Activities – Book Through the Summer

    Summer is a wonderful time for kids. Not only do they get a well-deserved break from their busy school schedule, but they get time to reflect, grow, and experience. Whether your child will be attending camp, staying home, or going to visit family or friends, it's bound to be memorable! To keep those [...]

HOT TOPICS in Neuro & Educational Psychology for Teachers

If you have poor readers in your elementary classrooms, you may interested in new research out this month.  Traditionally we've thought that it is best to improve reading by having students read text that was very easy for them.  This new research shows that in 2nd – 4th grade, poor readers can improve reading rates [...]

Understanding Dyslexia 101

Dyslexia is a condition where the brain is unable to process the symbol of language.  It does not stem from intellect as individuals with average to above average intelligence can be dyslexic.  Reading, writing, spelling and organizational skills are most likely impacted.  The causes of Dyslexia are theorized to be genetic in nature. Dyslexia does [...]

A Good Reading Program Must…

Teach underlying skills Since sounds (not syllables, blends, full words or rhyming combinations) are the key that unlocks our English writing system, successful readers must be taught to segment (pull apart), blend (put together), and analyze words at the sound (phonemic) level. Use a sound to code basis Good reading programs teach the sound code [...]

IQ and Reading Ability Not Linked for Dyslexics

So, I'm not sure this is BIG news for most dyslexics or teachers of children with Dyslexics. People with Dyslexia are usually very strong in logic/reasoning and even other skills beyond the phonological awareness.  People with Dyslexia, including my daughter, can attest to the challenge with reading but not so much challenge in other areas.  [...]

Why is My Child Having Trouble Learning and Reading?

Over the last week I have had the pleasure of consulting with a family in Arizona.  We have gone back and forth through email helping one another to identify and better understand the problem and then providing a solution.  The family agreed to allow me to publish a snapshot to help other families relate and [...]