Dyslexia Decoded

Teacher Maggie from StrongMinds

Welcome to Dyslexia Decoded, the podcast dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of dyslexic minds and celebrating the incredible potential of thinking differently. I’m Teacher Maggie—an educator, mom, and advocate for students with learning differences—and I’m here to inspire, equip, and empower. In each episode, I’ll share uplifting stories of resilience and creativity, alongside actionable tips and practical advice to support students and their advocates. From navigating school systems and mastering effective learning strategies to advocating for essential accommodations, my goal is to provide you with tools that truly make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone navigating the world of learning differently, this podcast is your resource for encouragement, insight, and hope. Together, we can make the journey easier, more empowering, and filled with the joy of discovery.”

  1. 04/17/2025

    Red Flags, Research & Retention: What to Know Before Repeating a Grade

    Send us a text Description: Is your child being recommended for retention? Are you feeling pressure after spring testing—especially if your child didn’t pass the 3rd grade TCAP? In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey as a teacher who once recommended retention, what I learned the hard way, and why holding a child back is rarely the right move—especially for students with dyslexia or other learning differences. We’ll walk through: What the research actually says (with sources you can find and share)Why schools may be defaulting to retention after the pandemicThe emotional toll it takes on a child’s self-worthWhat actually works instead of repeating a gradeYour rights under Tennessee’s TCAP law—and how to advocate with confidenceThis is more than a data dump. It’s a guide to help you walk into those school meetings with clarity, compassion, and courage. PLUS: Download the free printable Parent Resource Guide linked in the show notes to take with you into your next meeting. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pkuBPx6ehGZPXL3Zd8fFmid4VtKvHOCT/view?usp=drivesdk Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚

    22 min
  2. 03/17/2025

    Typing Toward Triump: Empowering Dyslexic Learners Through Keyboard Mastery

    Send us a text Typing isn’t just a practical skill—it can be life changing for dyslexic students! In this episode, I break down why learning to type can remove barriers, boost confidence, and even reinforce reading and spelling skills. I’ll share my personal experience diving into touch typing (spoiler: it’s not as easy as it looks!) and the fascinating science behind why typing activates key areas of the brain that support literacy. Plus, I’ll explore some of the best typing programs out there—what works, what doesn’t, and how to help your child build this essential skill the right way. If you’ve ever wondered whether typing is worth the effort for your dyslexic learner, this episode is for you! Let’s rethink how we teach writing and give our students a tool they can use for life. 🔹 The connection between typing, reading, and spelling 🔹 Why traditional keyboarding classes don’t work for dyslexic students 🔹 How to introduce typing the right way (accuracy before speed!) 🔹 The best programs for dyslexic learners—Typing.com, TypingClub, and TTRS Tune in and let’s unlock a new way to support our students! 🎧✨ Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚

    18 min
  3. 02/27/2025

    Why a Dyslexia Diagnosis Matters (And How to Talk to Your Child About It)

    Send us a text Is it time to get your child tested for dyslexia? And if so, how do you explain it to them? In this episode of Dyslexia Decoded by StrongMinds, I’m diving into one of the biggest questions parents wrestle with—when (and how) to seek a dyslexia diagnosis. Here’s the truth: your child already knows they’re different. They don’t need you to tell them reading is hard—they live that reality every day. What they do need is an explanation, a plan, and encouragement that they are not broken—just wired differently. We’ll talk about: ✅ Why “wait and see” is a risky approach (spoiler: kids aren’t popcorn, and some kernels just burn) ✅ The realities of getting a diagnosis—costs, school assessments, and alternative options ✅ Why early intervention matters and how a diagnosis can unlock the right support ✅ How to talk to your child about dyslexia in a way that’s empowering, not discouraging Dyslexia is not a problem to be fixed—it’s a way of thinking that needs to be understood. The sooner you know, the sooner you can help your child thrive. Listen in, and let’s decode dyslexia together! 🔗 Plus, check this link for my free dyslexia screening checklist! The Educational Psychologist who diagnosed me was Amy Noall at https://thescholarsgrove.com/ Thank you for listening to Dyslexia Decoded! Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and progress always beats perfection. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you found this story inspiring, please share it with someone who might need to hear it. Until next time, stay strong, stay curious, and stay fearless. 💚

    17 min

About

Welcome to Dyslexia Decoded, the podcast dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of dyslexic minds and celebrating the incredible potential of thinking differently. I’m Teacher Maggie—an educator, mom, and advocate for students with learning differences—and I’m here to inspire, equip, and empower. In each episode, I’ll share uplifting stories of resilience and creativity, alongside actionable tips and practical advice to support students and their advocates. From navigating school systems and mastering effective learning strategies to advocating for essential accommodations, my goal is to provide you with tools that truly make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone navigating the world of learning differently, this podcast is your resource for encouragement, insight, and hope. Together, we can make the journey easier, more empowering, and filled with the joy of discovery.”