The Literacy Keys - Dyslexia resources and structured literacy tips by an Orton Gillingham tutor

Is the State Paying for Your Tutor? Discover the ESA Account Secret and have Educational Savings Accounts explained.Let’s face it. You want the absolute best for your child, but sometimes the price tag for specialized literacy support feels like a mountain you just can’t climb alone. In this episode, we’re turning that mountain into a molehill by showing you exactly how to secure the state funding your child needs.Many parents don’t realize that Educational Savings Accounts (ESA) are essentially the state giving you back your tax dollars to spend on education that works  for your child, such as 1:1 Orton-Gillingham tutoring. In this episode, I’m breaking down the deadlines so you don’t leave money on the table.After listening, you’ll:Understand how the ESA account functions.Navigate state application portals with confidence.Secure a path toward 1:1 educational therapy that re-wires your child’s brain and builds the lasting reading, writing and spelling skills they deserve.If this episode helped you breathe a little easier today, please share it with one other parent who is fighting for their child, and don't forget to follow us for other  practical wins. Are you ready to see if we're the right fit for your child's  journey? Book a discovery call here to discuss your child's needsResources Mentioned:State Portals:Arizona Department of Education ESAUtah Fits All Scholarship Florida Step Up For StudentsNorth Carolina NCSEAA ESA+ ProgramWest Virginia Hope ScholarshipAlabama CHOOSE ActCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to ESA and Its Benefits01:58 What is an ESA Account and How Does It Work?05:50 Eligibility Criteria: Special Education and Universal Options13:47 Maximizing Summer Learning with ESA Funding

If you’ve ever stayed up late wondering if your teenager will be able to navigate the "real world" without constant help, this episode is something you’ve been waiting for.I recently sat down with Hillary Summerbell, a powerhouse dyslexic entrepreneur who built a thriving career long before she could comfortably read a single business contract. It’s easy to feel like the clock is ticking for your dyslexic learner, especially in the high-pressure years of middle and high school, but Hillary’s story proves that the "traditional" path isn't the only way to the top. Hillary shares how she navigated decades of "faking it" until she discovered a revolutionary visual hack (the Reading Arc) that unlocked her ability to process text at age 55. After listening, you’ll:Recognize the specific "entrepreneurial traits" your child is already developing.See how a successful dyslexic entrepreneur used delegation and creative problem-solving to bypass hurdles.Get the details on a simple tool that reshapes text into an arc, reducing visual stress and increasing reading speed instantly.Need individualized 1:1 support for your dyslexic learner? Explore our tutoring services and find the right "key" for your child at: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/Resources:Visit Summerbell.com to see the Reading Arc in action.Lastly, if this episode gave you a glimmer of hope, please share it with another parent and follow us so you never miss a dose of encouragement!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dyslexia and Entrepreneurship01:27 Hillary's Journey with Dyslexia06:29 Discovering a New Way to Read12:40 Creating the Summerbell Tool39:20 Advice to Younger Self

If you’ve ever tried to read a comprehensive evaluation, looked at all the norm referenced tests and thought, “Great, now I need a math degree just to read this report,” you are not alone. Trying to Decode the results can feel like a Secret Language. When you look at a thick report of evaluation results, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With terms like norm referenced tests and percentiles, our child is suddenly reduced to a point on a page. I’ve been there, both as a specialist and as a momfighting for my own daughter’s accommodations. The truth is, these tests are simply tools designed to show how your child learns differently, but only if you know how to translate the information into plain English. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident in understanding the information and the specific questions to ask to get your child the support they deserve. You’ll learn:how to demystify norm referenced testswhy the bell shaped curve is your friend3 questions to ask the school psychologist  Are you ready to turn those test scores into a clear plan of action?Click to book a discovery call or send me a message so wecan figure out the best next steps for your child together. If this episode helped lower your stress levels (even a tiny bit) please share it with one other parent who is staring at a report feeling overwhelmed. Better yet, follow us (or subscribe we’re free) for more jargon-free guidance.  Your support helps us empower more parents. Cheers,⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and Tracy's background01:12 Why understanding test reports is crucial for parents03:34 What are norm reference tests? A simple explanation05:30 The bell curve and how scores are compared to peers07:44 Understanding standard scores and percentile ranks09:09 Subtests, scaled scores, and confidence intervals23:25 Turning test results into actionable next steps

