Dyslexia, Barton Reading Program and Literacy

Aly’s Journey in Education and Literacy

We are thrilled to have Aly Young, a veteran educator and the proud owner of a Dyslexia Reading and Learning Lab, as our guest on this enlightening episode of Dyslexia Explored. In our discussion, we delve deep into the intricacies of literacy, with a keen focus on dyslexia and ADHD, unraveling the layers of challenges and opportunities that come with these unique ways of thinking.

Aly takes us on a captivating journey, recounting her transition from a public school teacher with a passion for teaching reading to first graders, to her pivotal shift towards remediation for children with learning differences. This transition was marked by a profound realization: the necessity of providing explicit strategies for decoding to empower students in their learning journey.

Navigating the Challenges: Bright Minds in Public Schools

Aly sheds light on the significant challenges bright children with dyslexia face within the public education system, criticizing the flawed processes that often leave them without necessary support. She emphasizes the crucial role of specialized remediation, sharing her personal wake-up call to the realities of dyslexia and the imperative of addressing the root cause of these learning difficulties.

The Barton Reading Program: A Structured Path to Literacy

As we delve into the specifics of teaching methodologies, the Barton Reading and Spelling System stands out as a structured, explicit method rooted in the science of reading. Aly meticulously explains the Barton screening process, emphasizing the importance of mastery before progression, and highlighting the comprehensive approach of the program in teaching all 44 sounds of the English language.

Empowering Homeschooled Children with Learning Differences

The discussion transitions to an innovative program designed specifically for homeschooled children with learning differences, underscoring the variety of tools and strategies employed to support their developmental needs. From Fast ForWord, aimed at rewiring neural pathways, to Cogmed for addressing working memory challenges in ADHD, the conversation explores a spectrum of resources, including mind mapping, to aid in writing and comprehension.

Financial Investment in Future Success

Addressing the often-daunting aspect of financial investment, the speakers lay bare the realities of investing in programs like Barton. While acknowledging the substantial cost, they passionately argue for its invaluable impact on a child’s future, highlighting the profound emotional, social, and academic challenges that children with reading difficulties face. The investment is portrayed not just as a financial commitment, but as a vital stepping stone towards unlocking a world of potential and success for individuals with dyslexia.

Addressing the Crucial Period: Aged 9-11

The conversation takes a critical turn as it highlights the ages of 9-11 as a decisive period for children with dyslexia, where academic demands intensify and previously masked difficulties come to the forefront. The need for a therapeutic, trust-building approach becomes paramount, emphasizing the urgency of addressing reading difficulties while offering a message of hope and empowerment for older students.

Demystifying Learning Disabilities: A Call for Clarity and Specificity

In our concluding segment, the speakers call for a demystification of learning disabilities, urging for clear communication, accurate diagnosis, and a tailored approach to support. Drawing parallels between visual impairments and learning difficulties, they advocate for specificity in addressing the unique challenges of individuals with dyslexia, fostering a better understanding and more effective support.

Key Takeaways and A Look Ahead

As we wrap up this insightful episode, we are left with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed sense of optimism. The journey of dyslexia and ADHD is complex, but with the right tools, strategies, and understanding, individuals with these unique ways of thinking can thrive and unlock their full potential.

We encourage all our readers, especially parents, tutors, and educators, to lend an ear to the full Dyslexia Explored podcast, diving deeper into the world of dyslexia and out-of-the-box thinking, and joining us in our mission to empower every child and individual on this journey. Listen to the full episode below.