“Let’s just keep an eye on it.”
Let’s imagine these two scenarios for a minute.
- Your car is making a funny noise. You take it to your mechanic, who says, “I’ve seen this kind of thing before, but I have no idea how to fix it. It’ll probably stop soon enough.”
- Your child is sick. You take him to the doctor, who does an examination and says, “I’ve seen these symptoms before, but I wasn’t trained in how to heal this illness. Let’s just keep an eye on it and see if it goes away.”
How long would you keep going to that mechanic or to that doctor? You wouldn’t keep going, of course! You expect these experts to be trained in how to deal with common problems in their field.
Let’s translate these scenarios into education.
Your child is struggling to sound out words. He has great difficulty learning sight words and with spelling, despite phonics instruction in school. He frequently reverses lowercase B’s and D’s when handwriting. Your child is bright and engaging, but he’s falling behind his peers in reading. Your child’s teacher acknowledges a problem, but she isn’t sure how to help. She hasn’t been trained in how to help common reading problems like dyslexia. It was exactly these circumstances that propelled me to learn about dyslexia and reading difficulties at the end of my college studies.
This post isn’t a criticism of teachers. I am one. Teachers work very hard to meet the needs of every child, and they take professional development seriously. Teachers care very much about their students, and it pains them to see children struggle. But parents, you need to know that your child’s teacher may not have had the training to know how to help your child who is having difficulty with reading. Be aware that children do not usually “grow out of it” when it comes to reading. Extra worksheets or tutoring will NOT help dyslexic children if it’s not the right kind of program. Parents, even the best (and costliest!) private schools may not be equipped to help your child. It’s up to you to ask the right questions and persevere on behalf of your child.
Not sure if it’s dyslexia? See a list of signs of dyslexia.
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We’re Nashville Dyslexia Center, your go-to stop for online dyslexia tutoring. We’re here to help overwhelmed parents get the reading help they need. Our mission? To see your child thrive - both academically and personally.
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01. About NDC
Hear from two clients and their childs’ success.
02. Getting a Diagnosis
for dyslexia
03. Language Development
Insight from a Speech Language Pathologist
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READ THE LATEST POSTS
Episode 1: Jacob Blumenstein of KidsRead2Kids
In Episode 1 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, Jacob Blumenstein, founder of KidsRead2Kids, shares his passion for helping struggling readers find confidence and joy in reading. This inspiring conversation explores how early experiences with literacy challenges can spark meaningful work, and how compassion, creativity, and structured guidance make a real difference for learners of…
Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver
Understanding whether a child has dyslexia can be both empowering and overwhelming for families. In Episode 2: Diagnosing Dyslexia with Dr. Jackie Klaver, the Nashville Dyslexia Center brings clarity to the dyslexia assessment process by talking with Dr. Klaver — an experienced neuropsychologist — about what evaluations involve, when to seek one, and how results…
Episode 3: Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton
Dyslexia is most often defined by language-based learning differences — difficulties with decoding, spelling, and reading fluency. But there’s another side to dyslexia that isn’t talked about as often: the emotional experience. In the Nashville Dyslexia Center video “Understanding the Emotional Side of Dyslexia with Tricia Thornton,” families are guided through how dyslexia can impact…
Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life
When a child struggles with reading, it affects the whole family. Episode 4: Nicole Holcomb of the Dyslexia Mom Life offers an honest and heartfelt look at one parent’s dyslexia journey. Nicole Holcomb — educator, attorney, and founder of Dyslexia Mom Life — shares her family’s experience with dyslexia, including early concerns, the emotional impact,…
Episode 5: Author Cigdem Knebel of Simple Words Books
Dyslexia doesn’t just challenge readers — it also inspires creators. In Episode 5: Author Çiğdem Knebel of Simple Words Books, the Nashville Dyslexia Center highlights how one author’s understanding of dyslexia fuels her mission to make reading more approachable and joyful for children. This episode celebrates creativity, inclusion, and the power of thoughtful book design…
Episode 6: Andra Harris, Author of Magnificent Meg
In Episode 6 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, author Andra Harris shares a compelling story of creativity, resilience, and advocacy. Known for her book Magnificent Meg, Andra opens up about her personal journey with dyslexia — transforming her experiences into a creative work that not only entertains, but empowers young readers who may feel…
Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective — A Real Look at Dyslexia and the Family Journey
Every family’s experience with dyslexia is unique, but there are common threads that many parents recognize: early confusion, unanswered questions, and the desire to find help that actually works. In Episode 7: A Parent’s Perspective, the Nashville Dyslexia Center shares a heartfelt and honest conversation with a parent whose child has navigated reading struggles, evaluations,…
Episode 8: Marc Hoffman, Educational Entrepreneur and Dyslexic
In Episode 8 of the Nashville Dyslexia Center series, Marc Hoffman shares a candid and inspiring story about growing up with dyslexia and later becoming an educational entrepreneur. His journey highlights how struggling with a learning difference doesn’t have to limit a person’s potential — and in many cases, it can shape strengths that lead…
Episode 9: Embracing Dyslexia with Taylor Chmill — A Real Story of Strength, Understanding, and Growth
Many parents and educators know dyslexia as a reading challenge, but Episode 9: Embracing Dyslexia with Taylor Chmill brings a deeply personal perspective. In this episode from the Nashville Dyslexia Center, Taylor shares her experience living with dyslexia — not just the challenges, but how embracing her unique learning style has shaped her confidence, identity,…
Episode 10: Robbin Kent — Real Talk About Dyslexia Support and Student Success
In Episode 10: Robbin Kent, the Nashville Dyslexia Center continues its mission of educating and uplifting families who are navigating dyslexia and reading struggles. This episode features Robbin Kent, a voice grounded in real experience with learning differences, who shares insights about what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to supporting struggling…
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