Literacy Untangled Podcast

Jennie Sjursen
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Literacy Untangled Podcast Podcast

Does your child struggle with reading and writing? Do you suspect they have dyslexia? Real world answers to all your questions about dyslexia and ways to help your child is exactly what your get when you tune into the Literacy Untangled Podcast with your host, educator and dyslexia interventionist, Jennie Sjursen. Her specialty? Breaking down the complexities of dyslexia into everyday language, strategies, and action steps. Tune in, get inspired, and discover why parents across the globe reach out to Jennie for advice and support on all things related to dyslexia, reading, writing, academic testing, school supports, and IEP’s. Start finding answers to your questions today!

  1. 16 AUG

    #42 The Social-Emotional Effects of Dyslexia

    Dyslexic children often struggle with the social impact of their learning difficulties. In this episode, I discuss the social-emotional effects of dyslexia, how they can impact your child socially, and ways to support the dyslexics in your life through these times. After a dyslexic child receives the instructional and academic help they need, the social-emotional side effects often linger. Some of the effects dyslexia could have on your child include low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, frustration, anger, or depression. Often, once a child realizes they learn differently than the rest of their class, low self-esteem may kick in, quickly followed by frustration or anger. The weight of comparison and internalized feelings can impact the social areas of a dyslexic’s life.  These social areas can include social isolation, bullying, teasing, and poor peer relationships. When a student realizes they’re different from their peers, they may pull back so they don’t have to speak in front of their classmates. This can continue into adulthood! Making and keeping friends can sometimes be difficult.  We can help the dyslexics in our lives deal with the social-emotional effects by helping them create positive coping strategies, build upon their innate strengths and talents, and create strong support systems around them. I offer examples of this in practice. If managing the social-emotional effects continues to be a struggle, consider working with a therapist. When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again! Subscribe to my Podcast, Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Potential social-emotional effects of dyslexia Social areas of life impacted Fear of reading and writing in public Growing friendships How to support dyslexics social-emotionally  The value of a good support system Resources Mentioned:   Episode 41 {Guest Spotlight} In the Middle with Sara Smith: Being Dyslexic and Having a Dyslexic Dad and Son   Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    6 min

  2. 28 JUN

    #41 {Guest Spotlight} In the Middle with Sara Smith: Being Dyslexic and Having a Dyslexic Dad and Son

    Dyslexia and ADHD run in my family. In this episode, I speak with my sister, Sara Smith, about her personal experiences and insights on dyslexia, the challenges and opportunities present in everyday life, and the effort required to maintain her coping skills.  Sara not only has dyslexia but is also the mother of a dyslexic son and the daughter of a dyslexic father. She speaks about the challenges she faces as a person with dyslexia and in caring for her son, Cooper. Learning not to compare herself to others when it comes to learning a new skill, for example, and giving herself grace, has been hugely important. For her, physical handwriting and reading physical books have always been a challenge, immensely helped out by computers and audio.  We discuss Cooper’s journey in school to receive a dyslexic diagnosis. One of the biggest misconceptions about dyslexia is that it’s a joke or not serious. For Sara, dyslexia has given her the superpowers of organization and determination and a lack of perfectionism when it comes to learning something new, problem-solving skills, and the ability to be very social.  Sara shares her advice for other parents with dyslexic children and for being a child of a dyslexic parent. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these unique challenges, developing coping skills to manage emotions, and advocating for individual needs in the educational system. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Being a dyslexic mom, daughter, and individual Parenting a dyslexic son Misconceptions around dyslexia  Dyslexia superpowers Advice for parents of dyslexics  The emotional side of a diagnosis Resources Mentioned: {Guest Spotlight} 80 Years of Living with Dyslexia: the ups and down with Arne Sjursen  Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    26 min

  3. 14 JUN

    #40 {Guest Spotlight} Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the International Dyslexia Association with Jessica Hamman