You shouldn’t need a PhD just to understand why your bright child is hitting a brick wall with spelling and reading. Stop the guesswork, ask for a comprehensive evaluation and learn exactly which tests belong when testing for dyslexia, ADHD or another conditions. Schools often use a "triage system," identifying only the most visible cases while bright, dyslexic kids fly under the radar by memorizing and guessing. If you’ve been told a comprehensive evaluation isn't necessary because your child is passing, or you’re being given a screening when you need a deep dive this episode is for you. I’m breaking down the alphabet soup of testing (from WISC to CTOPP) to share what each one actually reveals about your child's brilliance and their bottlenecks. This episode:Translates complex test results into plain English so you can explain exactly where the "breakdown" in reading happens. Ensures "Norm-Referenced" accuracy by comparing your child’s skills to national peers, not just their local classroom. Validates your child’s experience by using oral reading tests that prove how much effort they are actually putting into every sentence. Don't wait for another frustrating report card; let’s get you the answers you deserve at TheLiteracyKeys.com/contact. Do you know a parent who's feeling overwhelmed? Send them this episode! Follow the show for more tips, leave a rating, and contact me for current Orton Gillingham tutoring availability.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Need for Comprehensive Evaluations06:06 Navigating the Evaluation Process for Dyslexia08:56 Key Areas Covered in Comprehensive Evaluations20:52 Practical Steps for Parents in the Evaluation Process

Discover why twice exceptional kids struggle and uncover why 2e kids fly under the radar. Explore exactly what todo next to support your twice exceptional children.  It’s sometimes called double deficit dyslexia.If you’ve been stuck in the loop of my kid is so smart… and still struggles, this episode is for you.  Leave with language to use, tests to ask for, and a plan that actually fits your child. Twice exceptional kids can look like a walking contradiction: they have advanced ideas, strong vocabulary, yet reading feels painfully hard. When giftedness and dyslexia show up together, the signals get messy. Strengths can mask needs, and parents are frequently told to wait and see. Meanwhile, your child is working twice as hard just to keep up, andconfidence takes the hit. This episode breaks down what twice exceptional really means and what you can do to support your twice exceptional kids.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to spot common signs of twice exceptional kidsWhat types of evaluation to ask forHow to explain the 2e profile to teachersDo you need an Orton Gillingham Tutor? Contact The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/If this episode resonated with you, please share this with another parent.  Hit follow/subscribe (we’re free) and leave aquick rating so you don’t miss the next episode.Chapters(00:00) Understanding Twice Exceptional Kids(12:07) Challenges Faced by Twice Exceptional Kids(24:13) Strategies for Supporting Twice Exceptional Kids

If your disorganized child forgets everything, discover executive functioning activities that help scattered minds learn to plan, start, and finish.  If your ADHD child continuously forgets to turn in homework, they might benefit from executive functioning activities. This episode shares a fun one, that even the most jaded teen will be rolling up their sleeves to try.  You don’t have to mention that they are secretly strengthening their planning, organization, and time management skills.After listening, you’ll have a simple, playful plan to build follow-through without nagging, bribing, or burnout. When kids appear disorganized, their brains are really working overtime, so planning, organizing, and finishing can feel impossible. What looks like being forgetful is often brain overload. The disorganized child can’t hold all the steps, keep track of time, and pivot when they get stuck. That’s why Executive Functioning Activities work best when they’re hands-on, and broken into small chunks. In this episode, I’ll share an activity that helps the disorganized child practice necessary skills.  All without feeling like another lesson.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to turn a game into Executive Functioning Activities that builds momentumHow to help the disorganized child (with a Scattered Mind) break tasks into smaller winsWhat to say when your child shuts down, so they re-engage instead of melting downDo you want help tailoring these executive functioning supports to your child? Reach out to The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/If this episode helped, please follow, share it with another parent ,and leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find it.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Executive Functioning Skills(10:00) Building an Online Escape Room(19:53) Steps to Create the Escape Room(24:53) Troubleshooting and Action Plan

