wish we could have seen her for longer. I recommended her to another family in our neighborhood who is looking for a speech therapist.
The Power of Spelling Evaluation: Assessing Spelling Skills
When it comes to English, one of the most important aspects of good communication is spelling. While the English language is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, it is also one of the most difficult to master when it comes to spelling. Spelling evaluation is important in helping students and professionals of all levels understand the finer points of spelling in English. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of spelling evaluation and how it can help improve your written communication.
What is a Spelling Evaluation?
Spelling evaluation is the process of assessing an individual’s spelling proficiency and accuracy. It involves systematically examining an individual’s ability to spell words in written or oral form correctly. Spelling evaluation aims to identify the individual’s strengths and weaknesses in spelling, understand any patterns of errors, and determine the appropriate level of spelling instruction or intervention needed.
Who Needs to Undergo Spelling Evaluation?
Spelling evaluation can benefit individuals of various age groups and educational backgrounds. Here are some groups of people who may benefit from undergoing spelling evaluation:
- Students: Spelling evaluation is commonly conducted with students, particularly those in the early grades of elementary school. It helps identify spelling strengths and weaknesses, enables targeted instruction, and promotes the development of strong spelling skills. Students who struggle with spelling, exhibit persistent errors, or have difficulties with reading and writing may especially benefit from spelling evaluation.
- Individuals with Dyslexia or Specific Learning Disabilities: Spelling evaluation is crucial for individuals with dyslexia or specific learning disabilities that affect language processing. These individuals may face challenges in phonological awareness, decoding, and spelling. A comprehensive spelling evaluation can help determine the specific areas of difficulty and guide interventions tailored to their needs.
- English Language Learners: Spelling evaluation is valuable for individuals who are learning English as a second language. It assists in assessing their grasp of English spelling rules, phonetics, and vocabulary. Educators can provide targeted support by identifying spelling errors to enhance their spelling skills and promote language acquisition.
- Individuals Requiring Accommodations or Support: Spelling evaluation is essential for individuals requiring accommodations or specialized support in educational or professional settings. It helps establish the need for specific accommodations, such as extended time for tests or the use of assistive technology. Spelling evaluation ensures that individuals receive appropriate support to accurately demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.
- Anyone Seeking to Enhance Language Skills: Spelling evaluation is not limited to those with known difficulties but can benefit anyone seeking to improve their spelling and language skills. It provides a baseline assessment of spelling proficiency and guides individuals in setting goals and implementing effective strategies for self-improvement.
Components of a Standard Spelling Evaluation
A standard spelling evaluation comprises several components that collectively assess an individual’s spelling proficiency. These components are carefully designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s spelling abilities, identify areas of strength and weakness, and guide targeted instruction. From spelling tests and dictation exercises to analyzing spelling errors and providing feedback, each component contributes to a thorough assessment of spelling skills. Educators and specialists can effectively evaluate spelling proficiency and implement appropriate strategies to support spelling development by incorporating these components.
Fundamentals of Spelling Evaluation
Whether you are an educator, language specialist, or a parent supporting a child’s language development, conducting a spelling evaluation can provide valuable insights and guide targeted instruction. Here are the fundamentals of spelling evaluation and practical steps to conduct an effective evaluation.
- Selecting Appropriate Word Lists: Start by selecting word lists that align with the individual’s age, grade level, and language abilities. Consider incorporating words that reflect different spelling patterns, phonetic variations, and vocabulary levels. Word lists can be curated from textbooks, spelling resources, or online platforms that provide grade-specific spelling materials.
- Assessing Spelling Accuracy: Evaluate an individual’s spelling accuracy by having them write down a designated set of words. This can be done through traditional paper-pencil tests, digital platforms, and spelling apps. The assessment should cover a range of difficulty levels to accurately gauge the individual’s spelling proficiency.
- Analyzing Errors: Carefully analyze the individual’s spelling errors to gain insights into their areas of weakness. Categorize the errors based on patterns, such as phonetic mistakes, incorrect application of spelling rules, or difficulty with specific letter combinations. Understanding these patterns will guide targeted instruction and intervention.
- Dictation Exercises: Dictation exercises provide a dynamic way to assess spelling skills. Read aloud a passage or a series of sentences, and have the individual write down what they hear. This evaluation method tests their ability to accurately transcribe spoken words, which reflects their understanding of word structures and phonetic patterns.
- Writing Samples and Portfolios: Collecting writing samples over time allows for a comprehensive assessment of spelling skills. Review the individual’s written work, highlighting spelling errors and identifying recurring patterns. Building a spelling portfolio helps track progress, identify persistent errors, and design targeted interventions accordingly.
- Time Constraints: Consider the impact of time constraints on spelling accuracy. Some individuals perform better when given additional time, allowing them to effectively reflect and apply spelling strategies. However, it is important to strike a balance, as spelling under timed conditions also reflects real-world scenarios where individuals must produce accurate written work within a given timeframe.
Conducting a Spelling Evaluation
- Prepare the Evaluation Materials: Gather the word lists, dictation passages, and any necessary evaluation forms or digital tools for administering the evaluation.
- Explain the Purpose: Clearly communicate the purpose of the spelling evaluation to the individual. Emphasize that it is an opportunity to assess their current spelling skills and identify areas for growth.
