Discover Literacy Coaching, Courses, Workshops, and Tutoring LIVE online and IN PERSON
At Great Brain Learning, we believe in every brain’s capacity to learn. After more than 20 years of working with learners and their families, we have the data proving that students experiencing challenges close gaps with a personalized blend of responsive instruction, feedback, and learning strategies. Lifelong success in learning is not magic; it requires persistence, courage, and sustained skill-building. With a structured and evidence-based plan to master essential literacy skills, learners can find their place to thrive. That’s where Great Brain Learning steps in, and how Dr. June helps students prepare for lifelong thriving. Gaining admission to top post-secondary programs worldwide is just one of the many options available to our students.
Enhance your child’s literacy journey with Great Brain Learning. Dr. June Starkey offers expert literacy coaching, literacy workshops, and personalized tutoring designed to help students thrive. From phonemic awareness to executive function skills, our evidence-based approach ensures lasting growth. Join "Right to Read" and "Writer's Workshop" to discover how we can transform learning for your family. At Great Brain Learning, we embrace growth with you, showing you how to use the great brain you have.
Literacy Coaching | Club de Lecture | Writer's Workshop | Homework Intensive | Private Tutoring |
Key Benefits
Why learn with us?
Evidence-based persistence
We trust the evidence, and we don't give up. We listen closely to what parents and teachers observe, we ask students to share their perceptions of what’s happening with their learning, then we mobilize decades of research on observable learning behaviours (especially in literacy). When Dr. June listens to students read and watches their writing process, the puzzle pieces fall into place. A clear plan takes shape, Dr. June communicates the path, and real transformations begin.
A lifelong positive impact
We make a positive difference in every learner's life. We believe every learner deserves the chance to thrive. Through strong partnerships with parents, we create supportive spaces that nurture growth, strengthen families, and promote excellence in learning for all.
Unwavering support and compassion
We cross the finish line with every learner, with humour and care. At Great Brain Learning, we remain connected with every learner until they reach their goals. We combine expertise with warmth and humour, knowing that confidence grows best in a supportive, encouraging space. Our team celebrates every breakthrough and every “aha” moment, ensuring students feel seen, motivated, and proud as they cross their own finish lines.
Our proven track record
We've been transforming students' learning outcomes since 2006:
- 20 years of service to 1000+ families across Canada
- 16,000 hours of 1:1 time teaching exceptional students
- Students begin our program 1-5 grade levels behind their same-age peers in reading and writing, and finish our program meeting and/or exceeding grade-level literacy standards.
What to expect:
Components of a Typical Session
You can help your child prepare for new learning about reading and writing.
Dr. June will cover aspects of all of these learning pillars in a one-hour session.
Strong Sound Skills (Phonemic Awareness)
We help children hear and work with the sounds in words. Through simple games and activities, they learn to:
- Hear the separate sounds in words
- Match sounds to letters
- Blend sounds together to read new words
This makes reading and spelling feel easier and less stressful.
Reading for Meaning
We give students many opportunities to read and talk about what they read. They learn to:
- Notice important ideas in a text
- Ask questions and make connections
- Explain what they’ve read in their own words
This builds true understanding, not just “sounding out.”
Thinking About Their Own Thinking
We teach students to notice how they learn, when they're learning. They practice:
- Setting small, clear goals
- Choosing strategies that work for them
- Checking in to monitor: “Is this helping me understand?”
These "noticing" skills help learners increase confidence and independence.
Executive Function Skills
We support the “brain skills” (cognitive skills) that make self-regulation at school and home easier, such as:
- Planning and organizing work
- Starting tasks, learning strategies for when we get stuck
- Staying focused and keeping on track to finish strong
These skills help students manage homework, projects, and daily routines!