After this episode, you’ll know exactly how to improve writing skills and what to do next with your child so writing starts feeling doable.For many struggling readers writing is brain overload. They have ideas, but getting those ideas onto paper in the right order, with the right words, can feel like juggling while riding a unicycle. In this episode, Tracy Young (certified Orton-Gillingham tutor) and Alex, her dyslexic daughter break writing down into 5 clear steps that reduce frustration and build confidence. It’s a plan you can use today.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to turn “I don’t know what to write” into a simple plan in minutesA 5-step process sharing How To Improve Writing Skills without overwhelmWhat to say (and what not to say) when your child freezes or melts downPick one writing assignment this week and try the 5 steps once. There’s no pressure. Do you need one-on-one writing support for your child? Contact The Literacy Keys.If this episode helped, please share us with another parent. Leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find us.Cheers,⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠ps - You can also check out the episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠CHAPTERS:(00:00) Introduction to Improve Writing Skills(03:11) Overcoming Writing Challenges(06:07) Understanding the Writing Process(12:30) Expanding Ideas and Sentence Structure(21:26) Utilizing Technology in WritingKeywordswriting, essay tips, writing techniques, dyslexia, outlining, editing, technology in writing, college essays, writing skills, procrastination

Struggling for success can feel like staring at a report card and thinking, “How is my child so bright… and still drowning?” After listening to this episode, you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and clear on what to do today, not “someday.”Host Tracy Young, an ALTA-certified, Orton-Gillingham tutor, shares a candid Reddit thread where dyslexic adults shared the truth about being told they couldn't achieve something and the moment they proved that person wrong. These are real-life dyslexia success stories, college acceptances, advanced degrees, thriving careers, all powered by persistence and the right supports. Tracy breaks down what these stories have in common, and why struggling for success is usually a mismatch in instruction, not a lack of effort or intelligence.In this episode, you’ll learn:What dyslexia success stories have in common, so you can copy the patterns that work.A simple way to talk to your child that boosts motivation.How to spot progress that’s easy to miss, so your child feels wins sooner.Do you need a calm, clear plan for your struggling reader? Start at The Literacy Keys. Click ⁠here⁠  Chapters(00:00) Understanding the Struggles of Dyslexia(03:13) The Reality of Parental Fears(05:58) Celebrating Dyslexia Success Stories(08:57) Believing in Your Child's Potential(11:51) Finding Support and Community

Have your mornings turned into hostage negotiations? After listening, you’ll understand what’s driving the school avoidance pushback and exactly what to do next. Understand what Half-Baked Muffins refers to, and turn hard mornings of “My Child Hates School” into a new reality. It's never easy but you can start this week! If you’re a parent hearing: “My Child Hates School” and you’re looking for answers, then this episode is for you. Host Tracy Young, certified Orton Gillingham tutor breaks down School Avoidance in plain language, with a whole lot of practical calm. You’ll learn the most common reasons kids avoid school and how to stop the daily negotiation spiral without escalating the fear. In this episode, you’ll learn:How to spot what’s really happening beneath “My Child Hates School” and respond in a way that lowers the temperature.A simple 3-step plan to interrupt School Avoidance without power struggles.CHAPTERS(02:05) — What Is School Avoidance (School Refusal)?(05:20) — What Kids Say (and What They Mean)(09:10) — The 5 Most Common Reasons for School Avoidance(13:45) — Academic Struggle & Older Kids(16:25) — The 7-Day Plan to Reduce School AvoidanceIf this episode helped you, please subscribe and leave a quick review, so more exhausted parents can find support. Learn more about The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/Ready for a calmer plan? Book a consultation at: ⁠https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/RESOURCESThe Tapping Solution (kids + school anxiety)

The 504 plan and private schools: step-by-step explanation for what private schools must do, what they don’t haveto do, and how to ask for support without burning bridges. After listening to this episode, you’ll know exactlywhat to ask for, how to ask, and what to do next, all without feeling like you need a law degree.This topic hits hard because private schools can soundconfident while giving you a vague statement: “We don’t do 504s here.” This can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling tutoring, tears, tuition, and teacher emails. In this episode, Orton Gillingham tutor and host TracyYoung breaks down what’s actually true about a 504 plan and private schools in plain language. You’ll walk away with a simple plan for accommodations that help your child right now, whether or not the school uses a formal 504 process. You’ll discover:How to get a clear answer to the question: "Do private schools have 504 plans?"How to request accommodations that are specific and reasonable.What to say to the school when you're feeling nervous or brushed off.How to document needs so that it's not about goodwill. What your backup plan is if the school won't provide the support your child needs. How to compare options when weighing a 504 plan and private schools versus public school support. CHAPTERS(0:00) Introduction: The 504 Plan Dilemma (03:03) Public Schools: Your Rights Under Federal Law (06:33) Private Schools: Understanding the Differences (11:17) How to Request Accommodations in Private Schools Download the checklist and walk into your next conversation with a plan: https://theliteracykeys.com/dyslexia-accommodations-checklist/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf this helped, please leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find the episode.Cheers,⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠, founder of ⁠TheLiteracy Keys ⁠

