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Why Some Children Need Explicit, Structured Reading Instruction "We've been reading every night...so why is my child still struggling?" It's one of the most common—and heartbreaking—questions I hear from parents. For years, families have faithfully curled up with books before bedtime, visited the library, encouraged independent reading, and surrounded their children with wonderful literature. Those are beautiful gifts to give a child. But for some children...Reading more simply isn't enough. If learning to read were only about exposure to books, every child who loved story time would become a fluent reader. We know that isn't the case. For many students—especially those with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences—reading is not naturally acquired. It must be explicitly taught. That doesn't mean your child isn't intelligent. It doesn't mean they aren't trying. It simply means their brain learns to read differently. 🌱 Reading Is a Skill That Must Be Built Reading isn't one single skill. It is a collection of many smaller skills working together: 🧠 Phonological awareness 🔤 Phonemic awareness 🔡 Letter-sound correspondence 📖 Decoding ✍️ Encoding (spelling) 📚 Vocabulary 💬 Language comprehension 📄 Reading fluency When one or more of these foundational pieces is weak, reading becomes exhausting. A child may memorize words... Guess from pictures... Skip unfamiliar words... Or avoid reading altogether because it feels overwhelming. Simply asking them to "read more" doesn't teach the skills they're missing. It's much like asking someone to ride a bicycle without ever teaching them how to balance. 🌾 What Makes Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy Different? At My Learning Farm, I use Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy because it teaches reading in a way that matches how struggling readers learn best. Rather than hoping children discover patterns on their own, every concept is taught directly, practiced thoroughly, and reviewed until it becomes automatic. Instruction is carefully planned around each individual student. There is no rushing. There is no guessing. There is simply steady growth. 🌟 The Foundations of Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy 🌱 1. Explicit Instruction Nothing is assumed. Students are directly taught every sound, spelling pattern, syllable type, rule, and language concept. Instead of hoping children "pick it up," teachers model, explain, practice, and provide immediate feedback. Children know exactly what they are learning and why. 🌱 2. Systematic and Sequential Reading skills are introduced in a carefully planned order. Each lesson builds upon previously mastered concepts. Students don't jump ahead before they are ready. Strong foundations create confident readers. Just as you wouldn't build the second floor of a house before pouring the foundation, reading instruction follows a logical sequence. 🌱 3. Cumulative Learning Nothing is ever taught once and forgotten. Every lesson reviews previously learned skills while introducing one small new concept. This constant review strengthens memory and builds automaticity. Children experience success because they continue practicing what they've already learned. 🌱 4. Diagnostic and Prescriptive No two children learn exactly alike. A trained Orton-Gillingham instructor continually observes student responses during every lesson. Instruction is adjusted in real time. If a student needs more practice with vowel teams, that's where instruction stays. If another child is ready for advanced morphology, instruction moves forward. The child—not a curriculum calendar—determines the pace. 🌱 5. Individualized One of the greatest strengths of Orton-Gillingham is that instruction meets children exactly where they are. Some students move quickly. Others need additional repetition. Both are perfectly okay. Learning should never be a race. It should be a journey toward confidence. 🌱 6. Incremental Large concepts are broken into small, manageable steps. Students experience frequent success because each lesson builds on skills they already know. This gradual progression prevents overwhelm and encourages confidence. Small victories eventually become big accomplishments. 🌱 7. Multisensory Learning Children don't learn using only their eyes. Effective reading instruction engages multiple pathways in the brain simultaneously. Students may: 👀 See the letters 👂 Hear the sounds ✋ Trace or write the letters 🗣️ Say the sounds aloud 🧠 Connect movement with learning Using visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile pathways helps strengthen memory and makes learning more durable. Research has shown that engaging multiple senses can support stronger learning for many students, particularly those with reading difficulties. 🌱 8. Language-Based Orton-Gillingham doesn't simply teach children to read words. It teaches them how the English language works. Students learn: syllable types spelling rules prefixes suffixes roots Greek and Latin word parts morphology vocabulary As students grow, these language skills support stronger reading, spelling, writing, and comprehension across every academic subject. 🌱 9. Mastery Before Moving On In many classrooms, instruction continues regardless of whether every student has mastered the material. Orton-Gillingham is different. Students continue practicing until skills become accurate and automatic. Confidence grows because children experience success before tackling something new. Mastery creates momentum. 🌱 10. Taught by Highly Trained Professionals Effective Orton-Gillingham instruction requires specialized training. Teachers learn how reading develops, how dyslexia affects learning, how to analyze student errors, and how to adapt instruction based on ongoing assessment. The program isn't simply a workbook or curriculum. It is a highly specialized instructional approach grounded in the science of reading and decades of research into how students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties learn best. 🌻 Reading Should Build Confidence One of my favorite moments is watching a child read a word they once believed was impossible. Then another. Then an entire sentence. Eventually... A chapter. A book. Not because they suddenly "tried harder." Not because they finally "read enough." But because someone taught them the skills their brain needed in a way that made sense. Confidence doesn't grow from repeated frustration. Confidence grows from success. 🌱 If you're wondering whether your child would benefit from Orton-Gillingham Structured Literacy instruction, I'd love to help. Schedule an Educational Consultation or Reading Assessment to better understand your child's unique learning profile and create a plan that builds strong reading foundations for years to come. Because every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.

