For children who struggle with reading, the challenges can reach far beyond the page, affecting their confidence in the classroom and their ability to keep up with other subjects.
That’s what inspired Hasina MakTaylor to launch Sugar Bees Academy, an educational service designed to help students strengthen their foundational reading skills and become more confident learners.
With years of experience working in education, Hasina says she saw children struggling to get the individual attention they needed, prompting her to find a way to offer additional support to families.
The academy has been operating online for about two years, following several years of developing its website and programming. Its focus is on students in Grades 1 through 10 who need extra help with reading.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all tutoring approach, Sugar Bees Academy works to identify each child’s specific reading gaps and develop a plan around their individual needs.
Support includes personalized instruction and activities designed to help students strengthen their skills through practice. Services are available virtually, making it possible for families outside St. Thomas to access support, and the academy has also recently begun offering in-person services at the library.
Hasina says helping children improve their reading is only part of the goal. Building their confidence and creating a comfortable space where they can learn without feeling judged are just as important. She encourages parents who have concerns about their child’s reading to start by speaking with their teacher and asking about strategies they can use at home.
Early signs parents can watch for include choppy reading, guessing at words, difficulty understanding what they have read, or frustration and avoidance when it is time to pick up a book.
Families interested in learning more about Sugar Bees Academy can visit sugarbeesacademy.com and fill out the contact form to discuss their child’s needs. Families can also reach the business by phone or text at 226-244-6994.
Hasina adds that her goal is to give families another option for support and help more children develop the reading skills and confidence they need to succeed.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
