Dyslexia Decoded

Send us Fan Mail Summer doesn’t have to mean worksheets at the kitchen table or battles over reading logs. In this comeback episode of Dyslexia Decoded , Teacher Maggie shares a different approach to summer learning — one rooted in curiosity, creativity, imagination, and real-life experiences. Through personal stories about growing up with boxes of random car parts, raising a dyslexic son who buil...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt and empowering episode, I sit down with Liz—a devoted mom, passionate advocate, and powerful voice in the world of neurodiversity. Liz opens up about her family’s journey with dyslexia, the emotional highs and lows of seeking support, and the moment everything changed with the discovery of the Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) program. Together, we explore what it...

Send us Fan Mail Description: Is your child being recommended for retention? Are you feeling pressure after spring testing—especially if your child didn’t pass the 3rd grade TCAP? In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey as a teacher who once recommended retention, what I learned the hard way, and why holding a child back is rarely the right move—especially for students with dyslexia or other l...

Send us Fan Mail Testing season is here—and if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. In this episode, Teacher Maggie (a reading specialist and fellow dyslexic) shares heartfelt encouragement, practical test-taking strategies, and her own 4th grade testing story that still makes her laugh today. Learn how to help your child feel confident with tools like “Dumbo’s feather,” master key strat...

Send us Fan Mail He was adopted at birth with a promise—one his working-class parents were determined to keep: He would go to college. But what happens when a child learns differently… and dreams bigger than school can contain? In this mystery-style episode of Dyslexia Decoded , Teacher Maggie takes you on a powerful journey through the life of one of the most influential minds of our time. From a...

Send us Fan Mail What if the very thing that makes learning hard is the same thing that makes brilliance possible? In this inspiring episode, Teacher Maggie shares a personal story from her childhood that shaped how she viewed intelligence—and how that belief was ultimately turned upside down. From a painful moment at a family barbecue to discovering her own unique strengths, she invites listeners...

Send us Fan Mail Typing isn’t just a practical skill—it can be life changing for dyslexic students! In this episode, I break down why learning to type can remove barriers, boost confidence, and even reinforce reading and spelling skills. I’ll share my personal experience diving into touch typing (spoiler: it’s not as easy as it looks!) and the fascinating science behind why typing activates key ar...

Send us Fan Mail Struggling in school can feel like an endless battle—especially when words refuse to stay in place and reading feels impossible. But what if those struggles weren’t a sign of failure, but of a different kind of genius? In this episode of Dyslexia Decoded , we uncover the story of a young boy who faced relentless challenges in the classroom but refused to let them define him. Inste...

Send us Fan Mail Is it time to get your child tested for dyslexia? And if so, how do you explain it to them? In this episode of Dyslexia Decoded by StrongMinds , I’m diving into one of the biggest questions parents wrestle with—when (and how) to seek a dyslexia diagnosis. Here’s the truth: your child already knows they’re different. They don’t need you to tell them reading is hard—they live that r...

Send us Fan Mail Hey there, friends! After taking a short break to recover from surgery, I’m back with a quick but powerful episode all about the magic of small wins. Whether it’s learning to read, homeschooling, or mastering any new skill, progress isn’t about big leaps—it’s about stacking tiny victories over time. I’ll share real-life stories from my students, like how one simple fluency strateg...

Send us Fan Mail Are spelling tests actually helping kids become better spellers? 🤔 Spoiler alert: They’re not! In this episode of Dyslexia Decoded with Teacher Maggie , we’re diving into the research behind why traditional spelling tests are ineffective—especially for dyslexic learners—and what we should be doing instead. I share my own struggles with spelling tests, why memorizing words for a t...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is a little different from my usual format—but in the best way. I personally love podcasts that tell stories, and I’m passionate about bringing the successes of dyslexics to life. So, I’m trying something new: a mystery Mike Rowe-style deep dive into the life of a remarkable thinker. I hope to record an episode like this about once a month, sharing the stories of bril...

Send us Fan Mail Advocating for a child with dyslexia or ADHD can feel overwhelming—whether it’s navigating school systems, requesting accommodations, or simply helping others see your child’s true potential. In this episode of Dyslexia Decoded , I’m sharing practical tips to empower parents, caregivers, and educators to become strong advocates. You’ll learn: ✅ How to confidently communicate with...

Send us Fan Mail Failure isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of growth. In this episode of Dyslexia Decoded , Teacher Maggie dives into the messy but magical world of setbacks and why they’re essential for building resilience, creativity, and confidence. Sharing personal stories of her own stumbles as a dyslexic learner, Maggie explains how failure can reveal hidden strengths and unlock untapped pote...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever let perfectionism hold you back? In this episode of Dyslexia Decoded , I’m getting vulnerable and sharing the story behind why it took me months to release this very podcast. Recorded on my 43rd birthday and finally released in January 2025, this episode is a testament to embracing imperfection and starting messy. You’ll hear: •My journey with dyslexia and how it sha...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the debut episode of Dyslexia Decoded ! I’m Teacher Maggie, and I’ll be honest—this podcast has been sitting on my heart and my hard drive since my 43rd birthday in September 2024. It’s now January 2025, and I’ve decided to release it, imperfections and all. In this episode, you’ll hear: •My journey with dyslexia, from eating my homework in 2nd grade to finding my hidde...