The Literacy Keys - Dyslexia resources and structured literacy tips by an Orton Gillingham tutor

Tracy Young, Certified Orton Gillingham Tutor and Mom of a Dyslexic Daughter
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If you’re raising a child with dyslexia or a kid who’s struggling to read, write, and spell, you can stop guessing what to do next. I’m Tracy Young, a Certified Orton-Gillingham tutor and this podcast will empower you to unlock reading, writing, and spelling success for your child. You’ll uncover structured literacy tips and practical advice about dyslexia in plain English. Follow our weekly coaching episodes. Share with others! Once a month you’ll hear from me, along with my daughter, as we share our personal journey with dyslexia. Contact us at TheLiteracyKeys.com for a dyslexia tutor.

  1. 1H AGO

    How Do You Tell If Your Kids Are Twice Exceptional? Uncover what does twice exceptional mean and discover the struggles of 2e kids (you can help them)

    Discover why twice exceptional kids struggle and uncover why 2e kids fly under the radar. Explore exactly what todo next to support your twice exceptional children.  It’s sometimes called double deficit dyslexia. If you’ve been stuck in the loop of my kid is so smart… and still struggles, this episode is for you.  Leave with language to use, tests to ask for, and a plan that actually fits your child.   Twice exceptional kids can look like a walking contradiction: they have advanced ideas, strong vocabulary, yet reading feels painfully hard. When giftedness and dyslexia show up together, the signals get messy. Strengths can mask needs, and parents are frequently told to wait and see. Meanwhile, your child is working twice as hard just to keep up, andconfidence takes the hit. This episode breaks down what twice exceptional really means and what you can do to support your twice exceptional kids. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to spot common signs of twice exceptional kidsWhat types of evaluation to ask forHow to explain the 2e profile to teachers Do you need an Orton Gillingham Tutor? Contact The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/ If this episode resonated with you, please share this with another parent.  Hit follow/subscribe (we’re free) and leave aquick rating so you don’t miss the next episode. Chapters (00:00) Understanding Twice Exceptional Kids (12:07) Challenges Faced by Twice Exceptional Kids (24:13) Strategies for Supporting Twice Exceptional Kids

    25 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Do You Have a Disorganized Child? Build an Escape Room! (Executive Functioning Activities That Actually Work)

    If your disorganized child forgets everything, discover executive functioning activities that help scattered minds learn to plan, start, and finish.  If your ADHD child continuously forgets to turn in homework, they might benefit from executive functioning activities. This episode shares a fun one, that even the most jaded teen will be rolling up their sleeves to try.  You don’t have to mention that they are secretly strengthening their planning, organization, and time management skills. After listening, you’ll have a simple, playful plan to build follow-through without nagging, bribing, or burnout. When kids appear disorganized, their brains are really working overtime, so planning, organizing, and finishing can feel impossible. What looks like being forgetful is often brain overload. The disorganized child can’t hold all the steps, keep track of time, and pivot when they get stuck. That’s why Executive Functioning Activities work best when they’re hands-on, and broken into small chunks. In this episode, I’ll share an activity that helps the disorganized child practice necessary skills.  All without feeling like another lesson. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to turn a game into Executive Functioning Activities that builds momentumHow to help the disorganized child (with a Scattered Mind) break tasks into smaller winsWhat to say when your child shuts down, so they re-engage instead of melting down Do you want help tailoring these executive functioning supports to your child? Reach out to The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/ If this episode helped, please follow, share it with another parent ,and leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find it. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Executive Functioning Skills (10:00) Building an Online Escape Room (19:53) Steps to Create the Escape Room (24:53) Troubleshooting and Action Plan

    28 min

  3. FEB 5

    Discover How To Improve Writing Skills (Even When Essays Feel Impossible) | 5 steps to improve writing and become a better writer

    After this episode, you’ll know exactly how to improve writing skills and what to do next with your child so writing starts feeling doable. For many struggling readers writing is brain overload. They have ideas, but getting those ideas onto paper in the right order, with the right words, can feel like juggling while riding a unicycle. In this episode, Tracy Young (certified Orton-Gillingham tutor) and Alex, her dyslexic daughter break writing down into 5 clear steps that reduce frustration and build confidence. It’s a plan you can use today. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to turn “I don’t know what to write” into a simple plan in minutes A 5-step process sharing How To Improve Writing Skills without overwhelm What to say (and what not to say) when your child freezes or melts down Pick one writing assignment this week and try the 5 steps once. There’s no pressure.  Do you need one-on-one writing support for your child? Contact The Literacy Keys. If this episode helped, please share us with another parent. Leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find us. Cheers, ⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠ ps - You can also check out the episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠ CHAPTERS: (00:00) Introduction to Improve Writing Skills (03:11) Overcoming Writing Challenges (06:07) Understanding the Writing Process (12:30) Expanding Ideas and Sentence Structure (21:26) Utilizing Technology in Writing Keywords writing, essay tips, writing techniques, dyslexia, outlining, editing, technology in writing, college essays, writing skills, procrastination

    31 min

  4. JAN 29

    Is Your Child Struggling For Success At School? Hear Dyslexia Success Stories And Explore What You Can Do.

