Literacy Untangled Podcast

Jennie Sjursen
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  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. APR 10

    #75 Is AI Writing Your Child's IEP: What Every Parent Needs to Know

    When you open your child’s most recent IEP and read through the goals, does it actually sound like your kid? Or does it feel a little generic, like it could have been written about any student with a reading difficulty? If something feels off, you might be right!  There’s a quiet shift happening in special education classrooms, and today we’re talking about the two main reasons why IEPs are losing their individuality: a gap in teacher training and the sudden, massive rise of AI-generated documents. Let this be a reminder that AI doesn't know your child. It knows patterns, it knows professional-sounding language, but it doesn't know what your child actually needs to succeed. Today, we’re looking at how to spot a generic IEP, why a plausible-sounding PLAAFP can be a trap, and how you can ensure your child’s legal documents stay focused on the individual human being sitting in front of you. My free resource, Is AI Writing Your Struggling Reader's IEP?, walks you through exactly what to look for when you open your child’s document and what the research says about the current state of IEP quality. Grab it now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/ai-iep!  Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  The gap between knowing the law and the clinical reasoning required to build a plan for the complex individual human being sitting in front of you [1:47] A look at the numbers and why more than half of special education teachers are now turning to AI to help manage the paperwork burden [2:50] Why it’s important to realize that will AI knows what an IEP should look like, it doesn't actually know your child [3:43] Breaking down the PLAAFP and how a vague description guarantees a vague plan [4:37] How to spot a generic, plausible-sounding PLAAFP even when the language looks professional and complete [5:41] The hidden risks of using AI as a parent to navigate the process and why a confident answer isn't the same as an accurate one [5:56] How to get your hands on my new free resource: Is AI Writing Your Struggling Reader's IEP? [7:19]  Key Takeaways:  Federal law calls it an “Individualized Education Program” for a reason. If the goals could apply to any student in the building, they aren't good enough for your child. AI is excellent at producing plausible, high-quality text, but it’s based on patterns rather than your child’s specific evaluation data and learning profile. The PLAAFP is the engine of the IEP and when present levels are vague, the entire document loses its ability to drive meaningful progress. When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    9 min

  2. MAR 27

    #74 What Least Restrictive Environment Really Means And How Schools Get It Wrong

    You’re sitting in an IEP meeting and someone says, "We need to consider LRE," and everyone around the table nods like they just shared a deep universal truth. Meanwhile, you're wondering if you missed a memo, or worse, you’re realizing that this one little acronym is being used to make a massive decision about where your child spends their day. Today, I’m stripping away the jargon to talk about what Least Restrictive Environment actually is, and more importantly, how it’s being misused to justify what’s convenient for the school rather than what’s right for your child. Whether you're being told your child has to stay in Gen Ed at all costs or being pressured into a separate setting without the data to back it up, this episode is about moving the conversation from a blanket district policy to an individualized determination. Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  What "Least Restrictive Environment" actually means under the law, and why the word "appropriate" is the most important part of the sentence [2:53]  How schools often weaponize LRE as a blanket policy to justify whatever placement is most convenient for their budget or staffing [3:45]  A walkthrough of the full range of settings that many parents never even know are options [4:57] Why your child’s specific data and IEP goals should dictate their placement, rather than a district’s "full inclusion" philosophy [8:35] How to use the mention of LRE as a starting point for deeper questions rather than the final word in an IEP meeting [11:20] Key Takeaways:  LRE isn't just about where your child's desk is located; it’s about where they can actually make meaningful progress. There’s a "Convenience Trap” that comes into play and schools often use LRE as a revolving door justification. LRE is just the beginning and you have the right to ask for the specific data, the alternative placements they considered on the continuum, and the evidence for why other options were rejected. When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    15 min

  3. MAR 13

    #73 Pull-Out, Push-In, or Pulled Apart: What Your Child's Service Delivery Model Really Means

    When you’re in an IEP meeting, it’s easy to focus solely on the "30 minutes twice a week" and nod along as the school lists off terms like resource room, push-in, or consultation. But here is the hard truth: those aren't just administrative logistics, they are the exact mechanisms that dictate whether your child’s intervention will actually move the needle or just fade into the background. In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on service delivery models to understand the "where," the "who," and the "how" of your child’s support. We’re moving past what’s convenient for the school and their schedule, and looking at what the research actually says about effective, systematic instruction.  It’s time to stop nodding along to terms you don't fully understand and start advocating for the support your child actually deserves, because that’s what truly matters. Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  A realistic look at the pros and cons of moving your child to a resource room versus keeping them in the general education classroom [2:21] What these terms actually mean in practice, and why consultation might not be enough for a child who needs intensive, systematic intervention [2:58] Why small group size and skill-matching are the "invisible" details that determine if your child is actually making progress [3:28] Why there is no one-size-fits-all model, and how to identify whether your child needs a quiet, distraction-free space or support with transitions to stay engaged [4:03] A real breakdown of transition time, packing up, and group sharing, and why your child might only be getting 20 minutes of actual instruction [6:29] How to look past the logistics to determine if your child actually needs quiet, intensive support or in-class help to navigate their day successfully [7:57] The way to shift from nodding along to asking powerful, specific questions about group size and missed classroom instruction [10:14]  Key Takeaways:  "Logistics" like pull-out or push-in services, aren't just details, they are the critical factors that determine whether your child's intervention will actually move the needle. Follow the minutes and always calculate the actual instructional time your child receives. Your child’s IEP must be built on their specific learning profile, not staffing convenience for them.  When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    13 min

