Myths and Truths: A Deep Dive into Dyslexia and The Science of Reading

You are not going to want to skip this episode!! Today's guest is Dyslexia & Science of Reading expert and advocate, Melanie Brethour.

Fueled by her personal journey following her son Benjamin's dyslexia diagnosis, Melanie is not just an advocate but a powerhouse of practical advice and actionable strategies. She is the founder of Decoding Dyslexia Quebec and Soar with Dyslexia, and serves as a board member for Teachers For Reading Canada. Stay tuned as we debunk common myths and misconceptions and offer insights on evidence-based interventions for dyslexia.

Episode Summary:

• Common Misconceptions About Dyslexia:
  • Dyslexia is just reading and writing letters backward.
  • Dyslexia only manifests in elementary school.
  • Kids just need to 'try harder' to overcome dyslexia.
• Ongoing Professional Development:
  • The lack of dyslexia training in university courses.
  • The importance of ongoing professional development given that 1 in 5 people have dyslexia.
• Tools and Resources for Teachers:
  • The role of structured literacy approaches.
  • Aligning instruction with the science of reading.
• Creating a Supportive Environment:
  • The role of supportive principals and school administration.
  • The importance of resource allocation and data-driven approaches.
• Effective Intervention Strategies:
  • Early identification and intervention.
  • Importance of universal screening, Melanie uses Acadience for this.
• Things Teachers Should Stop Doing:
  • Relying on 3 cueing and memorization.
  • Using leveled readers instead of decodables for emergent readers.

Resources & Links:

• Google Presentation 1
• Google Presentation 2

Follow Melanie:

• Decoding Dyslexia on Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Linktree

Conclusion:

What an enlightening conversation with Melanie! It's evident that her extensive experience and personal journey have equipped her with unique insights into dyslexia and the science of reading. We hope this episode provides you with a clearer understanding and practical steps for effectively teaching children with dyslexia. Make sure to check out Melanie’s social media and the valuable resources she has shared.

Thank you for tuning in, and don't forget to share this episode with others who could benefit from this knowledge. Until next time!

Sign up to be notified each time a new episode airs and get access to all the discounts!

Don't forget to leave a review of the show!

Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT