Testimonial: From no confidence and “feeling stressed” to being cheered on by a sibling

• Have you ever felt the nudge that your child needed different support than they were getting at school?

• Have you ever felt lost because you didn't have the tools, resources, time or engagement from your child to support them at home?

Keep reading to learn more about one family's journey with Next Step's support as they watched their child grow from no confidence and “feeling stressed” to being cheered on by a sibling for their reading!

When asked to reflect on what life, learning and reading looked like BEFORE Next Step, here's what mom had to share: 

Before Next Step, my child felt stressed and anxious about reading. Before this, his teachers and other private tutors just had him drilling word sounds which did nothing to foster his confidence and interest in reading.

When asked what her child's relationship with reading is NOW, at the completion of his program she shared:

Reading is still something that requires a lot of hard work, however my child now feels much more self confident and positive about himself as a reader. 

It was the best feeling for both of us to have him reading books for the first time in his 7 years! 

Before this, his teachers and other private tutors just had him drilling word sounds which did nothing to foster his confidence and interest in reading. Now he can see his hard work actually paying off and he feels so good about himself. 

Even his older sister lit up when he started to read the books Ms. Schelzi gave us at home, saying "He is doing it! He is reading!" This has helped reduce his stress about reading a great deal and helped him feel confident, proud and happy.

When asked if there was anything she would share with a family who is CURIOUS but HESITANT about reaching out for support….

I would say that there is no way your child won't make progress and enjoy the process with Ms. Schelzi. 

My son has double deficit dyslexia and he has had multiple tutors and never made as much progress as fast as he did with Ms. Schelzi. She has the unique ability to hold kids accountable for 30 minutes of reading work while also being warm, engaging, and fun. 

It takes someone very gifted and experienced with kids to be able to carefully balance these two things and she does it so well. 

I loved how a lot of our homework was reading games, this made our reading work at home feel fun and there were no battles!

"I would just say that Ms. Schelzi is an amazing teacher and resource for families with children struggling to read the traditional way. She is very passionate about helping children learn to read, and she structures the sessions to uniquely support your child and their needs. I now feel I have a great toolbox to continue to use with our son and we will also likely be back to seek Ms. Schelzi's support again in the future."

I believe so strongly that every child deserves to love to read.

Every child deserves to feel empowered and confident with their reading.

Every child deserves to have the experience of being a confident book lover!

If this family's story has you ready to take the next step in your child's reading success journey, applications are now available for my Fall 2025 Private Reading Program.

Availability is limited, so if you're feeling the pull to explore further, click the application below today!

Happy reading!

Ms. Schelzi