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

Is Handwriting Outdated? Brain Science Has the Answer (+ 3 Things You Can Do This Week)

As your child groans at the workbook, and the pencil rolls off the table, you wonder if handwriting still matters in a world that runs on screens. Today's episode gives you the real reason for handwriting, the one rooted in brain science, along with three small things you can try this week. Schools are almost fully digital now, but researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology put brain sensors on students while they wrote by hand and while they typed. What they found will change what you think about teaching handwriting. After listening, you'll: Understand the brain-based reason for handwriting and why typing simply doesn't build the same memory pathways Know when your child needs a pencil in their hand and when a keyboard is actually the better tool Stop white-knuckling over messy letters and focus on what actually moves the needle for your child's learning Feel reassured that you don't need a Ph.D., a tutor, or a fancy curriculum to start helping today If you're ready to stop guessing and start helping, head over to https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/ [https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/] and let's talk about what your struggling child actually needs. You don't have to figure this out alone. Resources mentioned: The Norwegian University of Science and Technology study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, January 2024: Read the full study here [https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219945/full] If this episode gave you a little hope, share it with another parent who's been wondering about the reason for handwriting, and hit subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next week. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HGTxDvLKp6CWyfxkoLj-YwxN9YIBw_F6TSn-4qSxdaw/edit?usp=sharing

Dyslexia Symptoms: Unpacking the 4 Ds, and Common Signs of Dyslexia Every Overwhelmed Parent Needs to Know

Are you currently feeling completely overwhelmed by your child's struggles? Identifying real dyslexia symptoms shouldn't feel like an impossible puzzle. This episode gives you the exact clarity to decode what is truly happening with your child. The internet is full of exhausting educational jargon that makes you feel like you need a professional degree just to help your child spell a basic word. In this episode, mother-daughter duo Tracy and Alex pull back the curtain and break down the "4 Ds" of learning differences (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia) into plain, everyday English. We share funny, deeply relatable stories from our own journey, covering everything from navigating the "other left" during a teenage driving test to relying on Siri for everyday spellcheck help.  Understanding these common dyslexia symptoms is not about pointing out a deficit; it’s about finally uncovering how your child's uniquely brilliant brain processes the world around them. After listening, you’ll: * Identify the 4 Ds with ease: Learn how to clearly separate reading struggles from writing, math, or motor coordination challenges so you can target your child's specific academic needs without the guesswork. * Decode the common signs of dyslexia: Recognize subtle everyday clues so you can advocate for them effectively. * Embrace technology to end the frustration: Discover how to pick your battles and leverage smart, everyday tools to eliminate stressful standoffs. * Celebrate and leverage hidden strengths: Shift your family's focus away from managing daily weaknesses and start charting a path toward your child’s natural gifts. Take Your Next Step Today Ready to trade the daily homework stress for a clear, supportive roadmap designed by an expert Orton-Gillingham tutor? Head over to The Literacy Keys [https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/⁠ ] to connect with us and take your first step toward building your child’s independent reading confidence today! Please share this episode with another overwhelmed parent and subscribe to our podcast helping parents change I can’t into I can. Chapters: (00:00) Dyslexia symptoms episode (03:12) What are the 4Ds? (13:25) Personal stories of directional confusion (37:33) Leveraging Dyslexic strengths transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19q9vNIUT4lFD7PGwWWf8kBEKuVh498d4iC7NH11c0fM/edit?usp=sharing]

Does An Orton Gillingham Reading Program Work? Unpacking Research in Plain English (+ clear answers to help your struggling reader)