As we wrap up the final week of My Learning Farm's 5-week Summer Session, my heart is incredibly full. Every summer I am reminded why I love what I do. Over the past five weeks, I have had the privilege of watching students grow—not just academically, but in confidence, perseverance, and the belief that they can do hard things. Those moments are the true harvest of learning. Learning isn't always easy. There were days when a new concept felt challenging, when a tricky word seemed impossible to decode, or when a writing assignment required a little extra courage. Day after day, these amazing students showed up ready to try again and that is where the magic happened. 🌱 Growth That Matters This summer, I watched students: 📚 Decode words that once felt impossible. 📖 Increase their reading fluency and accuracy. 💛 Read with greater confidence and stamina. ✍️ Organize their thoughts into stronger paragraphs. 📝 Add meaningful details that brought their writing to life. 🔍 Learn to edit their own work with growing independence. 🎙️ Use voice dictation as a powerful tool to express ideas more fully. ➕ Strengthen multiplication fact fluency. 🍕 Build understanding and confidence with fractions. 🧠 Talk through math problems, instead of simply guessing. 💪 Push beyond frustration and discover that persistence truly pays off. None of these accomplishments happened overnight. They happened because students were willing to practice, ask questions, make mistakes, laugh, celebrate small victories, and keep moving forward. 🌻 Confidence Is the Greatest Lesson One of my favorite moments each summer is seeing the look on a student's face when they realize: "I can read that!" Or when a child proudly says, "Look how much longer my paragraph is!" Or when a math problem that once caused tears suddenly becomes something they can confidently explain. Those moments never get old. 🚜 Learning That Feels Joyful At My Learning Farm, learning isn't about worksheets or checking boxes. It's about creating an environment where children feel safe to ask questions, celebrate mistakes as opportunities to learn, laugh often, and discover that growth happens one small step at a time. Between lessons, there were smiles, stories, visits with our farm animals, encouragement, high-fives, and countless moments of joy. Those connections matter just as much as the academic instruction. Children learn best when they know they are seen, valued, and believed in. 💚 To Amazing Families... Thank you for trusting me with your children. Thank you for driving them to lessons, practicing at home, celebrating their successes, and encouraging them through the challenging days. Your partnership makes all the difference. The progress we celebrate today is truly a team effort. 🌾 Looking Ahead As one season comes to a close, another is just around the corner. I'm excited to continue supporting students this fall through My Learning Farm READS!, Farm Classes, homeschool consultations, educational advocacy, and individualized instruction in reading, writing, spelling, and math. Watching children discover their potential is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I cannot wait to welcome both returning and new families to the farm. To every student who spent part of their summer learning with me: I am so incredibly proud of you. Thank you for working hard. Thank you for trusting the process. Thank you for being brave enough to try. Keep reading. Keep wondering. Keep growing. The seeds you planted this summer will continue to bloom long after these five weeks have ended, and I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish next.💛🐴📚🐑💛🐐🌻

Every once in a while, a moment happens that reminds me exactly why I do this work. Yesterday, one of my students visited My Learning Farm with his family. He picked up a book, gathered his grandmother, cousins, and sister in our little reading nook and proudly read them a story. Not because anyone asked him to-because he wanted to. As I stood quietly watching, my heart could have burst with pride. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm sooooooooooo proud of you!!!!!!! Not so long ago, reading felt difficult. Every word took effort. Every page required courage. But through consistent practice, explicit instruction, determination, and the unwavering support of his family, he has blossomed into a confident reader. There is no test score, certificate, or benchmark that compares to watching a child joyfully read aloud to the people they love. That is what success looks like. Moments like these remind me that reading is about so much more than words on a page. It's about confidence. It's about connection. It's about believing in yourself. To every family who trusts me with their child's learning journey, thank you. Watching each student grow in skill, confidence, and joy is the greatest privilege of my work. It truly doesn't get any better than that. 🌱 At My Learning Farm, we're growing readers—but even more importantly, we're growing confident kids who believe in themselves.

