Extra Ordinary Readers
Reading Group for Kids ages 7–10 who struggle with reading or are suspected/diagnosed with dyslexia
Extra Ordinary Readers empowers kids by removing expectations, building confidence and giving kids the skills to choose reading.
A joyful, multi-sensory reading group filled with art, drawing, yoga, mindfulness, writing practice, and playful word games.
To build confidence, spark curiosity, and boost creative problem-solving through stories and projects designed for dyslexic readers.
What to expect each session
Picture books will be read aloud with clear pacing.
Art supports comprehension and memory.
Yoga movement and breathwork to calm the mind, sharpen focus, and help kids feel confident in their learning.
Writing Practices are short and fun with guided sentence starters and colorful visual cues so kids can express ideas without pressure.
Word Games & Play: Multi-sensory, hands-on games (letter tiles, tactile tracing, rhyme hunts) designed to make decoding and vocabulary playful and rewarding.
Learning Goals
Build self-esteem by celebrating individual strengths and progress
Improve decoding and fluency using multi-sensory strategies
Strengthen comprehension through illustration, discussion,
and creative re-telling
Encourage curiosity, teamwork, and creative problem-solving
Make reading a fun adventure — not a chore
How sessions feel
Welcoming and low-pressure: every child moves at their own pace
Sensory-friendly: quiet corners, fidget tools, and flexible seating
Mascot: The Seahorse — Persistent, courageous, delightfully quirky, and unmistakably one-of-a-kind. A tiny yet tenacious champion, the Seahorse drifts with purpose in it’s own currents. This brave ocean explorer uses it’s curled tail as an anchor to its ground. “Be Seahorse-bold.”
Click Button Below
Registration is not necessary, Walk-in are Welcome!
Register for just one class or register for 6 classes and get one class free.
6 Class Sessions – $50.00: This registration is for 6 sessions of the Extra Ordinary Readers class.
Please coordinate your dates by sending us an email. Direct Link below.
Single Class Session – $10.00: This registration applies to a single class session.
Email Me any questions or to let me know when you would like to attend a class.
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Routine & Rhythm of the Class
Welcome and warm-up: We begin with gentle yoga exercises to settle the mind and body, build focus, and create a calm, friendly atmosphere.
Storytime: We read 2–3 books aloud. Often there there will be games or someway we interact with the story.
Art projects: After the stories, art activities tied to the books—these reinforce comprehension, fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression. Art materials and story titles are chosen to match the children’s ages and developmental level.
Closing yoga: Class finishes with a short yoga sequence to relax, integrate the day’s learning, and send children off feeling grounded and happy
At the very end of class we'll have some fun with a claw machine and toy vending machine to pick out a few surprise words to practice during the week.
Schedule
Tuesdays from 4:00–5:00 PM
Each class is $10 per kid.
Greeley Creative Arts Center (GCAC)
702 13th Street
February 17th, February 26th
March 3rd, March 10th, March 24th, March 31st
April 7th, April 14th, April 21st, April 28th
May 5th, May 12th
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Monthly Reading Log Bookmarks
21-Day Reading Log for Extra Ordinary Readers. Bookmarks
Building good habits is an important part of self-care. It takes 21 days to build a habit. With your encouragement and this bookmark reading log, reading will soon become a delightful daily habit for your extraordinary reader!
Instructions:
1. Daily Reading or Listening
Encourage your child to spend time reading a book or listening to an audiobook every day. Try to consistently pick a time of day or night.
For example, our family reads a picture book, then listens to an audiobook around 7:30 pm every night before bed.
2. Color Before You Go
Each day before your child starts reading or listening to an audio book have them color one square on the reading log. This little ritual sets a positive tone and creates anticipation.
3. Missed a Day? No Biggie!
If life gets busy and you miss a day, don’t stress. Just pick up where you left off the next day. Remember, habits build over time — not overnight!
4. Celebrate Progress
Keep the atmosphere light, fun, and pressure-free. The goal is to make reading feel like an adventure, not a chore.
5. Pick a Prize from the Treasure Chest. It will take 21 days to complete the reading log. Once it is completed bring your reading log (or take of a photo of it) to one of the Tuesday sessions to pick a Prize from the Extra ordinary Readers Treasure Chest.
There are 7 reading logs for 2026: March, April, May, June, July, August, September. To receive a reading log, attend at least 0ne $10 class session. To claim your prize, attend at least one $10 class session the following month.
Happy reading and good luck!
What
Should
Parents
Know
About
Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is not about intelligence. Kids with dyslexia often have average or above-average intelligence; their brains just process language differently.
Reading struggles are real and persistent. It’s not about being lazy or careless. Dyslexia affects the ability to decode words, making reading and spelling challenging.
Early support is key. The sooner parents recognize signs and seek help (like specialized tutoring or educational therapy), the better the outcomes.
