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

Turn your I don't know how to help concerns into a clear, actionable plan that builds your child's reading brick by brick. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the Orton Gillingham Methodology to show you exactly how we re-wire the brain for reading success. If you’ve been feeling exhausted from the reading battles, I want you to know: you aren’t powerless. You don’t need a teaching certificate to help your child, but you do need a proven roadmap that moves beyond the alphabet song and the guessing games. We are going to walk through a typical Orton Gillingham session together, section by section, so you can understand the Orton Gillingham approach without the confusing jargon. Think of this as your personal guided tour designed specifically for the way children actually learn.We’re moving away from the frustration of rote memorization and moving toward real, lasting literacy. By understanding the Orton Gillingham Methodology, you can provide the scaffolding your child needs to become an independent learner who finally feels like they can crack the code.After listening, you’ll:[05:20] Understand the exact structure of a high-impact session.[12:45] Identify how to use multisensory tools.[19:10] Learn why ending a session by reversing roles is the secret.[25:30] Gain the confidence to start teaching your child the logic of English.If you’re ready to see if individualized educational therapy is the right fit for your family, or you just want to talk through your child's specific needs, reach out to me at https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/.Lastly, if you know another parent currently in the trenches of reading battles, please share this episode with them and subscribe so you never miss a key! It’s free to subscribe. transcript#ortongillingham#ortongillinghammethodology#strugglingreader

If you’re searching for dyslexia help as you’re wondering how to teach a dyslexic child to read without tears and frustration, you are finally in the right place.By the end of this episode, you will have a clear, expert-backed roadmap to move your child from guessing to decoding with total confidence. We’ve all been there: sitting at the kitchen table watching your child struggle to read the word "frame," only to hear them guess "fame." It is heartbreaking to realize that the way many children are taught to read in school is the very thing holding them back. When searching for how to teach a dyslexic child to read, most parents find a mountain of jargon that I call edu-speak. As an ALTA-certified tutor, I’ll provide dyslexic help and share how to use the right keys to unlock reading for your dyslexic child.After listening, you’ll:Master the "No Guessing" rule to ensure your child builds strong, permanent decoding pathways.Learn how to use "finger tapping" to help your child physically connect sounds to letters.Structure your home practice into 10-minute fatigue-free bursts that stop the daily battles.If you’re ready to stop the guessing game and want a customized 1:1 plan to help your child thrive, I’m here to help.Visit our contact page to start your journey toward stress-free reading: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/Do you know another parent who is feeling overwhelmed? Please share this episode and subscribe (it’s free) to The Literacy Keys for weekly, practical guidance.Chapters00:00 Dyslexia Tips for How to teach a dyslexic child to read intro01:30 Why Wait and See is a Dangerous Game 05:00 The 5 Keys to Literacy Success 10:15 The Role Swap From Student to Teacher 13:30 How to Work with Tracy: Free 15-minute consultation

Ditch cramming! Discover 5 science-backed tips for studying effectively and beating the forgetting curve. Imagine a world where studying doesn't end in frustration, and your kid actually remembers what they learned long after the test is over.Does your child spend hours highlighting their textbook, only to have their mind go blank the moment the exam hits their desk? It’s not a lack of effort. It’s the "Illusion of Competence" tricking their brain into thinking it has mastered the material that it is only familiar with. In this episode, host Tracy Young shares her favorite tips for studying effectively that move beyond the surface and get straight to the science of how neurodiverse brains actually learn.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to help your dyslexic teen, this is the episode for you. We’re moving away from cramming and toward practical, low-stress habits that build genuine confidence. You’ll learn how to study effectively by working with your child’s brain instead of against it.Tracy, a certified Orton-Gillingham tutor and mother to a dyslexic daughter, knows exactly what it’s like to be in the homework trenches. She’s here to reassure you that your child isn’t broken. They just haven’t been given the right manual yet. These tips for studying effectively provide the missing keys your teen needs to navigate the heavy academic demands of high school.After listening, you’ll:Identify why highlighting is a "pretty lie" and how to swap it for active recall techniques that build true long-term memory.Master voice-to-text brain dumps to help your student get ideas out of their head and onto the paper before frustration sets in.Build small wins using dry-erase markers and 3D models that turn abstract concepts into concrete knowledge they can own.If your high schooler is drowning in reading and writing demands and needs more than just a few pointers, let’s talk. Reach out for 1:1 educational therapy at https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/ to give them the tools to master these skills for themselves.If this episode helped you, please share it with another parent, and follow us so you'll never miss more ways to turn I can’t into I can! episode transcript

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 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

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

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

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)

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 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

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

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 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