People often ask me how My Learning Farm began. The truth is...I never set out to start a business. I simply wanted to help my own children, Ava and Ryker, who learned differently. Like many parents, our family found ourselves navigating diagnoses we hadn't expected. Dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, anxiety—along with all the questions that come with them. I wasn't looking to become a reading specialist or an educational advocate. I was looking for answers. I wanted my children to know they were capable, to experience success, and to love learning again. So I started learning. I read everything I could get my hands on. I attended trainings, earned certifications, studied evidence-based instruction, structured literacy, multisensory math, and writing instruction. Every class I took, every book I read, and every hour I spent learning had one purpose: helping my own children. Little by little, things began to change. With the right instruction, plenty of patience, and an incredible team of teachers, mentors, specialists, and family cheering them on, my children grew. They worked hard. They discovered their strengths. Most importantly, they realized that learning differently didn't mean they couldn't be successful. Somewhere along that journey, other families began asking if I could help their children, too. One student became two. Two became five. Before I knew it, My Learning Farm had quietly grown into a place where children could receive individualized, evidence-based instruction in an environment filled with kindness, encouragement, fresh air, and a few furry friends. As the years passed, that little dream continued to grow in ways I never imagined. Today, I have the privilege of working alongside families through one-on-one reading, writing, spelling, and math instruction, educational advocacy, homeschool consultations, educational coaching sessions, and academic assessments. One of my greatest joys is helping parents navigate the educational journey with confidence and reminding them they don't have to figure it all out alone. The farm itself has become a classroom. Farm classes allow me to share my lifelong love of agriculture, animals, and nature with children as they explore, create, ask questions, and discover that learning happens everywhere. And one of my newest adventures—My Learning Farm READS!—brings together my favorite things: wonderful literature, meaningful conversations, gentle writing, hands-on projects, and plenty of visits from our animal friends. Watching reluctant readers become excited to open a book has been one of the greatest gifts of all. Today, everything we do at My Learning Farm is rooted in those early experiences. I know what it feels like to worry about your child. I know what it's like to wonder if you're making the right educational decisions. And I know the incredible joy that comes when a child finally says, "I can do this." Whether we're building reading skills, strengthening math understanding, writing stories, exploring the farm, meeting with parents, advocating for students, or celebrating a small victory, my hope is always the same: that every child leaves feeling more confident than when they arrived, and every parent leaves feeling encouraged and supported. My Learning Farm has never been about creating perfect students. It's about helping children discover what they're capable of while reminding parents that they don't have to walk this journey alone. To every family who has trusted me with your child—thank you. It is a privilege I never take for granted. And to my own children, Ava and Ryker, thank you for being the reason this little farm exists. You inspired every lesson, every program, every dream, and every child who now walks through our gate. I love you to the moon and back. 🌙💛

Recent national testing results have many educators and parents concerned. According to a recent article discussing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, reading and math achievement across the United States continues to decline. Researchers point to several contributing factors, including increased screen time, reduced reading stamina, absenteeism, and widening achievement gaps among students. You can read the original article here:https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/test-scores-low-reading-math-naep-d87099b6 While these statistics are concerning, there is something important that often gets lost in conversations about reading struggles: Many children who struggle to read are incredibly bright. They are curious. Creative. Funny. Thoughtful. Inventive. Kind. And yet, somewhere along the way, many begin to believe they are "bad at school" because reading feels harder for them than it seems to be for their peers. As someone who works with children every day, I want parents to hear this: A reading struggle is not a measure of intelligence. THEN: I'll NEVER regret intervening when my kids were struggling in reading, writing and math. They are THRIVING because other hard work, determination and support that matched their learning needs. The Emotional Side of Reading Difficulties When a child struggles to read, the impact extends far beyond academics. Over time, children may begin to: Avoid reading Shut down during lessons Become frustrated easily Compare themselves to peers Hide mistakes Believe they are not smart Lose confidence in themselves as learners Often, the emotional wounds become just as significant as the academic gaps. I frequently meet students who have spent years hearing what they cannot do. They know exactly which classmates are reading chapter books.They notice when assignments take them longer.They feel embarrassed when asked to read aloud. Many arrive carrying far more than a reading challenge—they arrive carrying self-doubt. Reading Difficulties Are Often Instructional Mismatches One of the biggest misconceptions about struggling readers is that they simply need to try harder. In reality, many children need something different: They need instruction that matches how their brains learn. Children with dyslexia and other reading challenges often benefit from: Explicit instruction Structured literacy Systematic phonics Multisensory learning Repetition and practice Direct teaching of language patterns When instruction becomes more explicit and aligned with how a child learns, remarkable things can happen. I've watched children who once avoided books begin reading voluntarily. I've seen students who believed they "couldn't read" discover that they simply hadn't been taught in a way that worked for them. Why Early Intervention Matters The earlier we identify reading difficulties, the easier it is to provide support and prevent larger gaps from developing. Intervention is not