Decoding Learning Differences with Kimberlynn Lavelle

Kids with learning differences are constantly taxed mentally.  They can appear lazy when they’re actually working really hard but at what takes other kids far less effort.   When we’re motivating kids with dyslexia, there’s a lot to consider.

Maybe you’ve seen someone working on a crossword and jumped in, delighted by the challenge of it?   Or maybe you’ve seen someone struggling with opening something or figuring something out and felt compelled to jump in and try to “help”?   Although you may genuinely have wanted to help, you were also likely motivated by the challenge of solving problems.   This is another strategy we can use to mo...

Whenever my kids are being grumpy and difficult, I’m tempted to blame them for the bad mood I’m in.  However… the truth is usually the opposite.  My bad mood has spread to them.  And even if the reverse is true, I know that my mood can also shape theirs.  I can choose to be joyful and positive and watch as their own moods improve.   I’ve found dance parties to always do the trick for all of us. Th...

My own kids were complaining that they “HATE writing!” and I knew I needed to go back and listen to my own advice….   We’ll discuss how to motivate kids to enjoy writing and how to change everyone’s perspective on writing.

Not all kids are motivated to read and their parents are often concerned that they’ll always fight reading and avoid reading.    Not all kids will grow up to be avid readers, just like not all kids will grow up to be athletes or musicians or dancers… you get the idea!   AND- we can do some things to make reading more motivating for our kids, to reduce the resistance.

Dr. Paul Johnson’s new memoir, Turtles Can Win: How Learning Differences Taught Me to Run My Own Race and Still Cross the Finish Line, shares his remarkable journey from being a student with undiagnosed learning differences who nearly failed out of school to eventually earning three master's degrees and a doctorate from the University of Southern California. In this interview we discuss: - the boo...

To continue with the replays around motivation, this week we’re discussing how autonomy can increase motivation.    This might seem like the opposite of last week’s episode in which we discussed how relationships can build motivation.    Both are true and a strong relationship with you can help your child feel confident and motivated in the autonomy you give them.   Listen in to this week’s podcas...

Last week I replayed “Motivation Killers” and now I’ll begin replaying the “what do we do about?” episodes, full of ideas to build motivation and increase your child’s love of learning!   To start us off, listen in to how Motivation impacts relationships!

The start of the school year is here or around the corner, depending on where you live.   Every school year, children often wind up losing more and more of their intrinsic motivation to learn, even while their teachers are putting forth immense effort to engage them and entice them into learning.   This week I’m replaying an old episode.  It’s one of my favorites because besides hearing from numer...

One thing I often hear discussed is whether a child “needs” a particular accommodation.  Another common discussion is around whether a label is beneficial or harmful to a child.   There is a lot of challenging nuance in both of these.   Listen in to this week’s podcast to hear some of my thoughts on the topic.  Then, hit reply and let me know your thoughts!

How has your summer been going?    Have you checked in on any of those skills your child had to fight extra hard to achieve?  Has there been some “summer slide”?   First, know that “summer slide” is perfectly normal.   Second, listen to this week’s episode to know what to do about it.   Then, let me know what you need to be more successful!

If you’re wondering how to best educate your child, be sure to listen to this episode!  There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education, but there are many more options than you may have realized.

In this conversation, we talk with Dr. Norrine Russell, the Founder & CEO of Russell Coaching & Consulting.  We go into ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, as well as technology's role in education and SO much more! Russell Coaching for Students, a nationally recognized practice supporting complex learners—uses an innovative method of coaching for complex students, including those who have ADHD, Autism,...

This week we're chatting with Jonathan Treiber of Skil-Care on the podcast.  We discuss how a child’s environment may impact their learning and what we can do for these students to better support them.   Although Skil-Care is a company selling products, they also want you to view them as a resource to learn more about how to best support your kids with sensory needs.   Jonathan Treiber, CEO of Ski...

What has your experience with technology been with your kids?   Are you able to give unlimited screen time with no consequences?   Does your kid become an unrecognizable monster after 20 minutes of video games?   Have you noticed any impact in their learning?   Do you use educational apps with your kids?   I would LOVE to know all of these answers! Please email me at Kimberlynn@DecodingLearningDif...

Later this month is my birthday and one tradition I have is to give gifts on my birthday as a way to celebrate my life with those around me.  It’s a tradition my dad demonstrated and I always thought was lovely.  I don’t do it every year and mostly just for my kids, but this year is different!   Almost 2 years ago I created an IEP checklist to help you do what I do for my clients and the tech gods...

David P Hurford, PhD is a true gem, offering wonderfully comprehensive texts and curricula for children, parents, and educators; and making navigating the world of dyslexia easier! Learn more about Dr. Hurford at https://www.jettpublishing.net/authors/about-the-author and get your copy of his books at the same link!

Enjoy this episode from season 5, to prepare you for next week's episode about some books written by David Hurford!   original notes from Season 5: Dr. Hurford is doing great things in the world, studying dyslexia and teaching kids with dyslexia as part of his non-profit organization! You can hear all about that as well as some books he’s published (that I just had to get my own copies of, so expe...

Evan Connell  is an Australian sustainable technologist and systems architect who has spent over 30 years helping schools, governments, and community organisations extend the life of their technology while improving reliability and control. He is the creator of  Sprint Central , a lightweight operating system designed to keep existing school computers usable for years longer than traditional platf...

After taking a summer break that stretched into a winter break that stretched into a mid-winter break… I’m finally back at putting out new episodes of the podcast! This week is a soft intro into what to expect this season, and how I plan to avoid the problem of last season.   For more information on how to work directly with me (looking over IEPs, preparing yourself for IEP meetings, getting your...

Are you dyslexic?   Is your child?   Someone you know well?   Chances are that you answered yes to at least one of those! And yet, for most people, dyslexia is still a mystery!  Myths still abound, and kids with dyslexia often feel alone and different.     Feeling alone and different leads to lower self-confidence and can further impact academic success as well as friendships and navigating social...

Restorative Justice is about accountability and making repairs. It’s about emotional intelligence and building relationships. It’s about investing in people with time and patience. Listen in to this week’s podcast to learn more about Restorative Justice in Education including what it can look like, and how it can change a school’s disciplinary system to a system with redemption built-in. To help y...

Are Microschools the Answer?   Summer break is here or nearly here.  Are you thinking ahead to next school year?  You may be worrying about if your child will lose progress over the summer and you may be looking for ways to maintain their educational levels.  (Hit reply and let me know if you’d like to discuss tutoring options) OR   You may be wondering if you need to change schools for your kiddo...

Video Version available at DecodingLearningDifferences.com   In previous seasons, we have talked EXTENSIVELY about motivation and because it is such a critical part of a child’s academic success and overcoming learning challenges, I’ll always keep bringing it up again and again!   This week we’re diving into a quick and easy way to motivate a child.  It won’t work for every child every time.  And...