Why Teacher Training in Reading Differences Matters You watch a student work twice as hard as their peers. They still struggle to decode simple words. You know something needs to change. Understanding reading differences gives teachers the power to transform how students experience learning. Reading development happens through neural pathway building. Children’s brains can develop […]
Understanding Why Confidence Matters for Reading Development Students developing reading skills often face a unique challenge that extends far beyond academics. Every day in your classroom, you see it happening—the bright child who shuts down before even attempting a reading task, the one who’s learned to say “I can’t” before trying. This isn’t about ability; […]
Understanding How the Brain Learns to Read Reading is not a natural human ability. Unlike speaking, which develops through exposure, reading must be explicitly taught. The brain creates reading pathways by connecting visual symbols (letters) to sounds (phonemes). For students developing reading skills through different pathways, this connection requires more explicit, systematic instruction. The good […]
Why Collaboration Between Teachers and Reading Specialists Matters When a child is developing reading skills differently, the partnership between classroom teachers and reading specialists becomes the most powerful force for change. This isn’t about handing off responsibility to an “expert.” It’s about creating a unified approach where everyone reinforces the same strategies and speaks the […]
Understanding Response to Intervention for Reading Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered framework designed to identify and support students who are developing reading skills at a different pace. Rather than waiting for children to fall far enough behind for a formal diagnosis, RTI provides early intervention through increasingly intensive instruction based on each student’s […]
Understanding the Parent Experience When a parent walks into your classroom with concerns about their child’s reading development, they’re often carrying months—sometimes years—of quiet worry. They’ve watched their child work harder than classmates for smaller gains. They’ve heard “give it time” from well-meaning family members while their gut tells them something different. These parents aren’t […]
Understanding Early Identification in the Classroom Teachers are often the first to notice when a child’s reading development takes a different path. You see it in the hesitation before reading aloud, the creative avoidance strategies, and the bright eyes that dim when books come out. The good news? Your classroom observations are valuable for early […]
Understanding What You’re Observing in the Classroom When a student avoids reading tasks and responds with frustration, it’s easy to wonder if laziness is the cause. But you’re often seeing something different: a child whose brain works overtime just to process what comes easily to others. Reading avoidance paired with emotional responses is a common […]
Why Quality Classroom Instruction Isn’t Always Enough You’re doing everything right. Your lessons are engaging, your instruction is explicit, and your reading interventions follow best practices. Yet one student—maybe several—continues to struggle while their classmates progress. If this pattern sounds familiar, you’re experiencing something every experienced educator encounters. The truth is that quality instruction is […]
Discover how to help your child smoothly transition back to school! Learn essential tips from an experienced teacher to ease the shift and start the year strong. Empower your child for success!