about labeling children. It is about understanding how they learn and giving them the tools they need to be successful. When reading challenges are addressed early: Confidence grows Academic skills improve Frustration decreases Learning becomes enjoyable again Most importantly, children begin to see themselves as capable learners. There Is Hope The recent national reading data can feel discouraging. But statistics never tell the whole story. Behind every score is a child. And children can learn. At My Learning Farm, I see growth happen every day. I see students strengthen their decoding skills, expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop confidence that reaches far beyond reading. Progress is possible. Children who struggle to read today can become confident readers tomorrow. Sometimes they simply need instruction that is explicit, evidence-based, and tailored to how they learn best. NOW: My kids are flying high and achieving to their potential in college and high school. I know early, evidence-based intervention made the difference for them. A Message for Parents 💛 If your child is struggling with reading, please know that you are not alone. Your child is not lazy.Your child is not broken.Your child is not less intelligent than their peers. Your child may simply need a different pathway to success. With the right support, explicit instruction, encouragement, and patience, children can build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. And sometimes, the most important thing we can give them is the belief that they can. Because every child deserves to experience the joy that comes from opening a book and knowing, "I can do this."🌿 To learn more about reading assessments, structured literacy instruction, homeschool support, and literacy programs at My Learning Farm, visit: www.mylearningfarm.com

Liberty Belle My Learning Farm's mini donkey was born right on the farm 8 years ago on the Fourth of July-Happy Birthday, Liberty! There are many things I love about the Fourth of July—family gatherings, backyard barbecues, waving flags, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and celebrating the incredible freedoms we enjoy here in America, but at My Learning Farm, the Fourth of July is extra special. It's also Liberty Belle's birthday! 🇺🇸 Eight years ago, on the Fourth of July, our sweet little miniature donkey decided it was time to make her grand entrance into the world...right into Ms. Sara's arms. It was one of those unforgettable farm moments that stays with you forever. Tiny ears. Long wobbly legs. The softest little bray. And a whole lot of personality packed into one very small donkey. From that very first moment, Liberty Belle stole our hearts. ❤️ Meet Liberty Belle If you've visited My Learning Farm, chances are you've met this sweet and slightly sassy birthday girl. Liberty absolutely adores: 🥕 Crunchy carrots 🤲 Gentle pets and neck scratches 📖 Listening while children read stories aloud 🌞 Soaking up attention from visitors She is patient with little hands, loves greeting our students, and has become one of the farm's most beloved teachers. Children often discover that reading to an animal feels safe and comforting, and Liberty is always happy to lend an ear. Now...there are a few things Liberty could definitely live without. She is not a fan of hoof trims. She is not thrilled when she's separated from her best friend, Sisley. And although she tolerates it every year with remarkable patience, she's never quite sure why Ms. Sara insists on dressing her up to celebrate both her birthday and America's birthday! 🎀🇺🇸. Thankfully, a few extra carrots usually make everything right again. 🫏 Did You Know? Fun Facts About Miniature Donkeys Miniature donkeys may be small, but they're full of personality! 🌾 Most miniature donkeys stand 36 inches or less at the shoulder. 🌾 They are incredibly social animals and thrive when they have another donkey or companion animal nearby—which explains why Liberty loves her bestie, Sisley! 🌾 Donkeys have excellent memories and can recognize familiar people even after years apart. 🌾 Their famous "hee-haw" isn't just for fun—it's a way to communicate across surprisingly long distances. 🌾 Miniature donkeys are curious, intelligent, affectionate, and often form strong bonds with the people who care for them. 🌻 More Than a Farm Animal At My Learning Farm, our animals are part of the learning experience. They help children slow down. They spark curiosity. They inspire questions. They encourage kindness, responsibility, and compassion. Whether students are reading a story to Liberty Belle, learning about animal care, or simply sharing a quiet moment with her under the shade trees, they are building connections that often become some of their favorite farm memories. Those moments matter. 🇺🇸 Here's to Liberty! Today we're celebrating two birthdays. One belongs to the country we are grateful to call home. The other belongs to one very spoiled miniature donkey who has brought endless smiles, laughter, and love to hundreds of children over the past eight years. Happy Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 And Happy 8th Birthday to our sweet Liberty Belle! May your day be filled with carrots, scratches, time with Sisley, and maybe—even if you pretend not to enjoy it—your annual birthday dress-up photo. We love you, Liberty. Thank you for making My Learning Farm an even more magical place for every child who walks through our gates. ❤️🫏 Have you met Liberty Belle? We'd love to welcome you to the farm! Join us for one of our farm classes or visit us during Open Farm to meet Liberty and all of her animal friends. We can't wait to share the joy of farm life with your family.

California's children deserve better. That simple truth is why I have serious concerns about Assembly Bill 181 (2026) and the proposed restructuring of California's educational leadership. Supporters describe AB 181 as a way to streamline state government by transferring the day-to-day management of the California Department of Education from the elected State Superintendent to a Governor-appointed Director of Education. They argue it will create clearer lines of accountability. But I can't help asking a different question: Is changing the organizational chart really what California students need right now? 📉 Our Students Are Still Struggling The conversation in Sacramento seems to be about who should oversee education. The conversation parents are having is much different. Parents are asking: Why is my fourth grader struggling to read? Why has my child's math confidence disappeared? Why are classrooms becoming more difficult to manage? Why do I have to hire tutors just to help my child keep up? Those questions deserve answers. According to the Education Scorecard, California students remain significantly behind where they were before the pandemic. 