In this episode, we are tuning out the academic noise so you can confidently choose the best, stress-free path forward for your struggling reader. Understand why researchers were questioning if an Orton Gillingham reading program works, and which elements are the gold standard.  A few years ago, a meta-analysis threw a massive wrench into the literacy world, leaving already exhausted parents feeling completely overwhelmed by conflicting data. As an ALTA-certified Orton Gillingham tutor and a mom who has walked the path of having a child with dyslexia, let me translate that complex research into plain English. We are digging into the real story behind an Orton Gillingham reading program to reveal why some critics completely miss the bigger picture. In this episode, we look closely at why the hands-on piece is non-negotiable for attention challenges, and how it can transform language processing. You don’t need a neuroscience degree to help your child thrive; you just need clear, honest, and deeply practical guidance. After listening, you will: Decode the intimidating research so you can stop second-guessing your educational choices. Discover the research behind multisensory learning and how hands-on tools anchor new reading skills into your child's memory. Identify the non-negotiable elements of an Orton Gillingham reading program. Are you ready to replace the constant worry with a proven Orton Gillingham Reading Program roadmap tailored specifically for your unique child? Reach out to me directly at https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/ [https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/] today to take the first step toward peaceful reading success. Resources mentioned: * The Reading League Journal Study: https://www.thereadingleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trl-journal-sneakpeek-orton-gillingham-interventions-solari.pdf [https://www.thereadingleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/trl-journal-sneakpeek-orton-gillingham-interventions-solari.pdf] * Oxford University Multisensory Research: https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/news/oxford-researchers-discover-why-multisensory-learning-is-beneficial-for-memory [https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/news/oxford-researchers-discover-why-multisensory-learning-is-beneficial-for-memory] If this episode gave you a sense of relief, please share it today with another parent who needs a supportive friend.  Remember to follow the show so you don’t miss ways to help your child. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fC68mOkT9LNQDqSYoUnwsTBISHJTvFlG1GYco9SF0CM/edit?usp=sharing

Explaining Dyslexia: How to Talk to My Child About Dyslexia (+ 3 starting scripts for different ages)

Explaining dyslexia to your child shouldn't feel like delivering a medical sentence. It’s about finally giving them the key to why they’ve been working twice as hard for half the results. Without a name for their struggle, children often fill in the blanks with their own words that aren’t helpful. This episode is your guide to having “the talk” with your child. Whether your child is just starting to notice the gap or is a frustrated teen who has already given up on books. After listening, you’ll: 1. Give your child a clear way to understand their unique processing style. 2. Master how to talk to my child about dyslexia using specific, age-appropriate scripts. 3. Shift to a different mindset using a brain metaphor that makes sense to kids (and overwhelmed parents!) If you’re ready for more than just a conversation and need a customized roadmap, reach out and contact me today [https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/]. Let’s see how 1:1 educational therapy can turn your struggling reader into an independent, confident learner. If this episode helped you breathe a little easier today and made explaining dyslexia easier for you, please share it with one other parent who is walking this path. Remember to subscribe for more practical, guilt-free guidance. Cheers, Tracy Young Dyslexia Expert - Certified Orton Gillingham Tutor The Literacy Keys Chapters (00:00) Explaining Dyslexia (8:06) Explaining Dyslexia to a 5-9 year old (10:56) Explaining Dyslexia to a 10-12 year old (14:09) Explaining Dyslexia to a teenager (16:53) 3 Simple Steps in Explaining Dyslexia transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oj0JdaG_vUIkSoHYiqKXnqQOeAErDzL6eqfM9nnXJC4/edit?usp=sharing] https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oj0JdaG_vUIkSoHYiqKXnqQOeAErDzL6eqfM9nnXJC4/edit?usp=sharing

Is Grade Retention a Magic Reset? Why More Of The Same Fails Struggling Readers (Discover What Your Child Actually Needs Without Repeating A Grade)

Are you exhausted from the mountain of report cards and school meetings?  Do you feel that grade retention is the only option for your child? For a struggling reader or a dyslexic child, repeating a grade without changing the instruction is like asking them to run laps on a sprained ankle. Hope alone isn’t enough.   In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and cons (in plain English) so you can stop second-guessing yourself and make the right decision for your family. We’ll discuss some of the research and what it actually says regarding grade retention, and why your child might not benefit from repeating a grade.  They may actually need a different way of learning.   I’ve spent years helping kids crack the code, and I want to share what your child needs to succeed. Whether the school is pushing grade retention, or you’re the one considering it, let’s sit down for a chat.   After listening, you’ll: Confidently decide if grade retention is the right path for your family or if it’s time to pivot your instructional strategy. Ask the right questions in school meetings that ensure your child gets evidence-based intervention. Reclaim your sanity with a doable, 5-step plan.   So if you’re ready to stop the guesswork and get your child the expert, individualized support they deserve, let's talk. Reach out to me at https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/ [https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/]to explore how virtual 1:1 tutoring can change everything for your reader.   Please subscribe to the show and share this episode with another parent that you know is losing sleep over this same decision. Chapters: (00:00) Emotional Weight of Grade Retention Decisions (02:18) Defining Grade Retention and Legal Implications for Your Child (08:07) Why Grade Retention Fails Dyslexic and Struggling Students transcript [https://docs.google.com/document/d/161anhcOOTuHWTDyYhZtcp0lOBeysyy8E/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100985535855408528484&rtpof=true&sd=true]