01
Students
Individualized support that builds skills, confidence, and independence.
- Literacy assessments
- Individual and small-group tutoring
- Summer literacy programs
- Progress monitoring
The Reading Place™Reading by Design. Growing by Science.™Schedule a ConsultationEvidence-based literacy solutions
Opening Doors Through the Power of Literacy.
Every Child’s Future Matters.
Partnering with students, educators, schools, and families to build confident readers through explicit, research-aligned instruction.
Science of Reading alignedStudent-centeredPartnership-driven
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When we teach a child to read, we expand possibilities.
01Professional Learning
02Literacy Resources
03Family Literacy
04Community Partnerships
Karen J. Reaves, Ed.S.Founder & Director of Literacy
Our Why
My students deserved more.
“I didn’t become a Reading Specialist because I wanted another degree. I became one because my students deserved more.”
The Reading Place™ began in a middle school reading classroom. I taught students who were reading three or more grade levels below expectation. I knew they were capable of success, but they needed explicit, evidence-based instruction that met their needs.
Determined to serve them better, I entered the Reading Specialist Program at Old Dominion University. That commitment continues today because research evolves, instruction improves, and our students deserve educators who never stop growing.
Literacy CoachReading SpecialistPresenter
What We Offer
Support designed for every part of a reader’s journey.
We combine the science of reading with the art of teaching—so every learner can unlock their potential.
02
Educators
Practical, evidence-based support that strengthens classroom instruction.
- Literacy coaching
- Science of Reading professional learning
- Demonstration lessons
- Data-driven planning
03
Schools & Districts
Collaborative literacy solutions designed around your learners and goals.
- Literacy consulting
- MTSS and intervention support
- Curriculum support
- Data analysis and action planning
04
Families
Clear guidance that helps families become confident partners in literacy.
- Parent workshops
- Family literacy resources
- Home reading plans
- Practical reading guidance
Why Choose The Reading Place?
Evidence drives instruction. Compassion guides the work.
We meet learners where they are and build a clear path toward confidence and achievement.
✓
Evidence-basedInstruction and interventions grounded in the Science of Reading.
✓
Student-centeredSupport designed around strengths, needs, and goals.
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Results-focusedData-informed decisions that support measurable growth.
✓
Partnership-drivenFamilies and educators working together for readers.
Our Process
How we work
- 1Assess
Identify strengths, needs, and goals.
- 2Plan
Create a customized, evidence-based path.
- 3Instruct & Support
Deliver quality instruction, coaching, and resources.
- 4Monitor & Grow
Adjust instruction and celebrate progress.
Professional Learning
When educators grow, students thrive.
Collaborative learning experiences that turn research into practical classroom instruction.
Science of Reading
Build shared knowledge of how the brain learns to read and what effective instruction requires.
Coaching & Modeling
Strengthen instruction through demonstration lessons, feedback, reflection, and partnership.
Data to Action
Use assessment information to plan targeted instruction and monitor meaningful progress.
Learning Hub
Practical literacy guidance you can use.
Short demonstrations and clear next steps for families, educators, and community partners.
For Families
Simple ways to support reading development and confidence at home.
For Educators
Evidence-aligned ideas for phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and intervention.
See demonstrations →Education for All Podcast
Conversations that help families and educators understand learning and literacy.
Listen on Podbean →Watch & Learn
Literacy, explained clearly.
Meet Karen and see evidence-based reading practices in action through short, approachable videos.
Open Syllables — Part 1
Learn what makes a syllable open and why its vowel usually says its name.
Open Syllables — Part 2
Practice reading open-syllable words, from short examples to longer words.
Phonemes: Kids’ Lips
A kid-friendly look at how the mouth forms speech sounds to strengthen phonemic awareness.
Your Child Isn’t Broken
A reassuring message for families supporting a child who is struggling to read.
Hearing the Sounds First
Why phonemic awareness gives developing readers an essential foundation.
Orthographic Mapping in Action
A quick look at connecting speech sounds to print using ship and shop.
What People Are Saying
Together, we can make an impact.
“Mrs. Reaves has a gift for teaching and inspiring both students and educators. Her knowledge of the Science of Reading is unmatched.
— School Administrator
“The strategies I learned from The Reading Place transformed my child’s confidence and love for reading!
— Parent
Let’s Work Together
Ready to open new doors through literacy?
Tell us how we can support your student, family, school, or organization.