  4. FEB 27

    #72 When 'Just Trust Us' Isn't Enough: The Prior Written Notice No One Explains to You

    Have you ever left an IEP meeting feeling stuck? Maybe you asked for a specific service or accommodation, and the team said no? Or worse, they gave you a vague "let’s table that for now?” You’re often left feeling like the conversation is over, but I’m here to tell you that’s actually not how the law works. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on Prior Written Notice (PWN), the most powerful tool in your advocacy toolkit that nobody tells you about. We’re moving past the "just trust us" culture of school meetings and diving into why this legal requirement is your best defense against vague explanations and stalled progress. Whether you are currently facing a denial of services or just want to be prepared for your next meeting, I want to provide the strategic roadmap you need to turn a "no" into a documented trail of accountability. So grab your coffee and your notebook, because it’s time to move from "I didn't know that existed" to "I know exactly what to do with this." Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  A clear breakdown of what the Prior Written Notice (PWN) document is and why it is a mandatory legal requirement, not a courtesy [2:04] What specific things makes PWN so powerful [3:48] Key scenarios where this document becomes a game-changer, from evaluation denials to placement changes [5:33] The "hidden" right you have to request this documentation even if the school doesn't offer it or mention it [7:15] How your advocacy shifts once you stop accepting "no" as a conversation ender and start building a documented trail [7:36] Why PWN is the ultimate tool for transparency and accountability, and how it moves you from being one step behind to being a strategic partner [8:43] Key Takeaways:  A refusal from the school isn't a closed door; it is simply the point where the documentation must begin. By using Prior Written Notice, you shift the entire conversation away from personal opinions and back to the specific assessments and data that your child’s services are legally required to be based on. The Power of the Paper Trail: The most effective advocacy happens in writing. Links & Resources Mentioned:  IDEA (Federal Special Education Law) #71 Why You Left That IEP Meeting Feeling Like You Got Played And How to Never Let It Happen Again When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    10 min

  5. FEB 13

    #71 Why You Left That IEP Meeting Feeling Like You Got Played And How to Never Let It Happen Again

    You know that sinking feeling in your stomach when you walk out of an IEP meeting, drive home, and realize you aren't actually sure what you just agreed to? You aren't imagining it, you aren’t being paranoid, and you definitely aren’t alone. For years, I’ve watched smart, capable parents get talked into "waiting" or backing down. Why?  It’s because the system has a very specific playbook designed to protect their budget and their schedule and not necessarily your child’s needs. Today, I’m exposing the hidden language and tactics used in those meeting rooms. We’re talking about how to spot goals that sound professional but measure absolutely nothing, what to do when your advocacy is labeled as "anxiety," and why the phrase "let’s see how they respond" is often just a delay tactic dressed up as thoroughness.  Trust me, once you see these plays, you can’t unsee them and that is the moment you stop being reactive and start being the strategic advocate your child deserves. Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  Why you aren't being paranoid or demanding for asking for the specific interventions your child actually needs [1:52] How to spot professional terminology that hides a complete lack of meaningful data or growth targets [3:38] What to do when the school team tries to make you feel like you're overreacting just to avoid addressing your legitimate concerns [4:25] Why waiting another grading period for in-class interventions is often just a delay tactic the system uses [5:09] A reminder that you should never feel forced to sign paperwork just because the team has "another meeting" to get to [5:58] How walking into an IEP meeting recognizing the "plays" before they’re run changes your entire strategy as an advocate [7:29] Key Takeaways:  If you leave a meeting feeling confused or second-guessing yourself, it’s because the system’s "playbook" is working as intended. Just because a goal sounds professional doesn't mean it's effective. If it doesn't have a clear baseline and target, it measures nothing. You are never required to sign paperwork under time pressure. Taking that paperwork home to process it is one of the strongest strategic moves you can make. When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    10 min

  6. JAN 30

    #70 Series Addiction: Why Your Child Reads the Same Books Over and Over (And Why That's Perfect)