She’s not lazy—she’s masking dyslexia. Hear the sneaky signs of dyslexia in girls and why so many teachers miss them. A real story that looks at sex differences in dyslexia. In this episode, we cover how late diagnosis is common when girls compensate. You'll discover behavioral myths, research gaps, and a checklist of red flags for dyslexia in girls. This information will highlight why dyslexia is diagnosed more frequently in males and how societal issues create the impression of sex differences in dyslexia. All of this is important to understand when thinking about testing your child for dyslexia. If this episode has been helpful please share it with another parent, and leave a review.  Your support helps us empower more parents. Links:Go to the homepage of our website to download the Dyslexia Symptoms by Age mentioned in this episode. Cheers,⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠You can watch episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠Episode Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and why we’re talking about dyslexia in girls01:40 The “behavior bias”: why girls often fly under the radar07:00 Masking and classroom dynamics that hide reading struggles09:15 Red flags we missed and what parents often notice first16:30 Teacher training gaps and why schools may overlook dyslexia22:45 Early-childhood warning signs (ages 5–12)25:55 Rhyming/tongue twisters: an easy at-home clue30:35 Subtle symptoms + what “looks fine” can really mean35:35 Social masking + perfectionism/people-pleasing pressure41:40 What helped + practical supports to try43:25 Quick wrap-up takeaways

Stop second-guessing possible dyslexia accommodations. Get the dyslexia accommodations checklist and be prepared for the 504 meeting.  Discover how to level the playing field for your child while fostering independence and self-advocacy.  This is the second of a 2-part series, in which Tracy continues the conversation on dyslexia accommodations, shifting the focus to the critical transition into middle and high school. You'll understand why your child’s 504 accommodations are not a "favor" or a "loophole"; they are essential tools that allow students to demonstrate understanding of the material without changing academic expectations.Over time the goal of dyslexia accommodations shifts toward independence and self-advocacy. Learn how to move away from constant adult intervention, toward a model where your teen knows exactly what tools they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. Episode Chapters00:00 - Defining Dyslexia AccommodationsThe host introduces the concept of dyslexia accommodations, explaining that they are adjustments to how a student learns.02:26 - Middle School Transitions and ToolsThis section discusses the increased academic demands of middle school and the importance of using assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech software and audiobooks, to help students access grade-level content.04:30 - Organizational and Note-Taking SupportThe host explains how note-taking assistance and graphic organizers can help students manage "executive functioning" challenges and stay organized as they navigate multiple teachers and complex projects.06:18 - High School Success and Exam PrepThis chapter covers advanced support for high schoolers, including foreign language waivers and the critical process of applying for accommodations on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT.10:11 - Fostering Self-Advocacy and ResourcesThe episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of student self-advocacy for long-term success and introduces a downloadable dyslexia accommodations checklist to help parents navigate school meetings.If you didn't have a chance to listen to part 1 head over to episode 25 and remember to download the Dyslexia Accommodations Checklist. If this has been helpful, subscribe to this podcast and share it with another parents.Cheers,Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham TutorThe Literacy Keys Check out episodes with Alex on YouTubeDyslexia Accommodations Part 1 - episode 25Dyslexia Accommodations Checklisttranscript

