Memory & learning
A Crucial Piece to Comprehension
Why the words don’t always stick—and practical ways to lighten the load for a struggling reader.
Read the postA little knowledge.
A lot of possibility.
Practical reading ideas, understanding, and encouragement for the journey.
18 notes for the journeyNewest first
Reading & spelling
Short vs. Long Vowels
A simple chart and teaching reminders for helping students understand open and closed syllables.
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Understanding dyslexia
The Question I Get the Most: What Is Dyslexia?
Heather answers a question she hears often, with a look at dyslexia, strengths, and the importance of understanding.
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Encouragement
The moment I knew my child was going to be OK...
An educator’s journey becomes deeply personal—and a mother begins to see the progress she hoped for.
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Understanding dyslexia
Bringing Awareness
How helping one family member grew into Heather’s work with students, families, and educators.
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Reading & spelling
All About Syllables
Why knowing syllable types helps children approach unfamiliar words with a plan.
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Reading & spelling
Vowels and Consonants
Explore vowel sounds, the breve and macron, and the often-misunderstood schwa.
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Reading & spelling
Morphological Awareness
How the smallest meaningful parts of words fit into the larger literacy puzzle.
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Memory & learning
Different Memory Systems
A closer look at the different ways our brains hold information, with a focus on working memory.
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Understanding dyslexia
Dyslexia & the Best Approach
Heather explains the teaching principles behind an Orton-Gillingham approach to reading and spelling.
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Seminars & training
Dyslexia and Irlen Syndrome Seminar
From the 2024 archive: an introduction to Heather’s seminar for parents and educators.
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Memory & learning
Digging Deeper: Working Memory
Everyday signs of a weak working memory and strategies Heather shares for the classroom and home.
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Seminars & training
Scope and Sequence + Orton-Gillingham
The why behind systematic instruction, and how scope and sequence help tutors see the bigger picture.
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Reading & spelling
Why My Bright Child Can't Read
We enjoy seeing all these fun milestones in the early years. Beginning to scoot and do the army crawl and then all of a sudden you are chasing after your child because they are now walking. It seems like we are always anxiously…
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Reading & spelling
The Foundation of Reading
The most important component of reading that is not focused on enough is phonological awareness. Phonological awareness is the KEY to reading and spelling success. If a child doesn't get a solid foundation in this, there is strong…
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Encouragement
Dear Mamas
Mamas, you aren’t alone on this journey. Your child may be struggling academically; they may be struggling emotionally. Or maybe they are struggling with both. Either way, know that you aren’t alone. You may have a child who just…
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Understanding dyslexia
The Gift of Time
Giving the gift of time is one of the easiest yet most valuable gifts to give to someone with dyslexia and dysgraphia. It's simple, free, and doesn't require extra prep for an educator or parent. Why does someone with dyslexia need…
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Reading & spelling
How to Actively Read
When we actively read with our children, we can start by setting a tone for what we are…
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