Hi, I'm Mrs. Debbie, your helpful reading specialist.
My home is a kaleidoscope of neuro-diversities and learning struggles. ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Hyperlexia, Autism .... basically our house is loud, and VERY silly.
I've been teaching since 2005, was trained in the Orton Gillingham method in 2011. I've worked in public, private and homeschool communities. I've been a teacher, IB Coordinator, Special Ed Coordinator/Student Advocate, Curriculum Director and have been developing my literacy program for over ten years now. It was designed through much trial and error with real kids, in real classrooms. My students have tried, tested and advised me every step of the way. That's too much stuff on the page Mrs. Debbie. This is taking too long. That story is boring. The print is too small, it makes my head hurt. Put a poop emoji in it!!
Your turn! Introduce yourself below. What should we call you? Number of kiddos? What's your biggest struggle right now?
I am looking forward to getting to know you all and sharing a lifetime of hard won skills and all my little kiddos have taught me. This is going to be fun!
We want this to be a safe place so please read and abide by our community guidelines.
1) This is a judgement free zone!
Every child is different and every parent is out here doing the best they can. We are all here for support so remember what your Mama told you! If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.
2) Our kids' safety is a priority.
Please do not post personal information. No full names, school names, locations.
3) Speak from your own experience.
Our kids' struggles and disabilities are unique. Please don't advise parents on disabilities or issues you are not familiar with.
4) Stay on topic.
We're here for educational support. This is a diverse community and we respect everyone. Political, religious or other hot button topics or any form of hate speech will not be tolerated.
5) No medical or legal advice!
I am a literacy specialist, not a doctor or lawyer. We are learning to read not trying to *cure* neurodiversity...sign...with heavy eye rolls.
Let’s teach your kiddo to read RIGHT NOW!
I see you Parents. I see you worry. I see you search and strive and struggle. I have been in education for twenty years and I have watched countless parents trying to help their kids learn to read only to realize it's just not working. It can be so overwhelming when things don't go as planned and your child begins to struggle.
What's wrong? Is it the teacher? Is it me? Am I not giving my kid what they need to be successful? Why is this so hard?
Then, as you seek help from the school, or other resources you realize there's a whole other world, a new language that you have to figure out. Evaluations, RTI, Student Support Teams, IDEA, IEPs, 504s. And, unfortunately, many families find themselves frustrated by the lack of help they receive. And, what if you're in a private school? Or homeschool? Where do you even go for help?
That's why I created this community. There is a serious lack of parent-centered resources available to not only help parents navigate these difficult questions, but to put you back in the drivers' seat of your child's education. I want to help YOU teach your child to read. Right now.