📚 Students are still behind in reading. ➗ Students remain behind in math. Even more concerning, California ranked 29th in reading recovery and 19th in math recovery compared with other reporting states between 2022 and 2025. That should concern every parent. 🌱 The Real Problem Isn't Leadership Titles As someone who works one-on-one with struggling students every single day, I don't believe California's biggest educational challenge is whether one elected official or one appointed official manages the Department of Education. Our biggest challenge is that far too many children still cannot read and do math proficiently. Too many students continue to struggle with: foundational literacy writing spelling mathematics executive functioning access to timely intervention Changing who signs organizational memos won't automatically change what happens in classrooms. 🧠 Families Are Looking for Something Different Over the past several years, many California families have begun exploring alternatives. Some have chosen homeschooling. Others have enrolled in charter schools. Others have moved to private schools. Still others remain in public schools while seeking outside tutoring, educational therapy, or specialized academic instruction. Every family's reasons are different. Some seek flexibility. Some seek safety. Some seek individualized instruction. Some simply want an educational environment that better fits their child's needs. Whatever the reason, one message is becoming increasingly clear: Parents want their child to receive a quality education. 🚜 Why I Started My Learning Farm I didn't start My Learning Farm because I thought education needed more bureaucracy; I started it because my OWN children were losing confidence, falling behind and I REPEATEDLY asked the school for help and none was given-so I left and chose something different for them! Over the last 6 years, I have met too students who believed they weren't smart. Children who had begun to hate reading. Families who felt unheard. Parents who simply wanted someone to teach their child in a way that made sense. Every child deserves to experience success. Not someday. Now. 📊 Let's Focus on Outcomes California already has thousands of dedicated teachers working incredibly hard every day. This isn't about blaming teachers. Many educators are doing extraordinary work despite enormous challenges. I LOVE teachers! The question is whether our educational system is producing the outcomes families expect. When statewide assessment data continue to show large numbers of students below grade-level proficiency and student come home feeling badly about themsevles and aren't making progress- it is reasonable for parents to ask difficult questions about what is—and isn't—working. 🌾 My Hope I hope lawmakers spend as much energy discussing: ✅ evidence-based literacy instruction ✅ early intervention ✅ structured literacy ✅ mathematics achievement ✅ special education services ✅ supporting teachers ✅ empowering parents as they do reorganizing Sacramento. Because children don't learn better simply because another box gets moved on an organizational chart. They learn when caring adults provide effective instruction, meaningful support, high expectations, and accountability for results. California's students deserve schools where reading proficiency rises, math achievement improves, and every child has the opportunity to thrive. That—not another layer of government restructuring—should be our highest priority. What do you think? Should California focus first on restructuring educational leadership, or on improving student achievement? I'd love to hear your thoughts. If your child is struggling with reading, writing, spelling, math, or you're exploring homeschool options, My Learning Farm is here to help. We offer educational consultations, specialized academic instruction, and evidence-based literacy support designed to help children grow with confidence. 🌱 Learn more at www.mylearningfarm.com

One of my favorite parts of working with families is that parents ask thoughtful, heartfelt questions every single day. Many of those questions become the inspiration for this new blog series, Parents Ask Me..., where I'll answer some of the most common questions I hear from families. Today's question came from a parent who simply asked: "What are the first signs of dyslexia?" It's an important question because the earlier we recognize that a child may be struggling, the sooner we can provide the right instruction and support. 📚 What Is Dyslexia? The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) defines dyslexia as: "Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual's peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected." — International Dyslexia Association (2024), Definition of Dyslexiahttps://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/ In simpler terms, dyslexia is a brain-based learning disability that affects how a person learns to read and spell. It is not related to intelligence, motivation, or effort. Children with dyslexia are often bright, curious, creative, and capable learners—they simply require explicit, systematic, evidence-based instruction that teaches the structure of our language in a way their brains can process efficiently. Perhaps the most hopeful part of the definition is this: 💛 Dyslexia can be identified early, and with the right instruction, children can make remarkable progress. Early recognition, appropriate intervention, and ongoing support can change the trajectory of a child's educational journey and help them become confident, successful readers. 🌱 Children with dyslexia are not broken—they simply learn differently. 🔍 Early Signs Parents May Notice Every child is unique, but some common early signs include: 🌱 Difficulty learning letter names and letter sounds 🌱 Trouble recognizing rhyming words 🌱 Difficulty hearing and manipulating sounds in words (phonological awareness) 🌱 Trouble blending sounds together to read simple words 🌱 Guessing at words instead of sounding them out 🌱 Difficulty remembering common sight words 🌱 Reading that is slow, effortful, or inaccurate 🌱 Persistent spelling difficulties, even after practice 🌱 Avoiding reading or becoming frustrated during reading activities 🌱 Complaints that reading is "too hard" despite trying their best One or two of these signs alone do not necessarily mean a child has dyslexia. However, when several occur together and persist despite quality instruction, it is worth taking a closer look. 