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Reading difficulties rarely disappear on their own. Research shows that early reading intervention  leads to stronger outcomes and improved confidence. At My Learning Farm , early dyslexia support focuses on building foundational skills while protecting a child’s sense of self. We prioritize progress without pressure. 🌱 Early understanding creates lasting confidence. Making funny faces-means students feel comfortable to be themselves and experience success at My Learning Farm 🔗 Early reading intervention: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services

A common myth is that dyslexia is caused by seeing letters backward. In reality, dyslexia is a language-based learning difference , not a vision issue. Students find success and joy in reading at My Learning Farm Children with dyslexia struggle with how sounds connect to letters and words. This is why additional reading time alone doesn’t solve the problem — and why frustration often grows. At My Learning Farm , we utilize Orton-Gillingham structured literacy (the gold standard for dyslexia intervention) focuses on teaching how language works, step by step, so reading becomes understandable and predictable. 🔗 Structured literacy reading instruction: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services

Some of the most meaningful learning happens when children are free to explore, get curious, and follow the unexpected — especially when animals are part of the adventure. At My Learning Farm , our Farm Classes are built around joy, curiosity, and connection . Each day on the farm is a little different. Animals don’t read lesson plans, and nature doesn’t follow a schedule — and that’s exactly the magic. Children arrive not knowing exactly what the day will hold, and that sense of wonder and unpredictability invites engagement, laughter, and discovery. Through caring for animals and spending time outdoors, children naturally ask questions, take risks, and problem-solve together. They form new friendships over shared experiences — feeding goats, watching ducks, exploring the land, creating art, or learning from guest speakers. These moments build connection in ways that feel organic and joyful. Animals have a special way of bringing children together. They lower pressure, invite empathy, and create common ground. Shy children often find their voice. Energetic children find purpose. And friendships form around a shared love of animals, nature, and hands-on discovery. On the farm, learning feels like an adventure — not an assignment. Children practice communication, cooperation, responsibility, and confidence without even realizing they’re learning. They feel capable, connected, and excited to return. 🌱 Why Farm Classes Matter Farm Classes offer children a place to belong, explore, and grow through joy and shared experience. They remind us that learning is not just about academics — it’s about connection, curiosity, and discovering who we are together . Vet Day is always a HIT-joy, laughter, discovery, play, imagination & friends! At My Learning Farm , we believe learning should feel alive — and sometimes, the best lessons begin with muddy boots and a curious heart.

Many struggling readers learn to guess words using pictures or context. While this may look like reading, guessing is exhausting and often hides decoding difficulties associated with dyslexia. As reading demands increase, guessing leads to anxiety, avoidance, and loss of confidence. At My Learning Farm , guessing is gently replaced with explicit decoding instruction so children can read with confidence instead of fear. Achievements are CELEBRATED at My Learning Farm-progress, confidence and growth! 🔗 Decoding support for dyslexia: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services

One of the most important things for parents to understand is that dyslexia is a spectrum . Dyslexia does not look the same in every child, which is one reason it is often misunderstood or missed. Some children struggle early with letter sounds and decoding. Others compensate quietly for years until reading becomes mentally exhausting. Many parents tell me they felt something was off long before they had words for it — and that instinct matters. Research suggests that 15–20% of people have dyslexia or related reading difficulties , yet many children go unsupported because their struggles don’t fit a single definition. At My Learning Farm , reading support is always individualized. I meet children where they are on the dyslexia spectrum and teach reading in a way that makes sense to their  brain — with patience, clarity, and care. 🔗 Dyslexia & Reading Support: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services

