Are dyslexia and ADHD related? Yes. Dyslexia and ADHD are related because they often occur together, but one does not directly cause the other. The International Dyslexia Association explains that ADHD and dyslexia are separate conditions that can coexist, and research estimates that around 30% of individuals with one condition may also have the other. In simple terms: a child can have dyslexia, ADHD, or both. What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that

Sight word practice doesn't have to feel like a chore. Discover 11 fun, play-based games parents can use at home to help early readers build sight word fluency — no special materials required.

How Spelling Supports Reading Many parents think of spelling as something students practice after they learn to read. Research tells us the opposite is often true. Let's learn how spelling supports reading. Spelling actually helps build the brain systems needed for skilled reading. When students spell words, they must: Hear individual sounds in words Match sounds to letters Remember letter order Recognize spelling patterns Understand word meanings and word parts These actions

7-year-olds (typically reading at a 2nd grade level) are ready for a wide range of books—from early chapter books to nonfiction and graphic novels. Choose books based on your child’s interests and reading level Use the Five-Finger Rule to avoid frustration Look for books in guided reading levels K–P Book series help children build confidence and momentum If your child is struggling, focus on easier, engaging books and close skill gaps early Start with Interest At this stage,

Where Most Parents Get Stuck If you’ve ever thought… “I don’t know where to start with phonics” “My child knows their ABCs but still can’t read” “We’ve tried, but it’s just not clicking” You’re not alone. Most homeschooling parents don’t struggle because they can’t teach reading… They struggle because no one has shown them the correct order to teach phonics. This guide will walk you through exactly how to teach phonics at home—from the very first skill all the way to confiden

When I was speaking at the Embracing Homeschool Summit, one mom shared something that so many families quietly feel. She had: A 7-year-old A 6-year-old A 3-year-old And an infant She wanted to do daily read-alouds. She believed in them. But between snacks, naps, nursing, math help, and sibling squabbles… The day would disappear. And the mom guilt would creep in. If that sounds familiar, hear this clearly: Read-alouds do not have to look picture-perfect to be effective. As the

When a Child "Hates" Reading Recently, I came across a post from a parent that deeply resonated with what so many families experience. She wrote: “My daughter hates reading with a fiery passion… basically refuses to do it at home… Her school keeps telling us to just practice more, but it’s a battle every night. It makes me feel like a failure because my kid hates reading and will never be good at it.” If you’ve ever felt that same frustration, shame, or helplessness—please kn

Why Homeschooling Parents Search for a Dyslexia-Friendly Curriculum Many homeschooling families reach a point where they realize their child isn't learning to read or spell as expected. You may notice that an older sibling or a younger sibling has been much easier to teach. Reading might cause tears. Spelling tests could feel like a nightmare. You might wonder: Is this dyslexia? If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. As a reading tutor working with dyslexic learners in Su

Why Many Well-Meaning Tutors Don’t Actually Know How to Teach Reading When a child is struggling to read, most parents’ first instinct is to find someone—anyone—who can help. A babysitter who loves books, a high school student with good grades, a college grad studying education, or even a classroom teacher might seem like a good fit. After all, they can read—shouldn’t they be able to teach reading too? But here’s the hard truth: most people, including many certified teachers,

Can kids grow out of reading difficulties? No, not usually. While some children may improve slightly over time, research shows that reading challenges — especially those rooted in learning disabilities like dyslexia — rarely resolve on their own. "There is no evidence that children naturally outgrow dyslexia or similar reading disabilities without instruction." — Reading Rockets In fact, studies show that without intervention: 75% of children who struggle in third grade co