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

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...

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 dyslex...

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...

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...

You don’t need to be a professional dyslexia tutor to improve your child’s reading. In this episode of The Literacy Keys , you’ll learn how to bring the Orton Gillingham method right into your home using simple, powerful tips that help your child make real progress. If you’ve ever sat at the kitchen table watching your child avoid doing their homework, you’re not alone. That frustration is exactly...

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 fou...

Co-hosts Tracy and Alex discuss their personal experiences with parental guilt, anxiety and dyslexia , and the importance of seeking therapy when anxiety in teens becomes too much. They explore the emotional journey of receiving a dyslexia diagnosis, the differing reactions between parent and child, and the complexities of parental guilt. They share their thoughts on helping teens with anxiety, an...

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 means Why fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension How dyslexic learners uniquely benefit from structured fluency practice The most effective multi-sensory reading fluen...

If your child avoids reading, mixes up words, melts down over homework, or keeps saying, “I’m just not smart,” you may be wondering whether there’s something deeper happening beneath the surface. What if these challenges aren’t a phase, but signs of dyslexia symptoms that have been overlooked? In this episode, Tracy Young, Orton-Gillingham practitioner and host of The Literacy Keys Podcast , walks...

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...

This conversation explores the connection between dyslexia and success, highlighting how many innovative thinkers and leaders have thrived despite their challenges. The discussion emphasizes recognizing and leveraging strengths, navigating educational paths, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in career choices. The episode also shares one person's symptoms of dyslexia and w...

Could the combination of Dyslexia and ADHD be the reason your child seems brilliant one moment, and completely overwhelmed the next? Yes! In this episode, Tracy Young helps you uncover what may be happening and gives you a clearer path forward for better learning support. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident understanding what you’re seeing and what to do next to help your child...

Does your child struggle with math?  There might be something going on in the brain that’s causing the struggle. In this episode we talk about a condition which is sometimes referred to as “math dyslexia.” Learn about the neurological aspect, how it's diagnosed, along with practical strategies that can be used to help reduce the frustration. Best of all, we’ll share how to pronounce dyscalculi...

The IDA definition of dyslexia is considered the gold standard. So why is the IDA changing the definition?  What will it mean for your child? Listen to this podcast to discover what the change to the definition of dyslexia means for you and your child, and why the organization thought it necessary. Links: International Dyslexia Association Public comment on the IDA definition of dyslexia

A mother and daughter’s journey with dyslexia as the daughter asks: “Am I dyslexic?”  This episode shares dyslexia help for parents and offers a perspective on what many have said along the way, which hasn't always been pretty. Discover no-nonsense dyslexia help and advice. In this conversation, Tracy and Alex delve into the complexities of dyslexia, addressing common misconceptions and the im...

Sometimes messy handwriting might be an indication of dysgraphia. Not sure what it is and interested in exploring testing for dysgraphia?  This episode will help guide you through the process of testing for dysgraphia , and ensure your child has the dysgraphia treatment support they need to succeed. Handwriting can be hard for lots of reasons: fatigue, weak hand strength, slow motor control, or th...

In this episode, we're cutting through the confusion of dysgraphia vs dyslexia . Discover why some kids struggle to write even though they're great at reading.  Learn why some dyslexic children also struggle to write. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series.  

Are you searching for dyslexia resources for parents? Are you trying to understand your child’s diagnosis?  This episode talks about 3 key things you can do to support your child. Two of the resources mentioned in the episode include: International Dyslexia Association Wright's Law

Is your child’s weekly spelling list a source of frustration? Do you wonder does spelling really matter? If you’ve asked that in a tired whisper over your child's homework, you’re not alone. For many kids, misspelled words aren’t careless mistakes. they’re a visible symptom of an invisible load: slower writing, more frustration, and a hit to confidence. And for dyslexic learners, spelling can...

This episode is the second part of our multisensory approach to spelling. In this episode, you'll discover how an OG tutor teaches students to break the word into sounds in order to spell the word. There are 4 specific examples: two vcv words, and a v-e word, and a 2-syllable word. If you missed the first part, head over to the previous episode.

Is spelling a nightly battle in your home? In this episode, we explain how to use the Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach for struggling spellers to ensure learning sticks in long-term memory.

If you have a child who struggles to read, you may have heard the term Orton Gillingham, but do you know what it means? Orton Gillingham is not a curriculum, it's a way of presenting information using a multisensory approach that is very effective for dyslexic children and struggling readers. This podcast explains what Orton Gillingham is, and how to find a certified OG tutor. BTW - I added th...

What happens when a dyslexic diagnosis comes long after the early elementary grades?  In this episode, host Tracy Young sits down with her daughter, Alexandrine, to share Alex’s journey of discovering she was dyslexic.  They explore the missed “red flags,”  the frustration of being misunderstood by teachers, and the challenges of advanced coursework.  Their conversation details the path to obtaini...

Has the excitement of a new school year turned into worry? In this episode, we'll pull back the curtain on the IEP meeting to help you navigate the process. Find out what to expect so you can become a confident advocate for your child. We’ll even share next steps if the school determines that “everything is normal,” and you disagree. Click on the link below From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam Wri...

In this episode of The Literacy Keys, you'll understand the power of the IEE Independent Educational Evaluation when you disagree with the dyslexia testing conducted by the school. It's a powerful tool to use when the school’s evaluation says everything is fine with your child, but your gut tells you something is wrong! Discover the steps to have the school pay for your Independent Educational Eva...