Empowering Young Readers: Dyslexia Awareness, Teaching Tools, and My Journey as a Mom and Educator đ
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and this year Iâm diving deep into the Parnello Education Services Dyslexia Awareness Challenge. Every day, Iâm reflecting on how essential reading and writing are in our lives, and the journey has been eye-opening, heartwarming, and a reminder of why I do what I do. If youâre a teacher or a parent who feels burnt out, overwhelmed, and just so tired, I hope my story reminds you of the impact we can make empowering our kids âeven on those tough days.
Day 1: Realizing the Power of Reading in Everyday Life đđŞ
Reflecting on how much reading I do dailyâfrom emails and homework to recipes and directionsâwas a huge reminder of how deeply it impacts our lives. I feel incredibly lucky that reading and spelling come easily to me, but itâs different for students with dyslexia. My stepdaughter, Sophia, got me in the pregnancy hormones when she chose a candle for me that said, âYou may not have given me life, but you have sure made my life better.â â¤ď¸ Moments like these remind me why Iâm so committed to supporting students through the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham approaches.
Day 2: Juggling Life with Dyslexia Would Be a Nightmare đ đď¸
From my paper planner to Google Calendar to the whiteboard on our fridge, I rely on written reminders to keep everything running. Without those, my days would be chaos! Imagine the struggle if reading and spelling were daily battles. For anyone with dyslexia, this kind of task requires patience, perseverance, and constant problem-solving. We use checklists EVERYWHERE in this house (read about our chore checklist here). This realization fuels my commitment to helping my kids and kids all over develop fluency and confidence in their reading skillsâso they donât have to face these challenges alone.
Day 3: Discovering Dyslexic Role Models and Inspiring My Students đâ¨
Day 3 was all about researching role models with dyslexia, like Albert Einstein, Tom Holland, and Whoopi Goldberg. Watching my stepdaughter Lucille light up when she learned she shares something in common with these icons was everything! Lucille has made three yearsâ worth of progress two school years in ROW, and her growing confidence is proof of the impact of structured, supportive learning. One of my favorite recent reads? Whoopiâs autobiography, where she narrates her own story of overcoming challengesâa must-read (or listen) for anyone needing a dose of inspiration!
Days 4 and 5: Breaking Barriers and Ending the Stigma Around Dyslexia đ§Ąđ
One in five people has dyslexia, yet it still carries a stigma that leaves many struggling in silence. I grew up hearing about dyslexia since itâs in my family, but when I began working at a school dedicated to supporting students with dyslexia, it changed my life. The joy of watching a child learn to read is what keeps me going on even the toughest days. And if youâre looking to learn more, The Dyslexia Devoted Podcast is packed with insights and inspirationâperfect for anyone who wants to help change lives through understanding and education.
Podcast Feature: Equipping Ourselves with Tools for the Journey đ§
This week, Iâm excited to share my guest appearance on The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast, Episode #29! I discuss how using the right resources has helped equip me to navigate the daily challenges of teaching, parenting, and supporting kids with dyslexia. I hope it gives you new ideas, encouragement, and a sense of connection in the hard work we all do.
Ready to Help Your Students Grow? Check Out My Teachers Pay Teachers Store! đâ¨
If youâre looking for structured resources to help your students with dyslexia progress and build confidence, head to my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. These are the exact tools I use with my students to help them achieve steady growth and reach their potential. Making a difference doesnât have to be overwhelmingâsometimes itâs about using the right resources to help empower and uplift each child. đŞ
Thank you for being part of this journey with meâletâs keep making a difference, one reader at a time!
Join the conversation! Whatâs one thing you read or heard today that inspired you?