Our Students Are Dave Wottle
Our students are Dave Wottle.
Who’s Dave Wottle? Some of you mature readers may recognize the name. Dave Wottle is famous for winning the gold for the 800 meter run at the 1972 Olympics. You have to see this race! Turn the volume up for the commentary:
Dave Wottle wasn’t supposed to be in that race. He was a miler, not an 800 meter runner. He was inexperienced at the distance, concentrating on the 800 for only about two and half months of his career.
Why was he so far behind in the first lap? In a more recent interview, he said he simply couldn’t keep up with the pack because of the condition he was in. Listen to the commentators – they weren’t sure if he was trying to stay out of trouble or if he was seriously injured. Dave had recently married against the advice of many who thought it would ruin him.
But Dave persisted. He ran his race at his pace. Dave’s first lap wasn’t as speedy as the others, but he blew past his competitors in the second lap to win gold!
I’m sure you can see the analogy. Our students with dyslexia may not keep the same pace as their peers who catch on to reading quickly. It doesn’t matter. Let them run their race at their pace. They might need different training to learn to read and spell. It’s ok. They can succeed!
**Credit to David Hanson of Access Learning Academy for sharing this analogy!
Hey there!
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.
TESTS OF DYSLEXIA
Concerned about dyslexia but unsure where to start? Get started with the diagnostic index.
VIDEO RESOURCES PLAYLIST
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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