As teachers and tutors, you know that we must go beyond helping our students learn to decode and read fluently. Comprehension is the end … [Read More...]
The Top 5 Reasons You Should Use Decodable Text With Your Students
One thing that I find myself frequently explaining to parents, students, and other teachers is the rationale for using decodable texts. Students are accustomed to using leveled texts in their classrooms and in many school-based interventions that follow and balanced literacy model of instruction. While engaging, there are important reasons why decodable text can be […]
Five Ways To Spread Dyslexia Awareness Virtually
In our new reality of virtual school and virtual work. It might feel hard for you to keep track of what month it is, let alone what Awareness Month it is! However, October is Dyslexia Awareness month. For the sake of our students with dyslexia, it is important to continue to spread awareness, not just […]
Curious About RAN or Rapid Automatized Naming?
Educators and families have lots of questions about RAN or Rapid Automatized Naming. This is also referred to as Naming Speed. I am so happy to have Dr. Melissa Orkin sharing her knowledge with all of us about RAN or Naming Speed. Dr. Orkin has worked with Dr. Maryanne Wolf at Tufts’ University Center for […]
How to Teach Schwa Vowels Part 2: Tips for Teaching Other Schwa Vowels
In Part 1 of Teaching Schwa Vowels, we talked about strategies for learning schwa a. Schwa a is a great place to introduce the schwa vowel because it is predictable in its location and spelling. In addition, this post offers a lot of suggestions about teaching children about accent and stress which is a necessary […]
Ways To Support Children with Dyslexia During Distance Learning
During these strange times we live in, many of us are wearing multiple hats. Parent, employee, teacher, student, educational guide. If your child is doing hybrid or remote schooling, then it is highly likely that some adult in your household is overseeing your child’s learning. For children with dyslexia and accompanying challenges, this style of […]
Back to School Tips for Structured Literacy Teachers
Late summer means cooler evenings, and back to school. Even for the most seasoned teachers, back to school this year presents many new challenges. Nerves and uncertainty dull the shine of freshly sharpened pencils and new sneakers. The excitement of seeing friends is confused by social distancing requirements, separated cohorts, and face coverings. And holding […]
How to Explain Multisensory Instruction to Families
When you’re the parent of a child with a diagnosis like dyslexia can be overwhelming. Relief over finally having answers and a plan for helping your child can swiftly turn to a feeling of being unprepared. Parents find themselves faced with an abundance of new information, unfamiliar terms in both legalese and “teacherese” and overwhelming […]
6 Picture Book Suggestions During A Pandemic
As an adult, I can look at these challenging times and think how we are currently living through historical events. I have the gift of age and perspective. Although none of us have ever experienced anything like this pandemic, for your children the challenges they face can be particularly difficult to process and understand. One […]
