Decoding Learning Differences with Kimberlynn Lavelle

In this episode, we go “Back to Basics” to remind everyone of the principles of what sets kids up for learning success.  This episode lays the foundation for understanding how to set your kids up for true learning success!     Watch the video at: https://decodinglearningdifferences.com/home/basics/  

watch video version at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0218   Around this time of year, a lot of High School seniors are considering colleges, applying to colleges, and taking SATs or ACTs. Younger kids are beginning to think about their future careers and the colleges they may be interested in attending.   And even if your child is quite young, the path to college might be something you either h...

video version at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0246   In a recent episode, Dr. Vicki Waller discussed the importance of not waiting to get your kid help.  There is a myth that if we wait, kids will just catch up and outgrow their difficulties.     And while some kids DO need more time to mature or more access to direct instruction to then “catch up” to peers, when a parent feels certain that th...

Video version available at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0245     In this week’s podcast episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Linda Karanzalis.  Linda is an ADHD and NVLD expert.  And if you’ve never heard of NVLD, you are not alone!  NVLD stands for NonVerbal Learning Disorder, and can be mistaken for ADHD or autism, but is entirely different, and those with NVLD are definitely NOT...

Website for this episode: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0244     If you have ever felt that worry, “Will my child ever….?” listen to today’s podcast with Dr. Victoria (Vicki) Waller.    From Dr. Vicki Waller’s materials: “Every child can succeed in school and life, but some children need more help than others. For over 40 years, internationally acclaimed reading specialist and student advocate D...

Video available at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0243   I can not count how many times I’ve heard parents worried about their child’s weekly spelling lists.   Parents want to know what they should do as far as accommodations, or if the list is reasonable, or if it’s just cruel to mark a kid wrong for letter reversals when they otherwise would have gotten 100% (finally).  Ouch!  Yeah, for the re...

Now WITH sound!   see video version:  https://www.yourparenthelp.com/podcast_0239     “Specific Learning Disability” versus “Dyslexia” I’ve heard so many parents question the school’s report of a “Specific Learning Disability” and ask how they can get their child diagnosed with dyslexia.  In some states, a school can actually give a diagnosis, but this is outside of the scope of schools in many st...

Episode video: https://www.yourparenthelp.com/podcast_0242   Motivating Dyslexic Kids is much like motivating any child!   Before watching or listening to this episode, be sure you have seen/heard the previous episodes:   Motivation Killers   Motivation: Focus on the Relationship   Motivational Autonomy   Motivational Reading   Motivational Writing   Motivational Outings: Zoo   Motivational Modeli...

See video at: https://www.yourparenthelp.com/podcast_0241   In a recent episode, Diagnosing Dyslexia, we discussed whose role it is to diagnose dyslexia and whose role it is to educate those with dyslexia.     This week, we’re talking about how to get the process of getting your kid help in public school started!   Request an evaluation Write out a request for an evaluation.  I recommend emailing...

Video version available at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0240   Effective Dyslexia Interventions   The “Gold Standard” in dyslexia interventions is Orton-Gillingham, often called “OG”.  There are many programs that are Orton-Gillingham-based.   The effectiveness of each OG-based program is highly dependent on the knowledge base of the person implementing the program.  If they are not actually t...

Happy October, also known as both Dyslexia Awareness Month and ADHD Awareness Month.   Personally, I love that these two share a month because there is a high rate of co-morbidity, meaning they often show up together!   And to kick off this amazing month, today’s podcast is an interview with Dr. Kathryn Garfoth of Garforth Education and the Right to Read Initiative Podcast.  From her website : “Dr...

 Parents often wonder whether it is worthwhile to write to their child's teacher.  The issue is complicated and nuanced, but overall, I almost always say: Yes!   Listen to the podcast and then be sure to read more of the details, ideas, and nuances at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0237  

 Kids who struggle with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities are motivated by the same things all kids are motivated by: solving complex problems in a meaningful way!   In a continuing effort to find ways to motivate our child’s academic/educational progress, this month’s Motivational Monday is on Problem-Solving.     While doing a worksheet full of “word proble...