Stop second-guessing yourself. Before your child’s next school meeting, make sure you know which dyslexia accommodations actually help, and which myths to ignore. In this episode of The Literacy Keys, host Tracy Young breaks down dyslexia accommodations for students and explains how 504 dyslexia accommodations work in the classrooms. You'll discover the biggest misconceptions parents hear at school meetings, and why accommodations are about access and are not an unfair advantage. Plus, Tracy shares where to find a dyslexia accommodations checklist you can bring to your next meeting so you can advocate with confidence instead of second-guessing yourself.If you’re a parent of a child with dyslexia and want to feel prepared, informed, and empowered, this episode is a must-listen. This is the first of a two part series. Episode Chapters: Navigating Dyslexia Accommodations00:00 — The Secret Sauce to School Success Discover how the right dyslexia accommodations can transform your child’s educational experience. 01:10 — Accommodations vs. Modifications: What’s the Difference? Are you confusing these two critical terms? Learn the official definitions and why understanding the difference is the first step toward effective advocacy.03:45 — The Time Management Myth Why is extra time so controversial? Tracy dives into the research on processing speeds and explains why "standard" timing can be a major roadblock for dyslexic learners.04:30 — The One-Size-Fits-All Trap Every child is unique—and their dyslexia accommodations should be, too. Explore why customized support is essential and why schools often resist it (and how you can push back).05:40 — More Than Just a Band-Aid Accommodations are essential, but they aren't a replacement for intervention. Tracy shares a cautionary tale.06:50 — BUSTED: The "Three Accommodation Limit" Don't be fooled by school administrators claiming there's a limit to how much help your child can get. Learn the legal truth about 504 and IEP plans and how to call their bluff.10:15 — Your Elementary School Toolkit From "Audiobooks" to "Scribes," Tracy reveals the best dyslexia accommodations for grades K–5 to prevent your young learner from falling behind their peers.12:00 — The "Round Robin" Nightmare Find out why reading aloud in class is one of the most stressful experiences for a dyslexic student and how a simple accommodation can preserve your child's confidence and dignity.This is part 1 of a 2-part series. You'll want to listen to episode #26 for part 2 and check out our Dyslexia Accommodations ChecklistNeed an Orton Gillingham tutor? Contact The Literacy Keystranscript of this episode

You don’t need to be a professional dyslexia tutor to improve your child’s reading. In this episode of The Literacy Keys, you’ll learn how to bring the Orton Gillingham method right into your home using simple, powerful tips that help your child make real progress.If you’ve ever sat at the kitchen table watching your child avoid doing their homework, you’re not alone. That frustration is exactly why this episode exists. Tracy, an Orton Gillingham tutor, discusses the “fourth-grade slump;” explains why traditional reading instruction leaves dyslexic learners behind, and shows you ways to confidently use Orton Gillingham at home, even if you have zero teaching experience.You’ll learn two practical OG strategies you can use immediately to help your child read and spell with less stress. These parent-friendly, multisensory techniques mirror what expert dyslexia tutors use during structured literacy lessons, but without the price tag.If you homeschool, or if you’ve simply been looking for a way to use the Orton Gillingham method at home, this episode will ensure you do so with clarity and confidence. Listen now and discover how.Need an Orton Gillingham tutor?Contact The Literacy Keys

If your middle or high schooler avoids books, argues about homework, or insists they’re just not a reader, this episode is for you. We’re digging into reading motivation for older kids and, most importantly, how to motivate your kids to read without constant battles or guilt trips.In this episode of The Literacy Keys, Tracy breaks down why so many secondary students are still struggling with foundational reading skills and what makes teens’ reading challenges very different from younger kids’. You’ll hear how low confidence, slow fluency, and intimidating multisyllabic words in subjects like science and social studies slowly drain motivation. Best of all, this episodes shares what you can do to rebuild reading motivation at home. Drawing on a powerful Education Week article about secondary reading struggles and the book Know Better, Do Better by Meredith & David Liben, Tracy explains why it’s never too late to become a better reader, and why age-appropriate materials, targeted fluency work, and mindset shifts matter so much for teens. You’ll walk away with practical, realistic strategies you can start using right away. Whether your child is barely reading, reading very slowly, or simply refusing to try, this episode on reading motivation shares how to motivate kids to read. If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure where to start, this conversation will give you a concrete plan to help your older child see themselves as a reader.⁠transcript of this episode⁠Resources mentioned in this episode:Education Week article: “Secondary Students Are Struggling With Reading, Too. A Look at the Landscape.”Know Better, Do Better: Teaching the Foundations So Every Child Can Read by Meredith & David LibenLearn more about dyslexia tutors, resources, and support for struggling readers at The Literacy Keys

