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The Anchor - Blog


The Impact of One-On-One Instruction on Reading Growth
There is a specific kind of heartbreak that happens at the kitchen table. It’s the moment when a spelling list becomes a battlefield, and the eraser marks on the page are outnumbered only by the tears falling on the paper. At Harbour Tutoring, we’ve seen this scene play out in countless homes. Perhaps you’ve lived it: the deep frustration of a child who can’t seem to make the letters "stick," the secondary-guessing of a parent wondering if they’re doing enough, and the mounti
Courteney Goff
Dec 22, 20254 min read


The Ultimate Reading Routine for Busy Families: Making Time for Literacy Success
Life moves fast. Between work commitments, extracurricular activities, and the constant demands of managing a household, I know how easily literacy practice can fall to the bottom of the priority list. You see the homework packet, you know reading is crucial, but carving out dedicated, high-quality reading time feels like a battle against the clock. As an educator who is deeply committed to the Science of Reading , and as someone who understands the pressure on modern familie
Courteney Goff
Dec 4, 20255 min read


3 Things Your Child Should NOT Do When Reading
As a parent, you share the same ultimate goal that fuels every lesson at Harbour Tutoring: seeing your child thrive . We want them to excel not just in school, but to become the type of lifelong learner who approaches the world with curiosity and confidence. But here is the simple, honest truth: the path to reading mastery is often paved with good intentions that can, inadvertently, become roadblocks. I remember my own time in elementary school clearly. I loved the idea of b
Courteney Goff
Dec 2, 20255 min read


Mid-Year Check-In: 3 Proven Ways to Boost Your Child's School Performance
We've officially crossed the halfway mark of the school year, and for many families, this can be a pivotal time. Report cards might have landed with a thud, parent-teacher conferences may have brought unexpected news, or perhaps life itself has simply become a whirlwind, leaving you wondering how to help your child navigate the remaining months successfully. The halfway point isn't just a calendar milestone. It's an opportunity . It's a chance to take stock, reassess, and imp
Courteney Goff
Nov 28, 20255 min read


Quick-Start Guide: Reading Homeschool Tips for Overcoming Reading Frustration
I remember my time in elementary school clearly. I absolutely loved books: the smell of the pages, the beautiful illustrations, and the sense of adventure they held. But the truth is, while I looked at books, I couldn't actually read. I was in reading intervention by the start of Kindergarten, and the feeling of being "behind" never really left me. That personal struggle is the fuel for everything we do here. It’s why I created Harbour Tutoring —to offer a dedicated program
Courteney Goff
Nov 25, 20256 min read


How much do tutors charge for elementary tutoring in Phoenix, AZ?
The hourly rates for elementary tutors in Phoenix, AZ typically fall into a broad range, from $25 to $100+ per hour. This wide range directly reflects the level of expertise , specialization, and guaranteed methodology you are receiving. Here is a look at what influences the rates you see when searching for elementary tutors near me : The Tutor's Expertise and Qualifications for E lementary Tutoring Phoenix This is the single biggest factor influencing cost, and it’s the mos
Courteney Goff
Nov 7, 20253 min read


Beyond Grades: Transforming Your Child Into a Lifelong Learner with High-Impact Private Tutoring Phoenix
As parents, we share the same ultimate goal: seeing our children thrive. Not just earning good grades, but truly love learning. Life is more than getting good grades. It's about tapping into your full potential. Yet, for many families in Phoenix , the reality looks very different. Perhaps you're seeing your child filled with frustration, avoidance, or nightly homework battles that drain everyone's energy. Sometimes to the point of tears. I had a previous student who would cry
Courteney Goff
Nov 5, 20252 min read


Why Homework Feels Like a Fight—and How to Make It Stop
For many families, the moment the backpack hits the floor, a new kind of tension can fill the air. The questions you're asking—"Why does...
Courteney Goff
Oct 7, 20253 min read


Raising an Independent Learner: A New Approach for the Teenage Years
The teenage years: it's a time of immense change—a shift from the early education years of hand-holding and direct supervision to a new...
Courteney Goff
Sep 30, 20253 min read


Spelling Doesn't Have to Be a Chore: How to Practice at Home, Hassle-Free
As a fellow parent and entrepreneur, I know the feeling of a packed schedule and the struggle to fit everything in. You're building a...
Courteney Goff
Sep 16, 20253 min read


The Secret to Acing the SAT Starts in Elementary School
The SAT and ACT. Just hearing those names can send a wave of stress through a high school student—and their parents. You've probably...
Courteney Goff
Sep 9, 20253 min read


Is Your Child a Reluctant Writer? Let's Change Their Story.
I know the feeling of watching your incredibly bright, curious child hit a wall. Maybe it’s with a math problem or a science concept, but...
Courteney Goff
Sep 3, 20253 min read


The Connection That Creates Lifelong Learners
As a fellow parent and entrepreneur, I know the beautiful complexity balancing my passions as business owner and raising a family. You’re...
Courteney Goff
Aug 29, 20253 min read


Big Growth Happens in Community: Announcing Our New Homeschool Enrichment Classes!
I know how intentional you are about your children's education. You've crafted a beautiful life for them, one full of experiences and...
Courteney Goff
Aug 28, 20253 min read


Why Less Is More: The Strategic Parent's Guide to a Great First School Year
It's a new school year. Is the thrill and the anxiety hitting you yet? You've intentionally crafted a life full of rich experiences for...
Courteney Goff
Aug 28, 20252 min read


Phoenix Tutoring Services
As a parent and an educator, I know how much you want your child to succeed. Sometimes, they just need that extra little boost to truly...
Courteney Goff
Aug 28, 20254 min read


Building a Resilient Learner: Study Habits That Stick (Even When You're Not Watching)
How many times a week do you watch your child struggle with their homework? Let's be real for a minute. The goal of parenting isn't just...
Courteney Goff
Aug 22, 20253 min read


Beyond the Classroom: How Tutors Bridge Learning Gaps and Prevent Burnout
You invest so much in your child's education, but a busy classroom can leave gaps in understanding and create overwhelming stress. At...
Courteney Goff
Aug 19, 20253 min read


Private Tutoring: More Than Just Better Grades
As the founder of Harbour Tutoring, I've seen firsthand the incredible impact that personalized academic support can have on a child....
Courteney Goff
Aug 15, 20253 min read


Maximizing Your Child's Learning Without Being a "Helicopter Parent"
How can you be your child's biggest cheerleader without turning into a helicopter parent? As a parent, your love for your child is...
Courteney Goff
Aug 12, 20253 min read
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