    In celebration of the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) 75th anniversary, the IDA is dedicating the recent issue of its journal, Perspectives, to structured literacy. In this episode, I speak with Jessica Hamman, the CEO of Glean Education, who authored two articles for the issue and co-edited it alongside Barbara Wilson.   Jessica shares her path to dyslexia advocacy. Her parents were always involved in advocacy, and her father was even on the committee that created the definition of dyslexia that is now used in 45 states! As she went through the process of her own son being diagnosed with dyslexia, she recognized the great knowledge gaps that still existed among teachers due to a lack of training access.   During our conversation, Jessica discusses her article in Perspectives about structured literacy and offers practical advice for parents told to focus only on their dyslexic child’s reading skills. We then discuss the differences between dyslexia and dysgraphia and how those differences impact learning. Jessica and I also share our experiences as teachers moving from theoretical understandings to implementing our knowledge in the classroom. We wrap by setting straight a few common misunderstandings around structured literacy for teachers.  Be sure to read the anniversary issue of Perspectives for free linked below! Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Jessica’s path to dyslexia advocacy Jessica’s piece in Perspectives about structured literacy Advice for parents when school recommends a reading-only focus The importance of the IEP assessment  Morphology instruction for teachers  Coaching benefits teachers moving from theory to practice  Debunking structured literacy misunderstandings  Implementing structured learning in New Zealand The IDA offers a wealth of resources and knowledge Resources Mentioned: International Dyslexia Association Wilson Language Perspectives Magazine Jessica Hamman: Glean Education Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    35 min
  4. #39 5 Unexpected Ways Dyslexia Affects Everyday Life

    24 MAY

    #39 5 Unexpected Ways Dyslexia Affects Everyday Life

    When people talk about dyslexia and how it affects people, the focus is almost always on improving a child’s learning environment. They rarely talk about how the effects show up in everyday life. In this episode, I look at five unexpected areas in which dyslexia impacts people.  Travel: difficulties include maps, signs, timetables, announcements, managing travel documents, booking, and planning Driving: difficulties include passing the written exam, reading road signs, multitasking, and spatial awareness Boating: difficulties include interpreting charts, navigating coordinates, and reading markers Cooking: difficulties include following a recipe, time management, seasoning, and improvisation Watching shows and movies: difficulties include subtitles and foreign languages I bet there are some things in here that surprised you! Can you think of any others? When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again! Subscribe to my Podcast, Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Dyslexics are dyslexic all the time, not just in school Travel difficulties Driving difficulties  Boating difficulties  Cooking difficulties  Entertainment difficulties  Resources Mentioned: Episode #24 Traveling with a Dyslexic Child  True Spirit  Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    8 min
  5. #38 How Can I Help My Dyslexic Child Meet the School’s Foreign Language Requirement?

    10 MAY

    #38 How Can I Help My Dyslexic Child Meet the School’s Foreign Language Requirement?

    Foreign language requirements can be incredibly frustrating for dyslexic students, especially after already spending so long to manage reading and writing in their own language. In this episode, I discuss possibilities for optimally navigating this requirement for dyslexic students.  Dyslexics can absolutely learn a foreign language, but they will encounter the same issues they have in their own language. To help simplify the learning process for your child, ensure they receive the appropriate accommodations in class and are being delivered in all settings. Depending on what languages your school offers, I love to recommend American sign language.  In cases of severe dyslexia, you may have the option of waiving the foreign language requirement. Most importantly, don’t give up hope! While being creative to work around the requirement can definitely pay off, don’t discount that some students may really wish to learn a foreign language and with perseverance, will succeed! Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.  When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again! Subscribe to my Podcast, Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Foreign language requirements can be frustrating but are manageable  Ensuring accommodations are in place for optimal learning  My top languages for dyslexics to learn  Option to waive foreign language requirement  Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    6 min
  6. #37 Can My Dyslexic Child Really Get Multisensory Instruction Online?

    12 APR

    #37 Can My Dyslexic Child Really Get Multisensory Instruction Online?