🌿 Developmental Clues Parents Sometimes Notice Many parents tell me that, looking back, there were little clues long before reading became difficult. Not every child with dyslexia will experience these, and having one or two of these characteristics does not mean a child has dyslexia. However, when several occur together—especially alongside reading, spelling, or language difficulties—they can become important pieces of the puzzle. Some developmental considerations include: 🌱 A family history of dyslexia, reading difficulties, or other language-based learning differences 🌱 Late talking or difficulty developing clear speech and language 🌱 Trouble learning nursery rhymes, songs, or rhyming words 🌱 Difficulty remembering the names of colors, letters, or numbers 🌱 Persistent confusion with left and right 🌱 Frequently putting shoes on the wrong feet or clothing on backward or inside out well beyond the preschool years 🌱 Difficulty learning the days of the week, months of the year, or other sequences 🌱 Trouble remembering multi-step directions 🌱 Difficulty recalling familiar words or frequently substituting another word 🌱 Creating new words or expressions. My own son has always delighted us with these! One of his childhood favorites was "hovertating," and at sixteen he still occasionally invents words—his latest is "choicefully." While making up words alone is not a sign of dyslexia, difficulties with word retrieval and language organization can sometimes accompany dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. 🌱 Avoiding reading aloud or becoming anxious when asked to read 🌱 School refusal, hiding a backpack, insisting there is "no homework," or expressing an unusually intense dislike of school. These behaviors don't necessarily point to dyslexia, but they can be signs that school has become frustrating or overwhelming. When learning feels difficult every day, many children begin avoiding the very place where those struggles occur. ❤️ Parents often notice something isn't quite right long before anyone else does. Trust those instincts. 💛 The Question That Changed Everything As both an educator and a parent, I've learned that children are incredibly good at telling us something isn't working—even if they don't yet have the words to explain why. One of the moments I'll never forget came when my daughter was in first grade. Her teacher had encouraged students to "just guess" if they didn't know a word. One afternoon she quietly asked me, "Mom... why are all the other kids guessing right... and I'm still guessing wrong?" My heart broke. She wasn't guessing wrong because she wasn't trying. She was guessing because she hadn't been taught how to read the word. That conversation changed everything for our family. It marked the end of traditional school and the beginning of a journey to understand dyslexia, the Science of Reading, and what effective reading instruction truly looks like. Today, decades of research have shown that skilled word recognition is not developed through guessing words from pictures, context, or the first letter. Instead, successful readers develop the ability to instantly recognize words by connecting the sounds in spoken language to the letters and spelling patterns in written language—a process known as orthographic mapping. This process is built through explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, vocabulary, morphology, and language comprehension. 📖 Reading isn't about guessing. Reading is about connecting sounds to letters until words become automatic. 📖 Dyslexia Isn't Just About Reading Many people think dyslexia only affects reading. In reality, reading is simply the most visible challenge. Children with dyslexia may also struggle with: Letter-sound relationships Phonological and phonemic awareness Blending and segmenting sounds Decoding unfamiliar words Reading fluently and accurately Spelling Writing sentences and organizing ideas Remembering sequences Retrieving words quickly Reading with enough accuracy and fluency to support comprehension Because reading requires many skills working together, even a weakness in foundational language skills can make learning to read incredibly difficult. 🚫 What Doesn't Cause Dyslexia? There are many myths surrounding dyslexia. Dyslexia is not caused by: ❌ Laziness ❌ Lack of intelligence ❌ Poor parenting ❌ Lack of motivation ❌ Vision problems ❌ Seeing letters or words backward While some young children (with or without dyslexia) may reverse letters such as b and d or p and q while learning to read and write, letter reversals alone are not a defining characteristic of dyslexia. Dyslexia is fundamentally a language-based learning disability involving the processing of speech sounds and the connections between sounds and letters. Children with dyslexia often work much harder than their peers just to complete the same reading tasks. 🌟 The Good News This is the part I always want parents to hear. Recognizing the signs of dyslexia is not the end of the story—it is often the beginning of understanding how your child learns best. Research has consistently shown that children with dyslexia can make remarkable progress when they receive explicit, systematic, cumulative, evidence-based structured literacy instruction. Progress doesn't happen overnight. It happens one carefully taught skill at a time. One successful reading lesson at a time. One book at a time. One confident smile at a time. Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of becoming a reader. 🌾 How My Learning Farm Can Help If your child is struggling with reading, spelling, or writing—or you're simply wondering if something doesn't seem quite right—you don't have to navigate this journey alone. At My Learning Farm, I offer: 📚 Individualized reading assessments to identify strengths and areas of need 🌱 One-to-one specialized reading instruction using the Orton-Gillingham structured literacy approach 🏡 Homeschool consultations and curriculum planning 📖 My Learning Farm READS!, a joyful literacy program that builds vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and a lifelong love of reading through engaging novels and meaningful learning experiences. Every child's path looks different, but every child deserves instruction that meets them where they are. I'd be honored to help your family. 📧 Email: saramattia1313@gmail.com 📱 Call or Text: 916-215-1232 🌿 Learn more: www.mylearningfarm.com 💌 Have a Question for the Parents Ask Me... Series? If you've ever found yourself wondering about your child's learning, chances are another parent is wondering the very same thing. I'd love to hear from you. 📧 Email me at saramattia1313@gmail.com 📱 Text me at 916-215-1232 Your question may inspire a future Parents Ask Me... article and help another family find the answers they've been searching for. ❤️ Together, we can help more children become confident, joyful learners—one question at a time.