Many kindergarten and first-grade children show reading problems similar to dyslexia. If these problems continue into second grade, it is more likely the child has dyslexia.
Strengths shine through differently. Many kids with dyslexia have creative, hands-on talents—think artists, inventors, storytellers.
Patience is a superpower. Encourage, celebrate small wins, and avoid undue pressure; every step forward counts.
Use multisensory learning. Combining sight, sound, and touch helps reinforce learning. For example, tracing letters while saying their sounds aloud.
Technology can be a friend. Audiobooks, text-to-speech apps, and spelling aids can boost confidence and independence.
Advocacy is crucial. Be proactive in communicating with teachers and schools to create tailored learning plans.
Emotional well-being matters. Dyslexia can impact self-esteem; offer lots of love, understanding, and reassurance.
Thriving in School with a 504 Plan:
Strategies for Success
A 504 plan for a kid with dyslexia should include personalized accommodations and supports to help them succeed academically and reduce barriers caused by their learning difference. Key components to include are:
Reading Accommodations:
Access to audiobooks or text-to-speech technology
Extended time for reading assignments and tests
Use of dyslexia-friendly fonts and formats.
Fonts that are considered dyslexia‑friendly tend to increase readability by using distinct letterforms, generous spacing, and simple shapes.
Sans-serif fonts with open forms and good spacing; often recommended for literacy materials. Arial and Calibri are popular fonts.
Increase font size — larger type improves recognition.
Increase letterspacing (tracking) a little and line spacing (leading) to avoid crowding.
Use left-aligned text and ragged right edge (avoid justified text) to keep word spacing consistent.
Avoid italics and excessive use of ALL CAPS — they reduce distinctiveness.
Use high contrast between text and background but avoid stark glare (off‑white or blue backgrounds can be gentler).
Keep line length moderate (about 50–75 characters per line).
Pair font choice with clear layout, headings, and ample white space.
Writing Supports:
Permit use of a computer or tablet for written assignments.
For tasks focused on demonstrating knowledge rather than writing mechanics, allow talk-to-text.
Give extra time on written assignments and exams.
When questions are read aloud extra time should be given for answering questions.
Break questions into smaller parts and read each part with a pause, giving extra time after each segment.
Use clear, simple language and repeat or rephrase questions on request.
Allow use of assistive tools (text-to-speech, note-taking, spell-check) during response time.
Instructional Strategies:
Explicit, multisensory reading instruction (if possible)
Step-by-step directions broken into smaller chunks
Frequent feedback and repetition to reinforce learning
Classroom Environment:
Seating arrangements that minimize distractions
head phones or quiet space for test-taking or focused work
Testing Accommodations:
Alternative test formats (oral, multiple choice, etc.)
Read-aloud of instructions and test questions
Parent/Guardian Notice and Release Waiver
Please read before attending
The Extra Ordinary Readers Group is designed to support and celebrate young readers — including those with dyslexia — through multi-sensory activities (art, drawing, yoga, mindfulness, short guided writing, and playful word games). Our intention is to build confidence, spark curiosity, and make reading enjoyable. Please note the following important information and limitations:
Not a medical or therapeutic service
This program is an educational enrichment and recreational group, not a medical, diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical intervention. We do not provide formal assessment, diagnosis, or treatment for dyslexia, learning disabilities, speech/language concerns, or other developmental conditions.
If you have concerns about your child’s learning needs, please consult a licensed educational psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or other qualified professional for formal evaluation and individualized therapy.
Individual results vary: Activities are designed to be supportive and evidence-informed (multi-sensory approaches that many educators use), but outcomes will vary by child. We cannot guarantee specific academic improvement, diagnostic outcomes, or particular skill gains.
Safety and supervision:
Activities include movement, art materials, small objects (e.g., letter tiles), and sensory tools. Parents/guardians must inform staff of allergies, sensory sensitivities, medical conditions, or mobility limitations. We will take reasonable precautions to provide a safe environment, but participants engage at their own risk.
Staff are trained in group facilitation and basic safety procedures, but are not substitute caregivers. Parents/guardians are responsible for arrival, departure, and any medical needs that require professional attention.
Confidentiality and sharing: We encourage a welcoming group atmosphere and may share non-identifying photos or examples of group work for program promotion or documentation. If you do not want images or work that includes your child shared, please notify us in writing.
Participation and accommodations: We welcome children with diverse learning profiles. Please inform us in advance of any specific accommodations your child needs so we can do our best to provide a supportive setting. While we strive to be inclusive, the group format may not meet all specialized needs that require one-on-one or clinical instruction. Please inform us of any allergies.
Behavior and mutual respect: Our environment is low-pressure and sensory-friendly. We expect respectful behavior from all participants and caregivers. Staff reserve the right to remove or ask a child to sit out activities if behavior compromises safety or the learning environment. We will communicate with caregivers about any concerns and work collaboratively to support the child.
