Testimonials

“My older son learned to read easily and voraciously. I smugly believed this was due to the love of books he developed through being read to and having access to books and reading.

Our younger son also started school with a love of books and a genuine desire to learn. It didn’t matter how much we practised reading – it just wasn’t sinking in. Or he would understand one day and then he’d have no idea the next. He was diagnosed with Dyslexia halfway through year 1.

The discussion with the Educational Psychologist who assessed him included introducing assistive technology as soon as possible. Given the severity of his dyslexia, our goal became for him to finish school with a ‘functional level of literacy’. The assessment also recommended a tutor trained in MSL and I searched the LDA tutors list. I found Jenny and asked around. I was told that the kids who love her just ‘click’ with her.

My research soon told me that a ‘functional level of literacy’ (I learnt to hate that term!) was needed for reading recipes, accessing social media, getting a license, employment and general ‘adulting’. It also roughly translates to grade 5 or 6. I was shocked that my articulate, witty, very bright little boy might be facing a future where he couldn’t write a resume or read a contract. But, we were going to get him through and figure out what supports were needed and argue with whoever we needed to to get those supports in place.

And the layer over all of this was: how on earth do we maintain his self esteem through this? His confidence? His sense of optimism for the future?

We took him to meet with Jenny. There was a click!! He told me very early on ‘she doesn’t teach me anything, we just play games’. He very quickly started to be able to recognise the individual sounds in words and their relationship to letters. Digraphs were a bit harder but we had a breakthrough! Daddy said the ‘s word’ when we were driving ‘but it doesn’t make an s sound…’ I was quite prepared to work my way through all the words - the F word has ‘ck’ in it!

In fact, he and Jenny worked together so well that he reached a ‘functional level of literacy’ while still in primary school. His teachers don’t always pick up there is a reading and writing issue (which can also mean they don’t always know he needs scaffolding and other supports) and he sees this as sign of his progress.

He has learned to discuss his dyslexia and we are practicing knowing when to ask for help. Through six years of working together, he and Jenny have an amazing bond. I’m not sure he would say it the same way but I know he values Jenny hugely. She has been one of the most important people in his childhood – and potentially, because of that, his whole life. He owes her his confidence and his ‘functional level of literacy’ and for that our whole family adores her.”

— Deirdre, Parent

“I started with Jenny when I was in grade 5, a year after I was diagnosed with Dyslexia. My mum was looking to find a tutor who could teach me the way I uniquely learn. That’s when we found Jenny. 

I remember first meeting Jenny at her house and being a bit nervous but as the lesson started the nerves slowly drifted away. Jenny teaches me in a way where I feel  most comfortable and I can ask any  questions I want, and I am also able to explore my imagination through learning.

When I first met Jenny I had no idea I was getting an incredible teacher but I was also getting a friend. 

The work that the teachers do at the Blue Door is something that every child and family should experience. The Blue Door is a safe place for students that also provides support for parents.”


— Gabi SV

“Jenny Vanderzweep is the most talented and knowledgeable teacher/language/literacy guru that I have ever met. Her guidance and understanding of student's literacy development is outstanding. Such a warm and down to earth human being that children love to work with. The way that she celebrates small and big growth steps with her students always makes me feel excited for the positive outcomes for our children. Thank you, Jenny.”

— Jean, School Teacher (former colleague of Jenny)

“When I was younger, I wasn’t going anywhere with my education as I simply didn’t know how to read. For the first 3 years of school I had no idea how to read, I didn’t know what to do about it either. I wasn’t making any progress there until I got tutoring from the Blue Door. It is now a lot easier to deal with school, and I feel like it also boosted my self-esteem and confidence. This also helped with my social life as I am so confident now. At the Blue Door they take in multiple aspects you might be struggling with. For example my tutor is also tutoring me in maths. The Blue Door is an exceptional area and I recommend it to anyone for the long term.”

— Liam, Blue Door student