Welcome to the Reading River

Where reading, connection + confidence take float.

The Reading River Difference

Chickadee Chatter’s Reading River Program meets each child exactly where they are, using nature-inspired themes and evidence-based literacy strategies to help readers of all levels build fluency, comprehension, and confidence — through individualized instruction that’s calm, connected, and joyful.

  • Highlights include:

    • 1:1 Reading sessions (outside sessions encouraged!)

    • Structured literacy support to fit your interests

    • Flexible scheduling for homeschool families

A person with dark hair in a blue shirt is lying on a beach towel on the sand, reading a book with sunlight shining behind.

Parent Testimonial

"My daughter recently completed her state testing and scored in the high range for reading — landing in the 84th percentile. She also earned recognition as one of the top 20 students across three schools in a Geography challenge, something we never would have predicted a year ago. We didn't think we would see this. Thank you so much for all of your help! It's really paying off for her.”

Close-up view of a small stream flowing between lush green grass.

Roots

Planting the foundations of literacy—

  • Phonological awareness

  • Early phonics and decoding

  • Confidence and enjoyment in reading

A clear blue river flows through a lush green canyon with dense trees and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

River

Building confidence and flow—

  • Fluency and phrasing

  • Vocabulary development

  • Reading comprehension strategies

A waterfall cascading down rocks surrounded by trees with fall foliage and a partly cloudy sky.

Rapids

Strengthening strategy and stamina—

  • Summarize and analyze text

  • Inferencing and author’s purpose

  • Executive functioning in reading

How do we get started?

Before beginning Reading River sessions, we’ll complete a screening or evaluation to ensure your child is supported at the right level — Roots, River, or Rapids.

Screening

Recommended for families who have already received a recent evaluation or whose child has an IEP through their school.

A short review of reading and language skills to identify strengths, goals, and the best next step for Reading River placement.

Evaluation

Recommended for new families or children with complex reading or language needs.
Includes standardized measures, informal reading tasks, and a written summary report with individualized recommendations.

What to Expect:

  • You’ll complete a brief parent questionnaire before the session.

  • Bring your child’s favorite book or a recent school reading sample.

  • We’ll share results and next steps in a follow-up discussion to ensure a personalized plan.

After Your Screening or Evaluation

You’ll receive:

  • A summary of findings highlighting your child’s strengths and next steps.

  • A personalized plan outlining recommended goals and plan.

  • An opportunity to ask questions and collaborate on scheduling that best supports your family’s routine.

Once you’re ready, your child’s Reading River journey begins — flowing toward greater confidence, connection, and success.

Do we need a referral?

No referral is needed! Families can contact Chickadee Chatter directly to schedule a screening or evaluation. We’ll help you determine which Reading River level — Roots, River, or Rapids — best fits your child’s needs.

What if we homeschool?

Reading River was designed with homeschool families in mind. We offer flexible scheduling, outdoor learning options, and collaboration with your curriculum. You can even incorporate nature-based reading activities for carryover at home.

What makes Reading River different?

We combine structured literacy with nature-inspired, connection-based learning — helping readers build fluency and comprehension while growing confidence and joy. Our sessions focus on calm, meaningful progress rather than pressure or performance.