Many parents sense that something isn’t quite clicking for their child — even when they’re bright, curious, and trying their very best. Dyslexia often shows up quietly, and because it exists on a spectrum , the signs aren’t always obvious. Some commonly missed signs of dyslexia include: Difficulty remembering letter sounds or phonics patterns Guessing words instead of sounding them out Slow or effortful reading, even with practice Strong verbal skills but weaker reading or spelling Trouble rhyming or breaking words into sounds Struggles with common sight words Avoidance of reading due to frustration or fatigue Because dyslexia is a language-based learning difference , it doesn’t look the same in every child. Some students struggle early. Others compensate for years before reading demands increase and difficulties become more noticeable. This is why many children with dyslexia are misidentified as “lazy,” “inattentive,” or “just needing more practice” — when what they really need is explicit, supportive instruction . Early understanding matters. Research consistently shows that children with dyslexia benefit most from structured, evidence-based reading instruction that is systematic, multisensory, and individualized (International Dyslexia Association; The Reading League). At My Learning Farm , I support students across the dyslexia spectrum through: 1:1 reading instruction using structured literacy Explicit phonics, decoding, and spelling support Instruction tailored to how each child learns A confidence-first, relationship-based approach 🔗 Learn more about reading support at My Learning Farm: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services 🌱 A Gentle Reminder for Parents If you’re noticing signs and trusting your instincts, you’re already doing something powerful for your child. Dyslexia is not a reflection of intelligence — and with the right support, children can become confident, capable readers. What we do best here on the Farm: joyfully reading among nature & animals! At My Learning Farm , I believe understanding leads to hope — and learning can grow when children are taught the way they learn best.

My Learning Farm didn’t begin as a business plan.It began as a parent’s promise. Like so many families, our journey started with questions — and then answers we weren’t expecting. One by one, our children were diagnosed with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and anxiety. Alongside those diagnoses came worry, uncertainty, and a deep desire to do right by our kids. I wanted to understand how my children learned.I wanted to support them well.And most of all, I wanted them to know — deeply and without question — that they were capable. Learning differences run through our family. My mom. My sister. A cousin. Three nephews. My husband. And both of our children. This was not unfamiliar terrain — but it was personal in a way that changes you. When it’s your child, you don’t just want answers. You want hope, clarity, and a path forward. So I started learning.And learning.And learning some more. I immersed myself in evidence-based instruction, structured literacy, multisensory math, writing support, and one-to-one intervention, along with countless certifications and trainings. Not because I wanted to build a business — but because I wanted to be the best possible advocate and support for my own children. And then something beautiful happened. With early intervention, individualized support, and the right tools, my children began to soar. Not overnight. Not without struggle. But steadily, confidently, and authentically. Their success is not because of me alone — and I am quick to say that.The credit belongs first and foremost to them. They worked hard.They persevered.They wanted to succeed.I simply provided the tools — and they ran with them. Our journey wasn’t linear. We tried public school, homeschool, charter school, half days, and full days. We adjusted, pivoted, and listened closely to what each child needed at different moments in time. We learned that flexibility isn’t a weakness — it’s often the greatest strength. And we were never alone. Along the way, we were surrounded by a remarkable community of caring adults who believed in our kids just as fiercely as we did. So many caring teachers and specialists — Mrs. Fox, Mr. Walgren, Ms. Betsy, Ms. Cassie, and Ms. Jen. And beyond the classroom, an incredible network of 4-H adult mentors — Mark, Sabina, Jen, and so many others — who taught our children responsibility, confidence, leadership, and belonging. These adults mattered.Immensely. They saw our children’s strengths. They created safe places for growth. They reminded us that learning doesn’t only happen at a desk — it happens through relationships, hands-on experiences, and being known. That is the heart of My Learning Farm. This business is built on a foundation of love — love for children who learn differently, love for families navigating uncertainty, and deep respect for the hard work it takes to grow. Everything I offer through My Learning Farm is shaped by our family’s journey: early intervention, evidence-based instruction, individualized support, and a belief that confidence and connection come first. My children’s stories are my testament.Not to perfection — but to possibility. They are thriving not because they were “fixed,” but because they were supported, understood, and surrounded by adults who believed in them. That is what I hope every family who comes to My Learning Farm feels. You are not alone.Your child is capable.And with the right tools and the right support, learning really can grow.