    Some things aren’t as good online as they are “in real life,” but multisensory learning isn’t one of them! In this episode, I share how multisensory learning instruction can be carried out effectively online, specific tools to use, and examples of this in practice.  When I first began my training, I thought multisensory instruction could only be done in person. Fast forward to now, I fully provide this service online! Multisensory instruction simultaneously ties in visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile instruction, also known as VAKT, so that a student uses all the pathways of the brain at the same time.  Some ways this can be achieved include the use of digital letter tiles, interactive online games, skywriting, digital drawing tools, and typing. I offer two examples of this in practice, one an auditory drill and the other a grapheme learning exercise. Multisensory learning online will often look different online than in person, requiring some extra creativity, preparation, and materials, but it is an entirely impactful way to offer multisensory learning online.  Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: What is multisensory instruction? Ways to be multisensory online  Auditory drill example Grapheme learning example Resources Mentioned: Episode 16, Multisensory instruction: What is it? Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    6 min
  7. #36 Do I Really Have to Teach My Dyslexic Child Grammar and Punctuation?

    29 MAR

    #36 Do I Really Have to Teach My Dyslexic Child Grammar and Punctuation?

    The difference between “Let’s eat, Grandma” and “Let’s eat Grandma” is substantial! Grammar and punctuation provide clarity and understanding that, without them, make language hard to understand. Today, I’m discussing the importance of teaching dyslexic children grammar and punctuation and three tips for helping your child learn these nuances.   All aspects of language, reading, writing, and speaking, are connected with each other in a symbiotic and circular relationship. If we leave out educating our children about grammar, they miss out on a very important part of communication. I go into the million-dollar mistake Lockheed Martin made by omitting a few commas.    Here are three ways to introduce this aspect of language. First, teach them parts of speech and parts of a sentence. I share a tactile, color-based method using Legos to illustrate how sentences are put together. Second, find real-life examples of bad grammar to discuss how sentences can have different meanings with and without the correct punctuation. Finally, talk about grammar and punctuation often! Dyslexic verbal comprehension is often miles ahead of their reading comprehension. Talking through a problem while showing them is key.    Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram.   I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.    Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.   Topics Covered: The importance of punctuation and grammar Lockheed Martin’s pricey missing comma  Tips for teaching the parts of a sentence Real-life examples of bad grammar  Why you should talk about grammar often with your dyslexic child    Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    5 min
  8. #35 7 Ways to Help the Dyslexic in Your Life Find and Give Themselves Grace

    1 MAR

    #35 7 Ways to Help the Dyslexic in Your Life Find and Give Themselves Grace

    We’ve all heard that pesky little voice in our heads say something like, “Well, you should’ve done XYZ, but you didn’t.” Many dyslexics experience negative self-talk. I know I have! Reminding ourselves to be graceful in these moments, while sometimes easier said than done, is the only way through it. Today, I’m sharing 7 ways that you can help the dyslexic in your life give themselves grace.  Educate your child on dyslexia and reinforce that their intelligence is not defined by it.  Keep the lines of communication open. Encourage them to share their struggles and feelings and reinforce that they are supported Focus on their strengths, not their weaknesses. Highlight the ways they can do something better than you can! Set realistic expectations. This one can be tricky because it's so hard to stop comparing ourselves to others. Try circling back to where they were a year ago and admire the significant progress that they have made.  Focus on the effort made, not just the results. Trying is way more important than getting something right or wrong.  Normalize mistakes. They are part of the learning process! Model self-compassion.  Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send us an email or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.  Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform. Topics Covered: Busyness and negative self-talk The importance of grace 7 ways to support the dyslexic in your life Modelling self-compassion Connect:  Visit my website  Sign up for my newsletter Follow me on Instagram  Join me on Facebook

    8 min
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About

Does your child struggle with reading and writing? Do you suspect they have dyslexia? Real world answers to all your questions about dyslexia and ways to help your child is exactly what your get when you tune into the Literacy Untangled Podcast with your host, educator and dyslexia interventionist, Jennie Sjursen. Her specialty? Breaking down the complexities of dyslexia into everyday language, strategies, and action steps. Tune in, get inspired, and discover why parents across the globe reach out to Jennie for advice and support on all things related to dyslexia, reading, writing, academic testing, school supports, and IEP’s. Start finding answers to your questions today!

Information

  • Creator
    Jennie Sjursen
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2023 Literacy Untangled
  • Show Website
    Literacy Untangled Podcast

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