By enrolling your child in Extra Ordinary Readers you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer and accept the program’s scope and limitations. If you have questions, need clarification, or would like to discuss accommodations, please contact us before your first session.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s time and curiosity — we look forward to playful learning and bright stories together!
Patience is your superpower! Learning may take alternate routes. Celebrate the small victories like finding the right word or finishing a tricky sentence.
Reading might be a rollercoaster ride, but fun, multisensory activities (think art, storytelling, hands-on project can make learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
Encourage creativity—your child’s dyslexic mind often shines brightest in creative problem-solving and outside-the-box thinking. Channel that energy into drawing, painting, or yoga (hey, that’s my jam!).
Use tech tools designed for dyslexia— audiobooks, text-to-speech apps, or colored overlays to reduce visual stress.
Advocate fiercely! Work with teachers and specialists, ensuring your child gets accommodations tailored to their needs
ADHD and dyslexia often occur together in the brain. Both are neurodevelopmental conditions, meaning they affect how the brain develops and works, especially in learning and attention.
Shared Symptoms: Both can cause trouble focusing, organizing tasks, and processing information, making schoolwork daunting.
Different, but Overlapping: ADHD mainly messes with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity, while dyslexia specifically flips the script on reading, spelling, and language processing.
Common Brain Wiring: Some brain regions linked to attention and language skills show differences in people with either or both conditions.
Co-Existing Buddies: It’s pretty common for someone with ADHD to also have dyslexia, making a combined approach to support key.
Thinking & Reading Brain
Thinking and brain function in a child with dyslexia differ primarily in how information is processed, especially in areas related to language and reading. Dyslexia is a neurological variation affecting the way the brain decodes written symbols, making tasks like reading, spelling, and writing more challenging.
In children with dyslexia:
Phonological Processing: The brain struggles with phonological awareness—the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words. This makes connecting letters to sounds harder.
Brain Activation Patterns: Neuroimaging shows less activation in the left hemisphere regions associated with language processing (like the left temporoparietal cortex) and more in right hemisphere or frontal areas, indicating the brain might compensate differently.
Working Memory Differences: Challenges with working memory can affect holding and manipulating language information during reading and writing.
Visual and Auditory Processing: Some children compensate by relying more on visual memory or context clues due to difficulties in sequential processing.
Overall, the thinking pattern can be more holistic or associative, with strengths often emerging in creative or spatial reasoning—perfect for an artist! Embracing these differences creativity turns challenges into unique expressions of genius.
Kids Yoga
For Extra Ordinary Reading Group
Yoga elements help calm the nervous system and create more openness to learning. In our reading sessions we blend gentle movement, breath work, and simple mindfulness practices with guided reading and multi-sensory activities. The goal is to reduce anxiety, increase focus, and build confidence so children can approach words with curiosity rather than tension.
What to expect
Short, playful yoga sequences before reading to settle the body and center attention.
Breath and sensory activities to regulate emotion and support working memory.
Multi-sensory reading strategies (sight, sound, touch) paired with calm-down tools learned in yoga.
Low-pressure, encouraging atmosphere to boost confidence.
Tools children can use at home or school: breathing tricks, grounding poses, and quick focus routines.
Benefits
Reduced stress and improved self-regulation.
Better attention span and readiness to learn.
Increased confidence tackling reading tasks.
Transferable calming techniques for school and daily life.
More Kids Yoga Classes
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Join the Facebook Kids Yoga Club
Join the Facebook Group!
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Kids Yoga Classes at the Linc Library
Free Kids Yoga at the Linc Library Downtown, Greeley
Every 3rd Monday of the month at 4pm.
Yoga Benefits
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Confidence
Practicing yoga helps children develop self-confidence as they master new poses and challenges. By progressing in their practice, kids learn to believe in their abilities and feel proud of their accomplishments.
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Balance
Yoga promotes physical balance by enhancing coordination and proprioception in children. Through various poses and movements, kids improve their stability and core strength, which are essential for overall balance in daily activities.
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It's Fun!
Kids yoga classes are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for children of all ages. With playful themes, music, and interactive activities, yoga sessions become a fun and exciting way for kids to stay active and healthy.
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Facebook Kids Yoga Club
Jon the Facebook Group!
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Enchanting Mehndi Henna Art
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Yoga Blog
Get in Touch
Framing is available upon request. Please email me for framing choices and prices. Or feel free to reach out and share your thoughts on art and your creative vision and how you integrating art into your life.
If you have Questions about yoga, energy therapy yoga, or kids yoga feel free to email me or go to SSYoga.com for Sacred Space Yoga’s website. I’d love to hear your perspectives and engage in a meaningful discussion about art or yoga.