In the New Yorker ’s recent article “Dyslexia and the Reading Wars,” David Owen lays bare a frustrating truth: effective, scientifically supported methods for teaching struggling readers have existed for decades — yet far too many schools still don’t use them. The New Yorker 🧠 What the Article Reveals The article pulls together research and expert voices showing that: Dyslexia is a real, neurological challenge that affects reading, spelling, and language processing, not a matter of intelligence or effort. Many common school literacy programs still rely on outdated or discredited methods that emphasize guessing from context or illustrations rather than teaching the sound-symbol relationships that make reading possible. Structured, systematic instruction — sometimes called the “science of reading” — is what actually works, especially for students with dyslexia. Improved training for teachers in these methods leads to real gains — and when schools adopt science-based reading programs, reading proficiency rises. There is a window early in a child’s life when intervention makes the biggest difference, and missing that opportunity can lead to years of struggle and compounding academic and emotional harm. These findings echo what literacy researchers, neuroscientists, and advocates have been saying for years: reading is not a natural process that children will just “pick up.” It requires explicit instruction in how written language encodes spoken language — a core principle of structured literacy. 🌾 Connecting the Dots — Why My Learning Farm’s Approach Works At My Learning Farm , we’ve built our literacy support around the same principles the article highlights as essential: 👍 1. Orton-Gillingham Multisensory, Structured Literacy Structured literacy — Orton-Gillingham approach — emphasizes: Phonology & phonemic awareness — hearing and manipulating sounds in words Sound-symbol relationships (phonics) — how letters represent sounds Syllable types and morphology — understanding word parts Syntax and meaning — connecting reading with comprehension This is exactly the kind of scientifically supported instruction the New Yorker article champions as the best practice for students with dyslexia and other reading struggles. 🧩 2. Explicit, Systematic Teaching Rather than asking students to guess from context or pictures — a method shown to be ineffective, especially for dyslexic learners — our instruction breaks reading down into sequential, teachable parts . This matches what research says works best and what the article calls for. 🤝 3. Empowering Educators and Families One reason schools lag is that many teachers never receive strong training in structured literacy. We change that through training, coaching, and parent support — equipping adult partners to understand and reinforce reading science at home and in instruction. ⚡ 4. Early Intervention Matters The article emphasizes that there’s a critical window to help struggling readers before gaps widen. Our early screening and targeted support help catch difficulties before they become entrenched , which aligns with the best research on reading development. These hearts are students at My Learning Farm who have benefitted by evidence-based instruction, curricula, training and love! 📌 Bottom Line The New Yorker article isn’t just another commentary on dyslexia — it’s a wake-up call that what we already know from decades of research must finally be put into practice. The New Yorker At My Learning Farm, our use of Orton-Gillingham structured literacy isn’t new or trendy — it reflects the very instructional framework that research shows gives struggling readers a real chance at success. By marrying brain-based literacy science with joyful, individualized learning, we help learners build confidence, skill, and lifelong reading ability.

One of the most confusing experiences for parents is watching a bright, capable child struggle with reading . Dyslexia does not reflect intelligence. It reflects how the brain processes written language. Many children with dyslexia have strong verbal skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Because of this, their reading struggles are often misunderstood or minimized. At My Learning Farm , strengths are celebrated while reading skills are taught explicitly through structured literacy. Children deserve reading instruction that works — not more pressure or comparison. 🔗 Reading support for struggling readers: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services

If your child is trying so hard in math but still struggles to remember facts, understand numbers, or keep steps organized, it can feel confusing — and honestly, a little heartbreaking. Many families who come to My Learning Farm share the same quiet question with me: Why is math so hard for my child when they’re so capable in other ways? For some children, the answer is dyscalculia — a learning difference that affects how the brain understands numbers and mathematical ideas. Dyscalculia has nothing to do with effort or intelligence. In fact, many children who struggle with math are thoughtful, creative, and incredibly capable learners. Math just doesn’t make sense yet . Children with dyscalculia may: Have a hard time remembering math facts Struggle with place value or number order Feel overwhelmed by multi-step problems Experience frustration or anxiety around math When math instruction moves quickly or relies heavily on memorization, these challenges can grow — and so can a child’s belief that they “just aren’t good at math.” Over time, that belief can be even harder than the math itself. Why a Different Approach to Math Matters At My Learning Farm , I believe math should be taught in a way that helps children truly understand what they’re learning — not rush through it. Math support here is: Hands-on and visual Taught step by step Adjusted to each child’s learning style Focused on confidence before speed Using real objects, visual models, and thoughtful pacing allows children to build number sense without pressure. When kids feel safe and supported, math starts to feel more manageable — and sometimes even enjoyable. How My Learning Farm Supports Math Learners Every child who comes to My Learning Farm is met exactly where they are. We take the time to understand how they learn and what they need to feel successful. Our focus is on: Building strong foundations in number sense Reducing math anxiety Supporting organization and memory Celebrating progress, no matter how small 🔗 Learn more about 1:1 Math Support: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services🔗 🌱 A Gentle Reminder for Parents If math doesn’t make sense to your child right now, it doesn’t mean it never will. With the right support, patience, and encouragement, understanding can grow — slowly and steadily. At My Learning Farm students find success & FUN with math! At My Learning Farm , I believe every child deserves to feel capable, supported, and proud of their learning — especially in the areas that feel hardest.