Co-hosts Tracy and Alex discuss their personal experiences with parental guilt, anxiety and dyslexia, and the importance of seeking therapy when anxiety in teens becomes too much. They explore the emotional journey of receiving a dyslexia diagnosis, the differing reactions between parent and child, and the complexities of parental guilt. They share their thoughts on helping teens with anxiety, and how to find the right child psychologist (or therapist). Parents need to be aware of red flags indicating their child may need professional help.Therapy can be a valuable outlet for emotions, and finding the right therapist is crucial. Addressing foundational reading issues is also important when your child is struggling to read. If you are interested in improving your child's reading through a structured Orton Gillingham approach contact: The Literacy Keys. Chapters(00:00) Navigating Dyslexia: A Personal Journey(14:51) Understanding Parental Guilt(29:39) Anxiety In Teens & The Importance Of Finding The Right TherapistTranscript of episode #22

Dive into the essential skills of reading fluency — what it is, why it matters, and how parents can strengthen it at home using multi-sensory techniques. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What reading fluency actually meansWhy fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehensionHow dyslexic learners uniquely benefit from structured fluency practiceThe most effective multi-sensory reading fluency strategies parents can use at homeEcho readingPhrase scoopingRepeated readingsPressure-free timed readingsYou'll also hear about a FREE opportunity to participate in a Spelling Program that Tracy has created for Struggling Spellers. Head over to: https://theliteracykeys.com/beta-tester-unlock-the-spelling-code/Tracy Young is an Orton-Gillingham trained, ALTA Certified Practitioner and the founder of The Literacy Keys, where she tutors dyslexic students and teaches parents how to support literacy at home with confidence and clarity.This Episode Is For:Parents of dyslexic childrenParents of struggling readersHomeschooling familiesEducators looking for multisensory fluency ideasAnyone wanting to understand structured literacy more deeply

If your child avoids reading, mixes up words, melts down over homework, or keeps saying, “I’m just not smart,” you may be wondering whether there’s something deeper happening beneath the surface. What if these challenges aren’t a phase, but signs of dyslexia symptoms that have been overlooked?In this episode, Tracy Young, Orton-Gillingham practitioner and host of The Literacy Keys Podcast, walks you through the most common dyslexia symptoms across four age groups: toddlers, elementary students, teenagers, and adults. You’ll hear parent-friendly explanations about the subtle signs that most families and teachers miss. Whether you're noticing reading struggles in your preschooler, inconsistent spelling in your middle schooler, or lingering confusion in a young adult, this episode will help you connect the dots. Links mentioned in the episode:Sold a Story by Emily HanfordI'm Dyslexic - Not Stupid

If your child stares at the blank page when trying to write and you're trying to figure out how to improve writing skills this episode is for you. (Hint: online mind maps are a game changer. After listening to this episode, you’ll have a plan your child can actually follow.Writing can be exhausting for kids with dyslexia (and especially dysgraphia) because their brain is working overtime just to get words onto the page. There's very little energy for organizing ideas, sequencing details, and staying on track. Mind maps let your child plan visually, in any order. Short words replace full sentences and struggling writers see progress. And yes free online mind maps make it even easier to try this today.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to help your child generate ideas quicklyA 5-step mind map routine that makes essays doable (not dreadful)A realistic “I do / we do / you do” approach around how to become a better writer3 Resources for Free Online Mind Maps:https://www.zoom.com/https://www.canva.com/templateshttps://www.mindmup.com/If you found this advice helpful, follow our podcast and share this episode with another parent . Need a tutor for writing skills? Contact The Literacy Keys. CHAPTERS(00:00) How to become a better writer(04:25) What is a Mind Map? (08:55) The 5-Step Process(16:00) Essay Planning Example(25:30) I do, we do, you do

This conversation explores the connection between dyslexia and success, highlighting how many innovative thinkers and leaders have thrived despite their challenges. The discussion emphasizes recognizing and leveraging strengths, navigating educational paths, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in career choices. The episode also shares one person's symptoms of dyslexia and what a "bad dyslexic day" really feels like. TakeawaysMany successful individuals, like Whoopi Goldberg and Anderson Cooper, have dyslexia.Dyslexics often develop resilience and resourcefulness.Recognizing personal strengths is crucial for dyslexics.Career paths can vary greatly; higher education isn't for everyone.Exams can be challenging for dyslexics; alternative assessment methods are beneficial.Continuous learning and adaptability are key to career success.Leverage strengths rather than focusing solely on weaknesses.Episode Keywords: dyslexia, success, innovative thinkers, career paths, education, strengths, entrepreneurship, continuous learning, adaptability, dyslexic advantage, symptoms of dyslexia,