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As a literacy interventionist, one of the questions I hear most often is, "What's the difference between phonological awareness and phonemic awareness?" The easiest way to explain it is to picture an umbrella. Phonological awareness is the umbrella. Under that umbrella are several different listening and language skills that develop from simple to more complex. These include word awareness, syllable awareness, onset-rime awareness, and phonemic awareness. These skills can and

Every year as the school doors close, the same phrase starts circulating among educators and parents: the summer slide. It is often said with urgency, sometimes even fear. But what does it actually mean? Is it real? And more importantly, what should families realistically do about it? Let’s unpack it. What is the summer slide? The summer slide refers to the learning loss that can happen when students are out of school for an extended period, particularly in reading and math.

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child’s reading struggles are something they’ll outgrow or a sign they need extra support. It can also feel overwhelming to decide whether or not to pursue formal testing. Many families hesitate, wondering if it’s “too early,” “too extreme,” or even necessary. The good news is that there are effective, research-based ways to help children become confident, capable readers—and you don’t always need to have all the answers righ

Tutors and teachers in private practice both support students and ultimately share the same goal—helping children succeed academically. That said, the structure and approach behind the work can look quite different. Understanding that distinction can help families choose the type of support that best fits their child’s needs. First, I always like to say that tutoring plays a really valuable role in education. Tutors help so many students stay on track, review classroom materi

When a child struggles with reading, the right supports can make an immediate and meaningful difference. While these tools are especially helpful for students with dyslexia, they can benefit any developing reader by reducing cognitive load and improving access to text. It is important to remember that supports do not replace structured literacy instruction, but they can significantly improve confidence, independence, and comprehension while foundational skills are developing.

During the summer of 2024, I enrolled in a $50 micro-credential course through SUNY New Paltz, and that’s when I truly entered the world of the Science of Reading . I had heard the term circulating in education spaces, but I didn’t fully understand what it meant. After all, I had already taken graduate-level courses on teaching reading. We just didn’t call it that . What surprised me most was how quickly I completed the course. In less than a month, I worked through every mod

When I read, I get tired. Sometimes I can only make it through five pages before my brain needs a break. I like reading in the car when I’m a passenger, but it often ends with me falling asleep. Then I feel disappointed, like I should have been able to read more. This is what dyslexia looks like for me as an adult. Not an inability to read, but the mental fatigue that comes with it. Growing Up With Dyslexia (Before I Had the Word for It) When I was growing up, I loved reading

A practical, parent-friendly checklist for Westchester County families If you’re a parent in Westchester County, NY wondering whether your child is truly ready for kindergarten, you’re not alone. Kindergarten expectations have changed a lot over the years, and many Westchester families look for guidance on what skills actually matter. Below are six foundational readiness skills, plus simple at-home strategies if your child needs support. 1. They Know How to Rhyme Rhyming is

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a well-established method for teaching individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. What sets it apart is its reliance on multisensory techniques that engage various senses to improve learning and retention. In this blog post, we will examine how the Orton-Gillingham method incorporates these multisensory elements and the significant benefits it offers to learners. What is Multisensory Instruction? Multisensory instruction uses mu