I was watching a sweet video the other day of a toddler trying to figure out a puzzle and looking frustrated but determined.  Finally, the child figured it out and their face lit up!  So sweet! I love these kinds of stories of kids, adults, and even animals overcoming difficulties.  They can be such an inspiration! And even better: when someone overcomes a difficulty and then turns around and helps others to overcome that same difficulty! That’s this week’s guest on the podcast: Sherrika Myers! You will hear her tell her story of difficulty, overcoming, and then creating way ..read more

Continuing with ideas for motivating our kids, we're discussing the motivational impact of genuine belief in your child.  Belief in who they are and what they are capable of. Check out the video version, more free resources, and support at www.DecodingLearningDifferences.com Send IEP documents you want free feedback on to: Kimberlynn@DecodingLearningDifferences.com ..read more

Continuing with ideas for motivating our kids, we're discussing the motivational impact of giving kids genuine responsibility. See the video version and resources at: www.DecodingLearningDifferences.com Send IEP documents you want free feedback on to: Kimberlynn@DecodingLearningDifferences.com ..read more

Continuing with ideas for motivating our kids, we're discussing the motivational impact of  genuine gratitude. Send IEP documents you want free feedback on to: Kimberlynn@DecodingLearningDifferences.com ..read more

Affirmations expressing all the awesome qualities of your kid can be very motivating for them! Be sure to send IEP documents you want free feedback on to: Kimberlynn@DecodingLearningDifferences.com ..read more

As a former special education teacher in the public schools, and as someone who still is paying attention to what kids are drawn to reading, I can tell you that anecdotally, graphic novels seem to be the most exciting type of book for kids to own! They love the pictures and our dyslexic kiddos often thrive off of fewer words on the page.  However, many graphic novels contain words that are WAY too challenging for struggling readers. Enter Sue Marasciulo.     If you don’t know about her books, you’ll probably want to grab some, especially if your kiddo is in the early read ..read more

This episode goes into three “Motivation Killers”: Punishments, Rewards, and Praise.  (Although praise is actually a type of reward).   Punishment Now that corporal punishment (physical abuse/hitting) is very rare and illegal in most states, punishment is usually about taking something away from a child (called a negative punishment).  Punishments you may have seen in schools: “You didn't do your work, you don't get to go out to recess.”  “You didn't do well enough, you get an F.”  “You get a zero.”  “You have a missing notice that has to go home and get signed by ..read more

Video version available at: https://decodinglearningdifferences.com/podcast/DevelopingReadersAcademy/  Last week we dove deep into the Science of Reading.  This week, we’re moving into how to make that reading instruction FUN! Laura and Megan of the Developing Readers Academy are this week’s podcast guests and they are full of wisdom and inspiration! Join our conversation and gain some ideas for how best to help your “growing reader”. Learn more about what they're doing at: https://www.developingreadersacademy.com/  ..read more

Video version available at: https://decodinglearningdifferences.com/podcast/NHansford How much do you know about “The Science of Reading”? Do you feel clueless?  Do you feel like you are an expert?  Somewhere in-between? This week’s episode is for you if you land ANYWHERE in that range!  I completely geek out over Science of Reading stuff and this conversation was a super fun one for me!  I got to ask an expert on the topic some questions and along the way, he gave a good overview of what good reading instruction requires and what the research says about each of those ele ..read more

Video Version available at: https://decodinglearningdifferences.com/podcast/MotivationKillers/  This powerful replay episode goes into three “Motivation Killers”: Punishments, Rewards, and Praise.  (Although praise is actually a type of reward).   Punishment Now that corporal punishment (physical abuse/hitting) is very rare and illegal in most states, punishment is usually about taking something away from a child (called a negative punishment).  Punishments you may have seen in schools: “You didn't do your work, you don't get to go out to recess.”  “You didn't do well ..read more