Some things aren’t as good online as they are “in real life,” but multisensory learning isn’t one of them! In this episode, I share how multisensory learning instruction can be carried out effectively online, specific tools to use, and examples of this in practice.  When I first began my training, I thought multisensory instruction could only be done in person. Fast forward to now, I fully provide this service online! Multisensory instruction simultaneously ties in visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile instruction, also known as VAKT, so that a student uses all the pathways of ..read more

The difference between “Let’s eat, Grandma” and “Let’s eat Grandma” is substantial! Grammar and punctuation provide clarity and understanding that, without them, make language hard to understand. Today, I’m discussing the importance of teaching dyslexic children grammar and punctuation and three tips for helping your child learn these nuances.   All aspects of language, reading, writing, and speaking, are connected with each other in a symbiotic and circular relationship. If we leave out educating our children about grammar, they miss out on a very important part of communication. I go in ..read more

We’ve all heard that pesky little voice in our heads say something like, “Well, you should’ve done XYZ, but you didn’t.” Many dyslexics experience negative self-talk. I know I have! Reminding ourselves to be graceful in these moments, while sometimes easier said than done, is the only way through it. Today, I’m sharing 7 ways that you can help the dyslexic in your life give themselves grace.  Educate your child on dyslexia and reinforce that their intelligence is not defined by it.  Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage them to share their struggles and feelings and reinfo ..read more

If you do a quick Google search, you'll find so many examples of successful adults with dyslexia who have found their passion and are thriving. Some of the famous personalities include director Steven Spielberg, actor Keira Knightley, basketball player Magic Johnson, and author Agatha Christie. In this episode, you'll hear practical advice and strategies for helping your child with dyslexia find their calling.   As a parent, you can help your child find their passion by encouraging them to explore various activities and interests to identify and nurture their strengths. Creating a po ..read more

IEP season is here and many of us are getting ready to attend our (first) IEP meetings. If you’re a parent of a dyslexic student, you may be curious about what to expect. In this episode, I break down the IEP agenda process and share what to expect before and during an IEP meeting. IEP stands for Individualized Education Program — a personalized learning plan for a child with a qualifying disability. The IEP outlines present levels, goals, services, and accommodations a child will receive in a given calendar year. The IEP agenda typically looks like this: Before the IEP Meeting: Take this time ..read more

Are audiobooks and immersion readers just a new way to cheat? The short answer is no. In this episode, I share information on audiobooks and immersion readers, and the positive impact they can have on reading difficulties for dyslexic students.    Research shows that using audiobooks and immersion readers (also called ear readers) can only help increase your child’s reading skills. Reading difficulties can lead to anxiety, specifically for students with dyslexia. Audiobooks can alleviate this anxiety by providing an alternative way of accessing information and contributing to the dev ..read more

I recently had a parent contact me who was confused about RtI Tier 2 language used in a meeting. (And rightfully so!) It’s not uncommon to feel like your head is spinning after an education meeting where different acronyms are thrown around. This is what I refer to as “edu speak.” In this episode, I detail the three tiers of RtI and explain how dyslexia intervention fits into the process.  RtI stands for Response to Intervention. It is the first step toward receiving Special Education services in reading, and should only last 8–12 weeks. The RtI framework consists of three tiers divided l ..read more

December is traditionally known as a month of joy and celebration — ‘tis the season! Join me as I open the doors to my WHY and celebrate the launch of two courses to support the Untangling Literacy community: Discovering Dyslexia and Untangling Dyslexia.  My dad, a dyslexic and driving force and inspiration for Literacy Untangled, always asks me how I can help more people. So, I’ve come up with two solutions to the questions I am asked the most: “Could my child be dyslexic?” And, “How do I get my child identified with dyslexia and manage the IEP process?” Solution #1: Discovering Dyslexia ..read more

Continuing with our series on dyslexia myths, I’m debunking the top five things that people get wrong about dyslexia. Contrary to popular belief, people with dyslexia don’t simply confuse numbers and letters. More than 80% of individuals with dyslexia struggle with organization, planning, prioritizing, punctuality, and staying focused. Even so, having dyslexia does not indicate someone’s ability to be successful or thrive in the right working environment. There are so many harmful misconceptions about neurocognitive disorders, so tune in to learn more about separating fact from fiction when it ..read more

If you’ve tried to get your child tested for dyslexia, but ran into barriers because they don’t attend public school, this episode is for you.    Child Find is a resource that’s part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). It requires each state to develop a statewide system for identifying, locating, and evaluating all children from birth to 21 years old who are in need of special education and related services. In this episode, I explore how Child Find works and who it serves. I also share tips about the application process and how long you can expect ..read more