- Administer the Evaluation: Depending on the chosen methods (word lists, dictation exercises, or a combination), administer the evaluation, ensuring clear instructions and providing any necessary support or clarifications.
- Analyze the Results: Review the individual’s responses, noting spelling accuracy, error patterns, and areas of strength and weakness. Identify common errors and patterns that require targeted instruction.
- Provide Feedback: Share the evaluation results with the individual, focusing on their achievements and areas for improvement. Provide constructive feedback and offer specific strategies and resources to enhance their spelling skills.
- Plan Targeted Instruction: Based on the evaluation results, design a tailored plan for instruction and intervention. Incorporate activities, exercises, and resources that address the individual’s spelling difficulties and promote their growth and development.
Why Spelling Evaluation Matters
- Reading Comprehension: Spelling and reading skills are interconnected. Proficient spelling facilitates stronger reading comprehension by promoting word recognition and decoding abilities. Individuals who struggle with spelling may face difficulty recognizing words, which can hinder their reading comprehension. Addressing spelling difficulties through evaluation can unlock the door to improved reading skills.
- Written Communication: Spelling proficiency plays a pivotal role in effective written communication. Correctly spelled words convey meaning clearly and prevent misunderstandings. Spelling evaluation identifies areas where individuals may struggle, enabling them to enhance their writing skills and express themselves more confidently.
- Language Mastery: Spelling evaluation provides insights into an individual’s grasp of language. Accurate spelling reflects a deep understanding of phonetics, vocabulary, grammar, and word structure. Identifying areas of weakness through spelling evaluation helps pinpoint specific language components that require attention and improvement.
Benefits of Spelling Evaluation
- Targeted Instruction: Spelling evaluation provides a roadmap for targeted instruction. By assessing an individual’s spelling abilities, educators and language specialists can tailor instruction to address specific areas of weakness. This personalized approach ensures that individuals receive the support they need to develop strong spelling skills.
- Phonological Awareness: Spelling evaluation can shed light on an individual’s phonological awareness—the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds within words. Spelling difficulties often arise from challenges in understanding the relationship between sounds and letters. Educators can provide targeted phonics instruction by identifying phonological weaknesses, improving spelling accuracy, and reinforcing overall language skills.
- Vocabulary Development: Evaluating spelling proficiency reveals an individual’s vocabulary knowledge. By recognizing words that are misspelled or frequently misspelled, educators can identify gaps in vocabulary and create opportunities for expanding word knowledge. This fosters improved reading comprehension, enriched writing abilities, and enhanced communication skills.
- Building Confidence: Effective spelling evaluation considers an individual’s strengths and areas for improvement. Educators can boost learners’ self-confidence by acknowledging progress and providing constructive feedback. A positive and supportive approach motivates individuals to persist in their spelling practice, leading to increased proficiency and greater achievement.
Conclusion
Spelling evaluation is crucial in assessing an individual’s spelling skills and guiding targeted instruction. A standard spelling evaluation provides valuable insights into an individual’s spelling proficiency by incorporating components such as spelling lists, written tests, dictation exercises, word usage assessment, and analysis of spelling errors.
The importance of spelling evaluation lies in its ability to identify areas of weakness, track progress over time, and guide personalized instruction. It allows educators, language specialists, and learning specialists to design tailored interventions that address specific spelling difficulties, such as phonemic awareness, spelling rules, vocabulary knowledge, and application of spelling strategies.
A learning specialist can play a vital role in the spelling evaluation process. They possess expertise in assessing learning needs, identifying patterns of errors, and developing individualized plans for intervention. A learning specialist can administer the spelling evaluation, analyze the results, and provide meaningful feedback to individuals and their support network.
Contact us today to meet our literacy specialists who could travel to your home.
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Our Literacy Specialists work on decoding, encoding (spelling), reading comprehension, and writing skills.
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Call: (347) 394-3485, Text: (917) 426-8880
Email: [email protected]
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Craig Selinger
Owner at Brooklyn Letters
Craig Selinger is the dedicated owner of Brooklyn Letters, a reputable private practice renowned for its exceptional services. Together with his team of skilled professionals, they extend their expertise across a wide range of locations, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
With a New York State license as a speech-language therapist (pathologist) and a learning specialist, Craig boasts an impressive track record spanning over two decades, during which he and his team have helped more than a thousand families, establishing Brooklyn Letters as a respected practice in the field.
Craig's proficiency encompasses a diverse array of domains, including addressing early childhood speech-language delays, skillfully managing expressive and receptive language disorders, and adeptly tackling language learning obstacles such as reading, writing, executive functioning, social and pragmatic communication. He also demonstrates mastery in speech production concerns, i.e., articulation and enunciation.
What sets Craig and his team apart is their dedication to providing comprehensive care. They actively collaborate with the finest professionals in the NYC metro area, including neuropsychologists, mental health therapists, and allied health professionals. This network of expertise ensures a holistic approach to each client's unique needs.
Latest posts by Craig Selinger (see all)
- NYC Stuttering Therapy for Adults - October 3, 2023
- NYC Speech Therapy at Home: Your Home, Your Progress - October 2, 2023
- NYC Articulation Therapy for All Ages - September 29, 2023