    Struggling for success can feel like staring at a report card and thinking, “How is my child so bright… and still drowning?” After listening to this episode, you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and clear on what to do today, not “someday.” Host Tracy Young, an ALTA-certified, Orton-Gillingham tutor, shares a candid Reddit thread where dyslexic adults shared the truth about being told they couldn't achieve something and the moment they proved that person wrong. These are real-life dyslexia success stories, college acceptances, advanced degrees, thriving careers, all powered by persistence and the right supports. Tracy breaks down what these stories have in common, and why struggling for success is usually a mismatch in instruction, not a lack of effort or intelligence. In this episode, you’ll learn: What dyslexia success stories have in common, so you can copy the patterns that work.A simple way to talk to your child that boosts motivation.How to spot progress that’s easy to miss, so your child feels wins sooner. Do you need a calm, clear plan for your struggling reader? Start at The Literacy Keys. Click ⁠here⁠   Chapters (00:00) Understanding the Struggles of Dyslexia (03:13) The Reality of Parental Fears (05:58) Celebrating Dyslexia Success Stories (08:57) Believing in Your Child's Potential (11:51) Finding Support and Community

    14 min

  5. JAN 22

    School Avoidance: Why is your child avoiding school and 3 simple steps to change “my child hates school” into a new narrative.

    Have your mornings turned into hostage negotiations? After listening, you’ll understand what’s driving the school avoidance pushback and exactly what to do next. Understand what Half-Baked Muffins refers to, and turn hard mornings of “My Child Hates School” into a new reality. It's never easy but you can start this week! If you’re a parent hearing: “My Child Hates School” and you’re looking for answers, then this episode is for you. Host Tracy Young, certified Orton Gillingham tutor breaks down School Avoidance in plain language, with a whole lot of practical calm. You’ll learn the most common reasons kids avoid school and how to stop the daily negotiation spiral without escalating the fear. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to spot what’s really happening beneath “My Child Hates School” and respond in a way that lowers the temperature.A simple 3-step plan to interrupt School Avoidance without power struggles. CHAPTERS (02:05) — What Is School Avoidance (School Refusal)? (05:20) — What Kids Say (and What They Mean) (09:10) — The 5 Most Common Reasons for School Avoidance (13:45) — Academic Struggle & Older Kids (16:25) — The 7-Day Plan to Reduce School Avoidance If this episode helped you, please subscribe and leave a quick review, so more exhausted parents can find support. Learn more about The Literacy Keys: https://theliteracykeys.com/ Ready for a calmer plan? Book a consultation at: ⁠https://theliteracykeys.com/contact/ RESOURCES The Tapping Solution (kids + school anxiety)

    23 min

  6. JAN 15

    Do Private Schools Have 504 Plans? A Parent’s Guide to Getting Accommodations.

    The 504 plan and private schools: step-by-step explanation for what private schools must do, what they don’t haveto do, and how to ask for support without burning bridges. After listening to this episode, you’ll know exactlywhat to ask for, how to ask, and what to do next, all without feeling like you need a law degree. This topic hits hard because private schools can soundconfident while giving you a vague statement: “We don’t do 504s here.” This can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling tutoring, tears, tuition, and teacher emails. In this episode, Orton Gillingham tutor and host TracyYoung breaks down what’s actually true about a 504 plan and private schools in plain language. You’ll walk away with a simple plan for accommodations that help your child right now, whether or not the school uses a formal 504 process. You’ll discover: How to get a clear answer to the question: "Do private schools have 504 plans?"How to request accommodations that are specific and reasonable.What to say to the school when you're feeling nervous or brushed off.How to document needs so that it's not about goodwill. What your backup plan is if the school won't provide the support your child needs. How to compare options when weighing a 504 plan and private schools versus public school support. CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction: The 504 Plan Dilemma (03:03) Public Schools: Your Rights Under Federal Law (06:33) Private Schools: Understanding the Differences (11:17) How to Request Accommodations in Private Schools Download the checklist and walk into your next conversation with a plan: https://theliteracykeys.com/dyslexia-accommodations-checklist/ SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this helped, please leave a quick review so more overwhelmed parents can find the episode. Cheers, ⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠, founder of ⁠TheLiteracy Keys ⁠

