Every child’s reading difficulties are different, so every program I design is different too.
At Sensory Learning Services, I assess each child’s specific literacy needs and build a holistic, individualised intervention plan. Where it’s the right fit, I recommend Toe By Toe as part of that plan, with the endorsement of Toe By Toe Ltd.
Being Perth-based, I’m proud to be in a position to offer face-to-face support to WA families wanting to learn more.
What is Toe By Toe?
Toe by Toe is a highly structured, multi-sensory, phonics-based reading manual. It helps children and adults who find reading difficult, including those with dyslexia.
Keda Cowling, a teacher of children with dyslexic-type difficulties, created it from her own research. She named it Toe by Toe because its learning stages are even finer than “step by step”. Since 1994, it has helped millions of children and adults overcome their reading difficulties.
When I recommend Toe By Toe
In my experience, Toe by Toe suits children who:
- guess words from the first letter or the shape of the word
- have persistent difficulty matching letters to their sounds
- struggle to sound out single-syllable words
- need structured daily practice at home between weekly sessions
It isn’t right for every child. That’s why I only recommend it after a baseline assessment of your child’s strengths and gaps.
From Guessing to Confidence
Many children get by through guessing or remembering how words look. It works for a while, then it stops working, and reading becomes stressful.
Toe by Toe uses nonsense words, so children can’t rely on guessing or memory. Instead, it gives them a reliable way to work out any word. Once they realise reading doesn’t involve guessing, their confidence grows and their anxiety fades.
How Toe by Toe Fits with Our Intervention
Our 1:1 sessions draw on a range of evidence-based approaches. When Toe By Toe is part of a child’s intervention program, it works best as part of the daily homework routine.
Why daily practice matters
With daily practice, I see the benefits in our sessions straight away. Children read with more confidence, decode more accurately and are more willing to have a go. However, when practice is skipped, progress slows. Consistency is what makes the program work.
I’m happy to show you how to easily fit it into your week, so it becomes a habit rather than a chore.
Who can help at home or at school?
You don’t need to be a trained teacher to use Toe by Toe. Anyone who reads fluently can be a coach:
- Parents, as part of the homework routine
- Grandparents, sharing regular one-on-one time
- Older siblings or students, as part of a buddy system at school or in the neighbourhood
A buddy system benefits both children. The younger reader gets regular practice with a patient coach. Meanwhile, the older student reinforces their own reading and grows in responsibility, empathy and confidence. Neighbourhood sessions work best at home with a parent nearby.
The book has clear, simple instructions, but I’m happy to show any coach how to get started. You can also watch How Does Toe by Toe Work? on the official website. Schools wanting to set up a buddy program can contact me about School Buddy Programs.
Getting your copy of Toe By Toe
In Australia, Toe By Toe is available through Pearson Australia, the official distributor for Australia and New Zealand, so there’s no need to order from overseas websites.
Buy Official Toe By Toe from Pearson Australia
Questions parents often ask:
How long does it take each day?
Only about 20 minutes of coaching a day.
What if we miss a few days?
Life happens. Just pick it up again the next day. Short, regular practice matters more than long sessions.
Is it suitable for dyslexia?
Yes. Toe by Toe helps children with dyslexia and others who find reading difficult.
Do I need to buy it before our first session?
No. After the baseline assessment, I’ll let you know whether I recommend it.
Find out whether Toe by Toe could help your child as part of a holistic, individualised reading program.