Giving Tree Literacy

About Lynne and GTL

Welcome to Giving Tree Literacy,

My name is Lynne McCarthy, and I am passionate about literacy - the latest theories, cutting-edge technology, newest programs, and tried and true curriculums and methods. I love it all. I also feel that teaching a child or adolescent to read and write is not only a privilege but a joy. Nothing makes me happier than knowing at the close of a lesson - a student engaged fully in the learning process. Engagement is the key, so sessions are filled with interactive activities and games. For example, if a student is interested in Minecraft, that particular passion is interwoven into a custom-made lesson so that needs are met while engagement and fun reign high. 

Although I stay current with best practices, I use Orton-Gillingham (O-G), an evidence-based approach, for teaching phonological and phonemic awareness, the alphabetic principle, decoding, phonics, vocabulary through morphology, fluency, comprehension, writing, conventions, grammar, and spelling. This dependable structure, with its guiding principles in tandem with a creative, flexible attitude, is what sets me apart from other O-G teachers. My areas of excellence include: first, combining research-based methods and programs with individualized

O-G instruction to help children achieve their academic goals and, second, creating child-centered, developmentally appropriate, multisensory lessons delivered in an engaging manner.

​

When I am not teaching, I spend time with my husband, four grown children, and extended family and friends. I also enjoy walking, working out, hiking, playing racquet sports, reading books, listening to podcasts, traveling, and cooking.