One of my favorite parts of every day at My Learning Farm isn't teaching phonics, working through math problems, or even spending time with the animals. It's talking with parents. Every week, I have conversations with families who are doing everything they can to help their children learn and grow. They ask thoughtful questions, celebrate small victories, worry about challenges, and simply want to know they're making the right decisions for their child. And I've realized something...If one parent is asking a question, chances are dozens of other parents are wondering the very same thing. That's why I'm excited to introduce a new blog series: Parents Ask Me... In this series, I'll answer real questions from real parents about learning, homeschooling, reading, writing, math, dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, special education, IEPs, educational advocacy, curriculum, farm-based learning, and raising confident, curious kids. Some questions may be about struggling readers. Others may be about homeschooling for the first time. You might wonder if your child needs extra support, how to choose curriculum, what an IEP meeting will be like, or why homework has become such a battle. No question is too small. No question is silly. If you're wondering about it, there's a good chance another family is wondering too. My hope is that this series becomes a place where parents can find practical answers, encouragement, and evidence-based information to help them make informed decisions for their children. Some of the questions we'll be exploring include: Will my child ever catch up in reading? What are the first signs of dyslexia? Why does my child guess words instead of reading them? How much should my homeschooled child be learning each day? Does my child need a Reading Assessment? How do I choose the right reading curriculum? Why does my child hate writing? What should I bring to an IEP meeting? Is my child's math struggle something more than "just not liking math?" How can I make learning joyful again? And those are just the beginning. I'd Love to Hear From You This series is for parents, and I'd love your help shaping it. What questions keep you up at night? What educational topics would you like me to write about? Whether your child is homeschooled, attends public or private school, is thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, I'd love to hear from you. You can: 📱 Text me: 916-215-1232 📧 Email me: saramattia1313@gmail.com I'll choose questions throughout the year and answer them in upcoming blog posts. Your privacy is important to me, so I will never share names or identifying information unless you specifically ask me to. Thank you for trusting My Learning Farm to be part of your family's educational journey. I can't wait to answer your questions, celebrate your successes, and continue growing this wonderful community together. Because when parents feel informed and supported, children flourish. Have a question? Send me a text or an email—I may feature your question in an upcoming "Parents Ask Me..." blog post!

It may be the most emotional question I hear. Parents usually ask it quietly. Sometimes through tears. Sometimes after years of trying curriculum after curriculum, wondering if they're doing enough or if they've somehow missed something. "Will my child ever catch up?" The answer isn't as simple as yes or no. Every child is unique, and every learning journey looks different. But here's what I can tell you with confidence: Children can make remarkable progress when they receive the right instruction, the right support, and someone who believes in them. Sunflowers represent joy, hope, promise-the promise I make to every child and family is that I will do my best everyday to instill joy, laughter, confidence with evidence-based learning practices. Progress Doesn't Always Look Like Catching Up Overnight Reading is built on many foundational skills: Phonological awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds) Letter-sound knowledge Decoding Fluency Vocabulary Oral language Reading comprehension When one of these pieces is missing, reading becomes much harder—not because a child isn't smart, but because they need explicit instruction to strengthen those foundational skills. The encouraging news is that these skills can be taught. Evidence-based instruction, patience, consistency, and encouragement can help children build the strong foundation they need to become more confident readers. Real progress happens one carefully built step at a time. Comparison Steals Hope Every child's learning journey is different. Instead of asking, "Is my child reading like everyone else?" try asking, "Is my child reading better than they were six months ago?" Growth matters. Confidence matters. Persistence matters. The willingness to keep trying matters. These are the milestones worth celebrating because they are the building blocks of lifelong learning. You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone Families often tell me they spent months—or even years—trying to solve reading struggles on their own. They purchased another curriculum. Downloaded more worksheets. Tried another reading app. Read every blog they could find. Sometimes, what they really needed wasn't another program. They needed a roadmap. At My Learning Farm, we help families understand why reading has become difficult and what steps to take next. For some families, that begins with an Educational Consultation, where we discuss your child's learning history, current challenges, homeschool plans, curriculum options, and the supports that may help them thrive. For others, a Reading Assessment provides a clearer picture of your child's strengths, areas of need, and practical recommendations for moving forward with confidence. And for children who simply need a joyful place to build literacy skills, our READS! classes gently encourage reluctant readers through engaging novels, meaningful discussions, vocabulary, writing, crafts, and hands-on learning. The goal isn't just to improve reading skills—it's to help children rediscover the joy and confidence that books can bring. Every Child Deserves Someone Who Believes in Them One of my favorite moments is watching a child realize they can read something they once thought was impossible. That spark of pride. That smile. That quiet whisper of, "I did it." Those moments remind us that learning is about so much more than test scores or grade levels. It's about confidence. Hope. Perseverance. And believing that tomorrow can be better than today. If reading has become a source of stress in your home, please know this: There is hope. There is help. And your child's story is still being written. If you're ready to take the next step, I'd love to walk alongside your family. Whether you're looking for an Educational Consultation, a comprehensive Reading Assessment, one-to-one academic support, or a welcoming literacy community through My Learning Farm READS!, together we can create a plan that helps your child grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy. Because every child deserves the opportunity to discover that they can become a successful reader—and every parent deserves the peace of knowing they don't have to navigate the journey alone.