    20 min

  7. JAN 8

    Dyslexia in Girls: When the Well-Behaved Kid Is Actually Struggling to Read

    She’s not lazy—she’s masking dyslexia. Hear the sneaky signs of dyslexia in girls and why so many teachers miss them. A real story that looks at sex differences in dyslexia. In this episode, we cover how late diagnosis is common when girls compensate. You'll discover behavioral myths, research gaps, and a checklist of red flags for dyslexia in girls. This information will highlight why dyslexia is diagnosed more frequently in males and how societal issues create the impression of sex differences in dyslexia. All of this is important to understand when thinking about testing your child for dyslexia. If this episode has been helpful please share it with another parent, and leave a review.  Your support helps us empower more parents.  Links: Go to the homepage of our website to download the Dyslexia Symptoms by Age mentioned in this episode. Cheers, ⁠Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor⁠ ⁠The Literacy Keys ⁠ You can watch episodes with Alex on ⁠YouTube⁠ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and why we’re talking about dyslexia in girls 01:40 The “behavior bias”: why girls often fly under the radar 07:00 Masking and classroom dynamics that hide reading struggles 09:15 Red flags we missed and what parents often notice first 16:30 Teacher training gaps and why schools may overlook dyslexia 22:45 Early-childhood warning signs (ages 5–12) 25:55 Rhyming/tongue twisters: an easy at-home clue 30:35 Subtle symptoms + what “looks fine” can really mean 35:35 Social masking + perfectionism/people-pleasing pressure 41:40 What helped + practical supports to try 43:25 Quick wrap-up takeaways

    47 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Dyslexia Accommodations Checklist: No More Second-Guessing (Part 2)

    Stop second-guessing possible dyslexia accommodations. Get the dyslexia accommodations checklist and be prepared for the 504 meeting.  Discover how to level the playing field for your child while fostering independence and self-advocacy.   This is the second of a 2-part series, in which Tracy continues the conversation on dyslexia accommodations, shifting the focus to the critical transition into middle and high school. You'll understand why your child’s 504 accommodations are not a "favor" or a "loophole"; they are essential tools that allow students to demonstrate understanding of the material without changing academic expectations. Over time the goal of dyslexia accommodations shifts toward independence and self-advocacy. Learn how to move away from constant adult intervention, toward a model where your teen knows exactly what tools they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. Episode Chapters 00:00 - Defining Dyslexia AccommodationsThe host introduces the concept of dyslexia accommodations, explaining that they are adjustments to how a student learns. 02:26 - Middle School Transitions and ToolsThis section discusses the increased academic demands of middle school and the importance of using assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech software and audiobooks, to help students access grade-level content. 04:30 - Organizational and Note-Taking SupportThe host explains how note-taking assistance and graphic organizers can help students manage "executive functioning" challenges and stay organized as they navigate multiple teachers and complex projects. 06:18 - High School Success and Exam PrepThis chapter covers advanced support for high schoolers, including foreign language waivers and the critical process of applying for accommodations on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT. 10:11 - Fostering Self-Advocacy and ResourcesThe episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of student self-advocacy for long-term success and introduces a downloadable dyslexia accommodations checklist to help parents navigate school meetings. If you didn't have a chance to listen to part 1 head over to episode 25 and remember to download the Dyslexia Accommodations Checklist. If this has been helpful, subscribe to this podcast and share it with another parents. Cheers, Tracy Young, Orton Gillingham Tutor The Literacy Keys  Check out episodes with Alex on YouTube Dyslexia Accommodations Part 1 - episode 25 Dyslexia Accommodations Checklist transcript

    23 min
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If you’re raising a child with dyslexia or a kid who’s struggling to read, write, and spell, you can stop guessing what to do next. I’m Tracy Young, a Certified Orton-Gillingham tutor and this podcast will empower you to unlock reading, writing, and spelling success for your child. You’ll uncover structured literacy tips and practical advice about dyslexia in plain English. Follow our weekly coaching episodes. Share with others! Once a month you’ll hear from me, along with my daughter, as we share our personal journey with dyslexia. Contact us at TheLiteracyKeys.com for a dyslexia tutor.

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