Evidence-Based Reading Instruction for K–6th Grade Learners Who Need More Than Just Practice
I help struggling and reluctant readers build the skills and confidence to thrive, with structured literacy grounded in the science of reading.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone…
Your child avoids reading. They guess at words, struggle with comprehension, or fall apart when asked to read aloud. School is moving fast, and they’re falling behind.
You’ve tried reading together, flashcards, online programs, and even school interventions. But progress feels slow (or nonexistent). Worse, your child is starting to believe they’re “just not good at reading.” That belief sticks.
At FUN-damental Learning, I meet students where they are and give them what they actually need. Using structured literacy aligned with the science of reading, I teach the skills most struggling readers miss:
- Phonemic awareness
- Systematic phonics instruction
- Fluency and decoding strategies
- Vocabulary and comprehension skills
Each lesson builds on the last, helping your child make consistent progress and feel successful along the way.
Whether your child is just beginning or already falling behind, they’ll get support that’s patient, playful, and proven to work.
Hi, I’m Lisa Koeppen…
I’m the educator behind FUN-damental Learning. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and literacy support, I specialize in helping struggling readers become confident, capable learners one step at a time.
What You Can Expect
📚 Structured literacy aligned with the science of reading
🧠 Multisensory, hands-on learning to help concepts stick
🧑🏫 Individualized, 1:1 instruction tailored to your child’s needs
🤝 Warm, encouraging environment that builds confidence
💬 Ongoing parent communication and support at every step
Why Choose Me
You have options when it comes to tutoring, but here’s what sets FUN-damental Learning apart:
🔍 Evidence-Based Approach
I use structured literacy aligned with the science of reading, so everything we do is research-backed and results-driven.
🎯 Tailored for YOUR Child
No cookie-cutter lessons. I customize instruction based on your child’s needs, pace, and learning style.
💛 Whole-Child Focus
Learning is emotional. I prioritize connection, confidence, and a growth mindset because struggling readers don’t just need strategies. They need belief.
📈 Clear Progress, Real Results
Parents never have to wonder how things are going. I offer regular updates and celebrate every win (big and small).
🧒 Early Childhood Expertise
With years of experience working with children from 4K through 6th grade, I know how to keep lessons age-appropriate, engaging, and fun, even for reluctant readers.
This is more than tutoring. It is personalized, heart-centered reading support that helps your child grow in ability and confidence.
Who I Help
FUN-damental Learning provides online structured-literacy tutoring for children in grades Kindergarten through 6th.
Early Readers (K–2nd Grade)
Building foundational skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and early comprehension through engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
Developing Readers (Grades 3–6)
Strengthening accuracy, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and stamina for readers who are ready for more challenge.
Struggling or Reluctant Readers
Providing clear, step-by-step instruction that makes reading feel less overwhelming and more achievable and builds confidence for students who feel overwhelmed or unsure.
Readers with Dyslexia or Characteristics of Dyslexia
Offering explicit, systematic instruction that supports decoding, fluency, comprehension, and confidence.
Real Parents. Real Progress.
These families were once right where you are, and now their children are thriving.
"My grandson, Linus, was tutored by Mrs. Koeppen this past winter. He was six years old, could read only a few words, and was unable to write his full name despite attending a reputable school. Within a month of tutoring, Linus was writing full sentences and reading phonetic paper books with ease.
Mrs. Koeppen has great skill in diagnosis and targets instruction in a way that made Linus excited to return each week. He was so eager to learn with Mrs. Koeppen that his older sister, a capable reader, begged to join tutoring as well. They both adored her and learned extensively from her talented and caring approach."
— Dr. Patricia Antony
“Mrs. Lisa was a phenomenal help in meeting our son where he was in his reading and academic journey. She helped him get caught up, learn new skills, and truly excel in his schoolwork.
Over more than two years, she worked alongside him with patience, encouragement, and expertise, helping to grow his confidence to the point where he now genuinely enjoys reading.
In his own words, ‘She’s very good, she’s fun, and I enjoyed going to see her weekly.’
We are so grateful for the positive impact Mrs. Lisa has had on his learning and confidence.”
— Parent of a 3rd Grader
"Since working with Mrs. Koeppen, we have seen remarkable improvement in a short amount of time. Within just a couple of months, my son went up multiple reading levels. He also made significant progress in his writing skills and began reading chapter books at the start of first grade.
Mrs. Koeppen now works with both my children, and it has been a true joy to watch their confidence soar. They are both thriving academically. Thank you, Mrs. Koeppen!”
— Parent of a 1st & 3rd Grader
“My child now loves reading. That is something I never thought I’d hear.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Questions Families Ask
What ages do you work with?
I work with children in Kindergarten through 6th grade—early beginners, developing readers, and students who need more structured support. Instruction is tailored to each child’s needs and confidence level.
Updated: December 2025
How do I know if my child needs a tutor?
Your child may benefit from tutoring if they struggle to sound out words, guess instead of decoding, avoid reading, read slowly, or show frustration or low confidence. When reading feels harder than it should, structured support can make reading clearer and more manageable.
Updated: December 2025
Is online tutoring effective, and how is it different from in-person sessions?
Yes. Online tutoring is highly effective when instruction is explicit and interactive. Online sessions use digital, multisensory tools that make decoding and reading practice engaging. In-person sessions allow for hands-on materials in a calm, supportive workspace. Early readers do well in both settings because the structure and teaching stay the same; only the materials differ.
Updated: December 2025
More Questions Families Ask
What does a reading tutor do?
A reading tutor provides explicit, step-by-step instruction that helps children build the skills they need to read accurately and confidently. At FUN-damental Learning, I teach phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension using research-based structured-literacy methods. Children often benefit from tutoring when reading feels confusing, slow, or discouraging.
Updated: December 2025
What does structured literacy mean?
Structured literacy is a clear, explicit, and systematic approach to teaching reading based on how the brain learns best. It includes direct teaching of phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This method supports all readers, especially those who need more clarity or repetition.
Updated: December 2025
What does a tutoring session look like?
A session includes a warm check-in, phonemic awareness practice, explicit phonics or word study, decoding practice, reading connected text, and a positive close. Session options include 25-minute sessions for younger learners or 55-minute sessions for older or developing readers. Every lesson is individualized and taught directly by me using structured-literacy methods.
Updated: December 2025
Are sessions online or in person?
I offer online and in-person tutoring. Families in the Lake Country area of Waukesha County may choose in-person sessions in my home, and families anywhere can work with me online. Both formats follow the same structured, individualized approach.
Updated: December 2025
How soon will we see progress?
Many families notice improvements in confidence, decoding, fluency, or willingness to read within the first few months. Results vary based on the child’s starting point, attendance, and practice.
Updated: December 2025
What are your qualifications?
I am the sole reading tutor at FUN-damental Learning with more than 25 years of experience teaching young children. I hold degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, current Wisconsin teaching and administrative licenses, and training in UFLI Foundations, Orton-Gillingham–aligned coursework, LETRS-aligned professional learning, multisensory literacy strategies, and Science of Reading–aligned instruction. I personally design and teach every session.
Updated: December 2025
How do we get started?
Families begin with a free parent consultation. You’ll share your child’s needs, and I’ll explain next steps and provide pricing. If it feels like a good fit, we schedule your child’s first session.
Updated: December 2025
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive in Reading?
Let’s find the right support for your child, together.