At My Learning Farm, I believe children thrive when learning is explicit, multisensory, evidence-based, engaging, and meaningful. I don't typically write controversial posts, but the latest Education Scorecard data stopped me in my tracks. According to the report, reading scores are down in 83% of school districts across America, and math scores are down in 70%. Perhaps even more concerning, researchers found that the decline began before COVID. Like many people, I've heard the explanations. Social media. Smartphones. The pandemic. While those factors may certainly contribute, I believe these numbers demand a bigger conversation. When scores are declining in the vast majority of districts, we have to be willing to ask whether the system itself needs to change. As an educator, homeschool consultant, and parent, I see the human side of these statistics every day. I sit beside children who are bright, creative, curious, funny, and capable. Children who desperately want to learn. Children who want to read chapter books independently. Children who want to understand math. Children who want to feel successful. And it breaks my heart because behind every statistic is a child. A child who is struggling. A child who is frustrated. A child whose confidence is beginning to fade. A child who may start believing they are the problem when the reality is that they simply have not been taught in a way that meets their needs. These are not just percentages on a report. These are our sons and daughters, our grandchildren, our neighbors, and our future. The encouraging news is that we know more about how children learn than ever before. We know that explicit instruction works. We know that structured literacy works. We know that hands-on, meaningful learning experiences improve engagement. We know that relationships matter. We know that curiosity matters. We know that children thrive when learning is connected to the real world. So why aren't we spending more time studying what is working? Why aren't we looking more closely at successful schools, innovative educational models, homeschooling families, charter schools, and evidence-based instructional practices that are helping children thrive? At some point, we have to stop arguing about why scores are falling and start focusing on solutions. Our children deserve more than declining scores. They deserve classrooms where they feel capable. They deserve instruction grounded in how the brain learns. They deserve educators who are equipped with evidence-based practices. And they deserve adults willing to challenge the status quo when it is not serving them well. The data is speaking. The children are speaking. The question is: are we finally ready to listen? Read the full Education Scorecard report here:https://educationscorecard.org/

How Much More Evidence Do We Need? The latest Education Scorecard findings should stop every parent, educator, policymaker, and school leader in their tracks. According to researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth, reading scores are lower in 83% of school districts than they were a decade ago. Math scores are lower in 70% of districts. Even more concerning, researchers report that the decline began long before COVID-19. The pandemic may have accelerated the problem, but it did not create it. Read the full Education Scorecard report here:https://educationscorecard.org/ For years, we have heard explanations. It's social media. It's smartphones. It's COVID. It's absenteeism. Those factors certainly matter. But when reading declines in 83% of districts and math declines in 70%, perhaps it's time to ask a bigger question: What if the system itself needs to change? As both a parent and an educator, I don't believe we can continue doing the same things and expect different results. The Learning Recession Didn't Start With COVID One of the most striking findings from the Education Scorecard is that researchers identified a "learning recession" that began around 2013. Student achievement was already trending downward years before school closures occurred. That should force us to examine every aspect of modern education: Curriculum Teacher preparation Assessment systems Homework expectations Classroom engagement Technology use Educational policies Funding priorities If the current approach were working, wouldn't we be seeing better outcomes? Why Aren't We Looking More Closely at What Is Working? Across the country there are bright spots. Some charter schools are producing strong academic outcomes. Many homeschool students are thriving. Several states that embraced the Science of Reading are beginning to see reading improvements. Louisiana, for example, has shown notable gains after implementing evidence-based literacy reforms focused on phonics and structured literacy. Internationally, countries such as Finland are frequently studied for educational practices that emphasize teacher preparation, student well-being, and meaningful learning experiences. So why aren't we spending more time studying success? Why do innovative models often remain on the sidelines while struggling systems continue to dominate the conversation? Learning Should Be Meaningful Children are naturally curious. They ask questions. They explore. They build. They create. Yet many classrooms continue to rely heavily on worksheets, test preparation, and instructional approaches that fail to ignite a love of learning. What if we redesigned education around how the brain actually learns? What if teachers received extensive training in: The Science of Reading The Science of Learning Memory and retrieval practice Cognitive load theory Explicit instruction Executive functioning Attention and engagement What if learning was more hands-on, project-based, discussion-based, and connected to the real world? And what if teachers could teach to the students in their classrooms without worrying about the boex to be checks, the standards to be introducted or the assessments needing to be administered and let education unfold more naturally? What if we focused less on compliance and more on curiosity? A Hard Question About Common Core Many families and educators have expressed frustration with Common Core implementation over the past decade. The promise was higher standards and improved outcomes. Yet the national data raises an uncomfortable question: If student achievement has been declining for more than a decade, shouldn't every major educational initiative be open for review? That doesn't mean abandoning rigor. It means having the courage to examine whether our current standards, curriculum choices, instructional methods, and accountability systems are producing the results our children deserve. No program, policy, or framework should be beyond questioning. Our Children Cannot Wait The most heartbreaking part of these statistics is that behind every percentage is a child. A child who struggles to read. A child who believes they are "bad at math." A child whose confidence shrinks year after year. A child who begins to believe learning isn't for them. We know more today about how children learn than at any other point in history. We understand the importance of explicit instruction. We understand the Science of Reading. We understand the value of early intervention. We understand the importance of engagement, relationships, movement, play, and meaningful practice. So the question isn't whether solutions exist. The question is whether we are willing to embrace them. Because if reading is down in 83% of districts and math is down in 70%, perhaps the conversation should no longer be about how to make small adjustments around the edges. Perhaps it's time for a fundamental rethinking of education itself. Our children deserve more than declining scores. They deserve schools that help them discover their strengths, build their confidence, develop their skills, and fall in love with learning. The data is speaking. The question is: Are we listening?