If your child is bright, curious, and hardworking — yet reading feels unusually difficult — you’re not alone. Many families come to My Learning Farm wondering if dyslexia might be part of their child’s learning profile. Dyslexia is a language-based learning difference , not a lack of intelligence or effort. Research shows that dyslexia affects how the brain processes sounds and written language, making decoding, spelling, and fluent reading harder without explicit instruction (International Dyslexia Association). The good news? With the right support , children with dyslexia can become confident, capable readers. At My Learning Farm , we use Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy , an evidence-based approach that: Teaches reading explicitly and systematically Builds phonological awareness, decoding, and spelling step-by-step Uses multi-sensory strategies that align with how the brain learns I often remind parents:✨ Struggling to read is not a character flaw. It’s a learning difference — and differences can be supported. If you’re wondering whether structured literacy is right for your child, I invite you to explore: 🔗 My Learning Farm Reading Services: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/services 🔗 My Learning Farm FAQ: https://www.mylearningfarm.com/tutoring-sessions Reading at My Learning Farm with Poppy the goat and bookmark stealer-making reading a joyful journey! You are not behind. Your child is not broken.You ’ve simply found the path that helps learning grow 🌾

Check out My Learning Farm videos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mylearningfarmplacer/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sara.mattia What if I told you there is a proven, science-backed way to help struggling readers make sense of reading—one that aligns with how the brain actually learns? It’s called Structured Literacy , and for so many children, it changes everything. At My Learning Farm in Penryn, CA, we use this approach every single day to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and other learning differences become confident, capable readers. Today, I’d love to explain what Structured Literacy really is, why it works, and how it can support your child. 🌱 Understanding the Orton–Gillingham Approach Structured Literacy has deep roots in one of the most trusted reading approaches: Orton–Gillingham , often called OG. OG was developed nearly a century ago by Dr. Samuel Orton , a neuropsychiatrist who studied how the brain processes language, and Anna Gillingham , an educator and linguist who transformed his research into a clear, teachable method. Even after almost 100 years, OG remains one of the most effective approaches because modern brain research continues to support it . OG instruction is: Explicit — nothing is assumed; everything is taught directly. Systematic & Sequential — skills build in a logical order. Multisensory — students learn using sight, sound, touch, and movement. Diagnostic & Personalized — teaching adapts instantly to student needs. Prescriptive — instruction is tailored, not one-size-fits-all. In other words, OG isn’t just a program — it’s a method that mirrors how the brain learns best. 🌾 What Is Structured Literacy? Structured Literacy is the broader umbrella that includes Orton–Gillingham.It teaches the foundational skills that all learners need: Phonemic Awareness Sound–Symbol Relationships Syllable Types Morphology (prefixes, suffixes, Greek/Latin roots) Fluency Vocabulary Comprehension It is clear. Direct. Intentional. Consistent. There is no guessing, no memorizing long lists of words, and no “hope they figure it out.” Everything has a purpose. Everything connects. 🧠 Why Struggling Readers Thrive With Structured Literacy Here’s the beautiful part: when instruction aligns with how the brain actually learns to read, kids finally exhale. Structured Literacy works because: 👉 It makes reading logical and predictable.👉 It strengthens neural pathways through multisensory learning.👉 It reduces frustration and builds confidence.👉 It teaches students the why (the patterns and rules) behind English.👉 It adjusts to each child’s needs, pace, and learning profile. Parents often say, “This finally makes sense.” Students say, “I get it now!” And as a teacher, those words are everything. 💛 A Message to Families If your child struggles with reading or spelling, please know this: It is not a reflection of their intelligence or potential.They simply need an approach that matches how their brain learns. At My Learning Farm, we use Orton–Gillingham Structured Literacy every day to help students grow through joyful, hands-on, evidence-based instruction. And we would love to walk beside your family, too.