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

AI in education can be a lifeline for kids, or a shortcut that costs them. A lot is changing with artificial intelligence and education. In this episode, Host Tracy Young walks you through where AI genuinely helps a neurodivergent learner, where AI quietly does the thinking their brain was supposed to do, and the one question that tells you which is which.Brand new 2026 research from Common Sense Media found that 86 percent of kids ages 9 to 17 are now using AI, and 44 percent of parents have never had a single conversation with their child about it. The kids most likely to lean on AI heavily for schoolwork are the ones who already struggle with focus, reading, and writing. After listening, you'll:Spot the difference between AI that supports your child's growth and AI that quietly underminesKnow what to do if your dyslexic or dysgraphic child gets falsely flagged for AI cheatingWalk away with three simple guardrails you can put in place at home this week, even on a busy nightIf you want help building a plan for your child, head over to theliteracykeys.com/contact/ and book a free 15-minute consult. We’ll talk through where your child is at, what is getting in the way, and what to do next.If this episode helped, please share it with another parent who is quietly worrying about the same thing, and follow our show so you don't miss next week's conversation.Resources mentionedThe Common Sense Media Census: AI Use by Tweens and Teens, 2026 — Read the full reporttranscript

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 TodayReady to trade the daily homework stress for a clear, supportive roadmap designed by an expert Orton-Gillingham tutor? Head over to The Literacy Keys 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 strengthstranscript

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:Give your child a clear way to understand their unique processing style.Master how to talk to my child about dyslexia using specific, age-appropriate scripts.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. 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 YoungDyslexia Expert - Certified Orton Gillingham TutorThe Literacy KeysChapters(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 Dyslexiatranscript

Today on The Literacy Keys, we are diving deep into a topic that is often whispered about but rarely confronted head-on: the reality of failing schools. I’m joined by award-winning investigative reporter Chris Papst, author of The Failure Factory, to pull back the curtain on the institutional gaps that leave so many of our neurodiverse learners behind. If you’ve ever felt like your child was just a number on a spreadsheet or that common sense doesn't exist during a frustrating IEP meeting, this episode about failing schools is for you.We often find ourselves asking, "why are public schools failing?" and the answer is rarely about a lack of potential in our kids. It’s more about a system that isn't built to prioritize them. We’re moving past the "wait and fail" model to give you the truth about how the system operates and, more importantly, how you can reclaim control. There is a path forward, one small win at a time. After listening, you’ll:1) Understand the "Failure Factory" incentive structure that contributes to failing schools.2) Spot the institutional red flags early to ensure your child gets specific, effective intervention.3) Gain the confidence to challenge administrative decisions by understanding the "money trail" that often dictates classroom priorities.Ready to stop the guesswork and get your child the expert, individualized support they deserve? Let’s talk about a personalized path forward for your learner right here: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/If you know another parent who is losing sleep over their child's progress, please share this episode with them and hit subscribe so you never miss a win.Resources mentioned:The Failure Factory by Chris Papst: [https://a.co/d/07iEYZhS]Chapters:(05:18) A Personal Account of Systemic Educational Failure(15:59) The Special Education Crisis: Unfulfilled IEPs and Lack of Accountability(23:06) Pathways to Hope: How Parents Can Reclaim Our Public Schoolstranscript

We’re often told by schools to trust the process, but when your child is guessing at words and struggling to spell simple things, that advice feels empty. If you’ve been searching for how to teach reading in a way that actually works, you’ve likely realized that more of the same isn't the answer.Today, we are moving past the overwhelm, ignoring the advice to be patient and looking at practical, evidence-based ways to support how to teach reading to kids who have been left behind.After listening to this episode, you’ll:1) Identify the hidden reason why your child is "stuck".2) Explore three parent-friendly programs that explain exactly how to teach reading without a teaching degree.3) Use the "Purple Challenge" to finally understand the problem with a widely accepted reading program. If you're still overwhelmed and seeking 1:1 support tailored to your unique child, let's connect at: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/Resources Mentioned:All About ReadingUFLI FoundationsPRIDE Reading ProgramPurple Challenge VideoIf you know another parent who is also questioning why their child is struggling, please share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe for free for weekly keys to unlocking your child's literacy!00:00 Understanding Child Literacy Challenges09:27 The Science of Reading Explained15:11 Effective Curricula for Teaching Reading and Spelling

Learn to spot co-occurring conditions with dyslexia like Irlen Syndrome.Dyslexia is not Irlen Syndrome, but they sometimes get mixed up. In this episode, Tracy Young and her daughter Alex dive deep into Irlen Syndrome and other hidden hurdles that often tag along with dyslexia to help you find the right dyslexia help for your family. They share a roadmap to help individuals with Irlen Syndrome find relief and build reading stamina with what is sometimes called dyslexia glasses. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed but often, what we see as disorganization or laziness is actually a brain-based processing difference. Tracy and Alex share their own "Dynamic Duo" (and sometimes dysfunctional) journey through the world of co-morbidities, those extra symptoms like dysgraphia or light sensitivity that exist alongside dyslexia. From the magic of tinted lenses (dyslexia glasses) to the surprise of seeing numbers in color, this conversation turns clinical terms into practical aha! moments.After listening:Discover why Irlen Syndrome affects roughly 30% of dyslexics and how specific colored overlays can reduce moving letters so your child can read for longer than ten minutes.Decode Dysgraphia: Learn why holding a pencil weird or obsessing over perfect handwriting might actually be a sign of a deeper struggle with putting thoughts to paper.Recognize Synesthesia: Find out if your child is part of the group that associates words or numbers with specific colors, and how that "quirk" can actually be a memory superpower.If you’re ready to stop guessing and start supporting your child with a plan that actually works, we’re here to help. Take the next step: Schedule a consultation on our contact page today.If this episode gave you a bit of relief, please share it with one other parent who is currently in the trenches, and follow our podcast!Resources mentioned:Irlen Syndrome Foundation: irlen.comtranscript

Stop the reading frustration! Discover how decodables build real word fluency and where to find free resources. If you are the parent of a struggling reader, you know the look. It’s that moment of hesitation when your child reaches a word they don’t know, glances at the picture for a clue, and takes a wild guess. It’s frustrating, and as many parents eventually realize it’s a sign that the child hasn’t yet broken the code of literacy.In this episode of The Literacy Keys, host Tracy Young, an Orton Gillingham tutor, sat down with Marion Waldman and Beth Bevars from TeachMyKidToRead.org to discuss a solution that is often missing from home bookshelves and library stacks: decodable books. They’re often referred to as decodables.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to help your child, this interview will explain why these "magical" books are the missing piece of the puzzle and how your local library can become your greatest ally in the journey toward literacy.If this episode has been helpful, follow the podcast, and share it with another parent. You can even leave a rating as this helps other parents find us. Cheers,⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠The Literacy KeysCheck out this video interview on ⁠YouTube⁠Teach My Kid To ReadNational Library Service(03:30) – The "Maggie Mystery": Beth shares the emotional journey of her daughter, Maggie, who didn't learn to read until seventh grade.(08:51)– What are decodables? Marion explains the "training wheels" of literacy.(22:05) – What is a High-Low book? Navigating content vs. reading level for older kids.(27:10) – The essential role of Audiobooks in language comprehension.(31:51) – The "Talking Book" Secret: How to access free audio and Braille resources through your State Library.episode transcript

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

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

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

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

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 ⁠

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