Red Flags, Research & Retention: What to Know Before Repeating a Grade

Curiosity is the Curriculum: S-P-A-R-K

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411368/fan_mail/new] Summer doesn’t have to mean worksheets at the kitchen table or battles over reading logs. In this comeback episode of Dyslexia Decoded, Teacher Maggie shares a different approach to summer learning — one rooted in curiosity, creativity, imagination, and real-life experiences. Through personal stories about growing up with boxes of random car parts, raising a dyslexic son who builds incredible creations with a hot glue gun and a hammer, and the inspiring story of dyslexic paleontologist Jack Horner, this episode explores how children often learn best when they are free to wonder, build, experiment, and explore. Maggie introduces the simple “SPARK” framework for meaningful summer learning: ✨ Say Yes to Questions  ✨ Play With Purpose  ✨ Add Reading Naturally  ✨ Real-Life Learning Counts  ✨ Keep Curiosity Alive Whether your child is homeschooled, attends public school, struggles academically, or simply needs space to rediscover wonder, this episode will encourage you to see learning differently this summer. Because sometimes the most meaningful education happens far away from worksheets — in forts, forests, conversations, inventions, and curiosity-filled childhood moments. Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚

A Mother’s Voice: Advocacy, Neurodiversity, and the Power of Typing with Liz

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411368/fan_mail/new] In this heartfelt and empowering episode, I sit down with Liz—a devoted mom, passionate advocate, and powerful voice in the world of neurodiversity. Liz opens up about her family’s journey with dyslexia, the emotional highs and lows of seeking support, and the moment everything changed with the discovery of the Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) program. Together, we explore what it means to raise a neurodivergent child in a world built for the neurotypical, how typing became a turning point in her son’s confidence and communication, and the deep transformation that happens when parents step into advocacy. Whether you’re a parent navigating similar challenges, an educator seeking insight, or simply someone who cares about creating a more inclusive world, Liz’s story will leave you inspired, encouraged, and equipped with hope. Interested in trying TTRS? Use discount code: MGA  Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚

Red Flags, Research & Retention: What to Know Before Repeating a Grade

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411368/fan_mail/new] Description: Is your child being recommended for retention? Are you feeling pressure after spring testing—especially if your child didn’t pass the 3rd grade TCAP? In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey as a teacher who once recommended retention, what I learned the hard way, and why holding a child back is rarely the right move—especially for students with dyslexia or other learning differences. We’ll walk through: * What the research actually says (with sources you can find and share) * Why schools may be defaulting to retention after the pandemic * The emotional toll it takes on a child’s self-worth * What actually works instead of repeating a grade * Your rights under Tennessee’s TCAP law—and how to advocate with confidence This is more than a data dump. It’s a guide to help you walk into those school meetings with clarity, compassion, and courage. PLUS: Download the free printable Parent Resource Guide linked in the show notes to take with you into your next meeting. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pkuBPx6ehGZPXL3Zd8fFmid4VtKvHOCT/view?usp=drivesdk [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pkuBPx6ehGZPXL3Zd8fFmid4VtKvHOCT/view?usp=drivesdk] Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚

Bubble Sheets & Confidence Boosters: Facing Testing with Strategy and Strength

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411368/fan_mail/new] Testing season is here—and if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. In this episode, Teacher Maggie (a reading specialist and fellow dyslexic) shares heartfelt encouragement, practical test-taking strategies, and her own 4th grade testing story that still makes her laugh today. Learn how to help your child feel confident with tools like “Dumbo’s feather,” master key strategies for multiple-choice questions and reading comprehension, and reframe the way we talk about standardized testing. Plus, a powerful reminder: tests are just data—not destiny. This is the perfect listen for families walking through TCAP or any spring standardized test with a child who learns differently. 💚 👉 Stay tuned for next week’s follow-up episode on why retention is rarely the right move for struggling readers. Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚

You’re Already Naked – So Why Not Follow Your Heart?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411368/fan_mail/new] He was adopted at birth with a promise—one his working-class parents were determined to keep: He would go to college. But what happens when a child learns differently… and dreams bigger than school can contain? In this mystery-style episode of Dyslexia Decoded, Teacher Maggie takes you on a powerful journey through the life of one of the most influential minds of our time. From adoption and academic struggles to bold decisions, beautiful design, and an unforgettable quote about living boldly—this story will challenge the way you see dyslexia, education, and success itself. Spoiler alert: He didn’t fit in. He didn’t finish college. He didn’t code… But he did change the world. And the way he thought? It might sound a lot like your child—or even you. ✨ Tune in for a story of vision, resilience, and the quiet strength of thinking differently. Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