More at: www. YourParentHelp.com/podcast_0235     When you’re teaching your child, or supporting them academically in any way, even just in thinking about how to get outside help for them, you NEED to understand a few principles of how kids learn to easily avoid conflict and increase actual learning!   Teachers learn the most. When we teach something, we retain 90% of the content.  Compare that to...

Have you heard of Oppositional Defiant Disorder?  How about Pathological Demand Avoidance?   Ever wonder (or know) if your child has one of these and what to do about it?   Listen to this week’s podcast, where we dive deep into what these disorders are, and how to approach behavioral challenges with these kids. Learn more about Michele’s work at: https://micheleshilvock.com/   Follow her on Facebo...

In this week’s podcast, I geeked out a bit with Michele Shilvock, where we talked about behavior difficulties in children and what really works in a respectful and long-term way.  Michele speaks from experience, not merely from theory.   Michele starts off walking us through her behavior visual, then explains lagging skills, ODD, and PDA.  We definitely didn’t have time to go as deep as I wanted o...

Improving Reading Comprehension can feel daunting, but there are many simple, easy, and fun strategies that you can start using TODAY to improve your child's reading comprehension, despite any learning disabilities or challenges.  These work for kids with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing disability, visual processing disability, and more!   Download the Guide at: https://www.yourparenth...

As a kid, I remember being scared to go down this set of 3 tall, dark tunnel slides at the local water park (Raging Waters) called The Bermuda Triangle.  But I kept watching all of these other kids going down it and laughing and smiling and enjoying it!   Eventually, I climbed the stairs, took a breath and went for it.  And I was so glad that I had found that courage.  That motivation.   I’m sure...

Children are expected to learn at a steady pace, starting fourth grade at a 4.0, and ending at a 4.9 or 5.0, with steady consistent growth of .1 each month along the way.   I have never met that child.   Every child I have ever worked with has had periods of explosive growth and periods of stagnation and even regression. We expect that steady straight line, but the spikes and dips and plateaus is...

Sue Patterson of Unschooling Mom2Mom defines unschooling as bringing a full, rich life to your kids and trusting that they learn naturally.   Listen to Sue’s answers to these questions (and more):   What led you to choose unschooling? What is your take on unschooling children with learning disabilities such as ADHD or dyslexia? Is unschooling ‘right’ for everyone?  If not, describe who it is best...

Kids with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities (including auditory, visual, attention, and cognitive processing disorders) benefit greatly from being carefully educated by those who know them best and spend the most time with them!   Teaching our children at home has so many benefits!  Even if your child attends a traditional school, you can support thei...

From www. AlfieKohn.org : Alfie Kohn writes and speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting. The author of fourteen books and hundreds of articles, he lectures at education conferences and universities as well as to parent groups and corporations. Kohn’s criticisms of competition and rewards have been widely discussed and debated, and he has been described in Time magazine as “perhap...

One of my favorite mathematical tools is in your wallet, or maybe in your junk drawer, or one of those 5 gallon water jugs.   Coins!   Coins can be used to teach so many math concepts!  And yet, money is barely mentioned in the common core standards.  I understand that coins aren’t necessarily critical, but I do think it’s important as a life skill AND it’s a great mathematical tool for tons of ot...

When we understand why our children are struggling with reading comprehension, we can be far more effective in helping them to overcome their struggles.   Vocabulary as a skill is essentially about understanding the meaning of the words being read.  A strong vocabulary allows children to understand the meanings of higher level texts.   Some learning disabilities will hinder a child’s vocabulary de...

Motivation fascinates me and is something I’m constantly researching, contemplating, and re-educating myself about.  The funny thing is, what I’ve always known to be true, is what clearly is.  And yet, it’s not what society teaches us.  We’re taught to use “the carrot and the stick” when finding intrinsic motivation is far superior to any extrinsic motivator.    This week, I want to offer some ins...