    Does it feel like your child has read the same Dog Man book three times, and you’re secretly panicked they’ve hit a plateau? Are you worried that their obsession with a specific series is just a way to avoid a "real" challenge? Today, we’re flipping the script on "series addiction" and looking at why that repetitive reading is actually a dyslexic superpower in disguise. In this episode, I dive into the fascinating research that shows children are 60% more likely to retain new vocabulary through repeated exposure to familiar stories. We’ll discuss how the "comfort zone" of a series actually frees up your child’s brain to master deep comprehension and critical thinking without the exhaustion of constant decoding. Plus, I’m also tackling how to handle school pushback when teachers insist on "moving up" a level, and more. It’s time to stop fighting the obsession and start leaning into the growth. Pull up a chair and let’s talk about why your child’s "safe place" series is really the key to building a lifelong reader! Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  The "Series Secret" in action and what happens in my clinical sessions when a struggling reader finally discovers a series that "clicks [2:02] Why series reading is a literal superpower for the dyslexic brain [3:02] The big reasons you should prioritize your child’s specific interests over arbitrary reading levels [5:16] How I use these books as high-value incentives in my practice to keep students engaged through the "heavy lifting" of literacy drills [6:33] What you can do to navigate school pushback and how to handle those frustrating conversations with teachers who claim your child "isn't challenging themselves” [7:16] Key Takeaways:  Repetition is a retention powerhouse and reading the same series isn't "stalling" - it’s a scientifically proven way to internalize language.  A child's passion for a particular topic provides the "cognitive fuel" needed to tackle text that might otherwise be above their independent reading level. By using familiar characters, settings, and author styles, dyslexic learners can stop spending all their mental energy on decoding the basics and start focusing on deep comprehension and critical thinking.  Links & Resources Mentioned:  Hilo (Series) by Judd Winick The Bad Guys (Series) by Aaron Blabey The Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz Dragon Master (Series) by Tracey West  The Sisters 8 (Series) by Lauren Baratz-Logsted Percy Jackson (Series) by Rick Riordan  Mercy Watson (Series) by Kate DiCamillo Press Start! (Series) by Thomas Flintham Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling   When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    11 min

  7. JAN 16

    #69 Why Real Books Are Holding Your Dyslexic Child Back: The Graphic Novel Revolution

    Does it feel like you’re constantly defending your child’s reading choices to a well-meaning teacher who insists graphic novels "don’t count"? Are you worried that letting them "just look at the pictures" is actually holding them back? Today, we’re busting the biggest myth in the dyslexia community and looking at why the graphic novel revolution is the breakthrough your struggling reader has been waiting for. In this episode, I’m sharing the research that proves these books actually pack more sophisticated vocabulary than traditional children's stories - without the "wall of text" that leads to burnout. We’ll talk about why visuals are a total game-changer for comprehension and how they allow your child’s brain to actually process the story instead of just exhausted decoding, plus I’m also giving you the exact scripts to use when you get pushback at school and my personal "no-fail" book list to get your child reading voluntarily.  By the end of this one, you’ll stop stressing over "real books" and start seeing your child finally fall in love with a story! Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  What happens cognitively when your child swaps a traditional book for a graphic novel [2:28] Why visual context and high-level vocabulary in graphic novels actually reduce cognitive load for struggling readers [3:40] The key reasons reading graphic novels builds sophisticated literacy skills that transfer to every other type of text [5:28] How to find the perfect high-interest graphic novel to hook your specific reader [6:16] Simple, fun strategies to incorporate graphic novels into your home routine without it feeling like "schoolwork" [7:41] What to say when teachers claim graphic novels "don't count" as real reading - plus the research to prove them wrong [8:32]  Key Takeaways:  The ways in which graphic novels are “vocabulary powerhouses.”  For dyslexic readers, illustrations aren't "cheating" but rather visuals that bridge the comprehension gap. Manageable "text chunks" build stamina and engagement is the gateway to fluency. Links & Resources Mentioned:  Center of Teaching and Learning (University of Oregon)  Hilo Series by Judd Winick The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey Bone: The Complete Cartoon Epic in One Volume by Jeff Smith When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    12 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    #68 Holiday Stress SOS: Your Survival Guide for Family Gatherings and School Breaks

    Do you ever find yourself dreading the "well-meaning" advice from relatives who just don’t get it? Are you worried that the chaos of school breaks will lead to more meltdowns than magic for your struggling reader? Today, we’re getting real about the sensory overload and academic pressure that often hide behind the festive lights as I bring you your survival guide for family gatherings and school breaks!  In this episode, I share my proven frameworks for shutting down the "they just need to practice more" comments and explaining dyslexia in 30 seconds flat. We’ll dive into which routines are non-negotiable for a dyslexic brain and why I’m giving you full permission to ditch the holiday worksheets entirely, along with so much more.  By the end of this one, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to scout your "quiet zones," recruit family allies, and ensure this season is defined by connection rather than comparison. Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!  My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.  Topics Covered:  A helpful response framework you can use for handling awkward holiday comments [2:37] Why you need to find your family allies ahead of time and not go at it all alone [4:11] Which routines to maintain to keep your child regulated while school is out for the holidays [4:53] The real reasons why your child needs a true academic break and a reminder that you absolutely can give yourself permission to skip the worksheets [5:54] Specific signs of sensory overload and social fatigue that often hide behind "bad behavior" during loud, bright, and crowded holiday events [7:15] How to approach building an emergency strategy and exit plan for gatherings over the holidays [8:19] Key Takeaways:  That your child will remember feeling supported and understood long after they forget the details of a specific tradition. Why having an exit plan is a powerful strategy to help protect your child’s nervous system. How to decouple intelligence from decoding and use a simple mental shift to advocate for your child.    When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship  for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!  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 an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com 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 or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

    11 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022-2023 Literacy Untangled
  • Show Website
    Literacy Untangled Podcast

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