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What Really Works for Spelling: Proven Programs and Activities for Dyslexic Children
When you’re choosing a spelling program for a dyslexic child, the most important thing is this: make sure the instruction is rooted in the science of reading. Spelling doesn’t develop naturally. Every pattern needs to be taught directly, modeled, practiced, and reviewed.

Alana McWilliams
Nov 144 min read


Why Fluency Matters (When Reading Clicks, Meaning Comes Alive)
If phonics is learning the code, fluency is learning to use it—smoothly, automatically, and with understanding.

Sarah Houser
Oct 141 min read


What is Phonics (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
If phonemic awareness is about hearing sounds, phonics is about seeing them. It’s where children learn that spoken sounds are represented by letters on a page—a crucial bridge between speech and print.

Designed to Learn
Oct 121 min read


Why Phonemic Awareness Matters: The First Step Toward Reading Success
Think of phonemic awareness as the first plank on your child’s bridge to reading. Before kids can connect letters to sounds, they need to...

Sarah Houser
Oct 121 min read


How Parents Build Expertise in Dyslexia: One Resource at a Time
As parents, we often trust that schools will figure things out—but when a child struggles to read, waiting can cost valuable time. This video breaks down the “Dyslexia Paradox,” a research-backed truth that early intervention is key. The best time to help a child with dyslexia is before they fall behind, while the brain is still wiring itself for reading. Learn how early, evidence-based instruction takes advantage of a window of neuroplasticity—and why every day matters. You’

Alana McWilliams
Oct 101 min read


The Moment Every Dyslexic Parent Reaches… and What to Do Next.
If you’ve met with teachers, shared your concerns, and your child is still struggling to make progress—this video is for you. How to request an IEP.

Alana McWilliams
Oct 91 min read


The Sentence Breakthrough Preview | A Practical Guide for Confident Sentence Level Writing
The Sentence Breakthrough gives you the tools to:
✅ Teach grammar in context
✅ Build strong sentence structure skills
✅ Empower students to write with clarity and creativity Learn how this simple, structured method can change the way your students think about writing.

Designed to Learn
Oct 81 min read


Dyslexia Red Flags Every Teacher Should Know
Every child is designed to learn. But for students with dyslexia, traditional instruction isn’t enough—they need structured literacy to unlock their potential.

Sarah Houser
Oct 71 min read


How to Talk with Parents When Students Struggle
One of the hardest—but most important—parts of teaching is having honest, compassionate conversations with parents when we see their child struggling.

Sarah Houser
Oct 61 min read


When There's A Problem: How to Talk to Your Child’s Teacher About Struggles
In this video, we’ll show you how to talk with your child’s teacher when schoolwork leads to tears—using a simple, 4-step framework that builds teamwork and real progress.

Alana McWilliams
Oct 41 min read


5 Myths About Dyslexia
n this video, I share the 5 most common myths about dyslexia—and the truth that finally turned everything around. You’ll see how structured literacy transformed my child’s confidence, skills, and future.

Alana McWilliams
Oct 31 min read


Red Flags in Literacy: And What Actually Works to Teach Kids to Read
When you send your child to school, you expect they’ll be taught to read with the best methods available. The problem? Many classrooms still use balanced literacy—an approach that research shows doesn’t work, especially for kids with dyslexia (and really for most struggling readers).

Sarah Houser
Oct 21 min read


Dyslexia Starts Before Reading: Early Signs Every Parent and Teacher Should Know
In this video, we’ll unpack the earliest indicators of dyslexia in preschool and kindergarten, like trouble with rhyming, sequencing, or remembering sounds.

Alana McWilliams
Sep 301 min read


Understanding Dyslexia vs. Poor First Instruction in Reading
Dyslexia and poor first instruction in reading are two factors that can affect a person's ability to read and comprehend text. While they...

Designed to Learn
Oct 27, 20232 min read


Understanding and Supporting Students During Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness, understanding, and support for individuals with dyslexia....

Designed to Learn
Oct 10, 20232 min read


Cultivating a Love for Reading: Evidence-Based Strategies for Parents of Reluctant Readers
It’s back-to-school time, which may mean daily reading logs reading logs and AR tests, as homework. But what do you do if you have a...

Designed to Learn
Aug 22, 20233 min read
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