Podcast
Dyslexia District
Hosted by Kimberly Smith · EN
Breaking down dyslexia and related issues to help you better understand the world of dyslexia.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
29. Dyslexia's Common Companions
Apr 100:26:16Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered why so many students with dyslexia also struggle with attention, math, or language? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of comorbidities. That’s when dyslexia shows up with other learning differences. Discover the latest research on why these conditions are often seen together, learn to recognize the warning signs, and get practical, evidence-based strategies for both the classroom and home. Whether you're a parent navigating multiple diagnoses or an educator supporting diverse learners, this episode will help you see the whole child, not just the reading challenge.RESOURCES:Quick Tips for Supporting Comorbidities Symptom Comparison
Transcribe →28. The Science of Reading: Teaching Reading the Way the Brain Learns
Feb 500:13:48Tap to summarizeThe Science of Reading explained - why reading can be hard, what research shows, and how the right instruction helps kids succeed.Resources:- The National Reading Panel (2000) - https://bit.ly/reading-panel-report- Dr. Mark Seidenberg - Language at the Speed of Sight - https://a.co/d/0cF6Rujx- Dr. Louisa Moats - https://louisamoats.com/- Mississippi Reading Improvements News - https://bit.ly/Mississippi_literacy_gains- The Lilly Endowment Literacy Brief - https://bit.ly/science-reading-brief- Georgetown TX Literacy Gains (49%-64%) - https://bit.ly/georgetown_literacy_gains- Tennessee district literacy case study - https://bit.ly/tn-literacy-boost- Kentucky structured literacy review - https://bit.ly/ky-literacy
Transcribe →27. Dyslexia Supports That Work
Dec 1000:14:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into what the research actually says about supporting students with dyslexia so they can thrive academically. We explore classroom practices, instructional methods, mindset shifts, and the most effective assistive technology tools used today for reading, writing, and executive-function support.This episode is perfect for educators, evaluators, parents, and literacy enthusiasts who want evidence-based strategies they can implement immediately.REFERENCES & HELPFUL LINKS👉 Follow Dyslexia District for monthly deep dives into dyslexia, dysgraphia, structured literacy, and equitable classroom practices.👉 Share this episode with a teacher, parent, or colleague who supports neurodiverse learners.Want more?
Transcribe →26. Navigating IEPs and 504 Plans: Building Positive Partnerships
Nov 1200:23:41Tap to summarizeLearn the key differences between IEPs and 504 plans and discover research-backed strategies for building positive school partnerships that help students thrive. A clear, compassionate guide for parents, educators, and anyone navigating special education.RESOURCES• Overview of IDEA — U.S. Department of Education• Section 504 overview — U.S. Dept. of Education • Practical brief: Partnering with Families through Special Education • Joyce Epstein’s Framework of Six Types of Involvement • Meta-analyses & reviews on parental involvement & student outcomes• Meeting Email Script• Meeting Prep Checklist• IEP vs 504 side-by-side
Transcribe →25. Understanding Dysgraphia
Oct 100:15:59Tap to summarizeDoes your child avoid writing assignments, feel frustrated during homework, or struggle with handwriting that’s hard to read? These may be signs of dysgraphia, a learning difference that impacts written expression.In this episode of Dyslexia District, Kim Smith — educator and diagnostician — takes a deep, practical look at dysgraphia. You’ll hear how it presents in children, what recent research tells us, and what parents, teachers, and schools can do to provide effective support.ResourcesIDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know – A comprehensive guide from the International Dyslexia Association for parents and families.Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know – Practical guidance for educators on identifying and supporting students with dyslexia.SAGE Handbook of Dyslexia – Research-based resource for a deeper understanding of dyslexia and related learning differences.State Dyslexia Handbooks (for policies, screening, and interventions):Texas Dyslexia HandbookColorado Dyslexia HandbookIllinois Dyslexia Guide & ToolkitSouth Carolina Dyslexia HandbookAssistive Technology Tools:Speech-to-Text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, built-in dictation on iOS/Android/WindowsWord Prediction: Co:Writer, GhotitGraphic Organizers & Mind-Mapping: Inspiration, Google DrawingsDownloadable Handouts:Parent Handout: Supporting Your Child with DysgraphiaTeacher Handout: Classroom Strategies & Accommodations
Transcribe →24. Early Signs: What Parents & Teachers Need to Know
Sep 800:09:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Dyslexia District, we explore how to recognize the early signs of dyslexia in children—from preschool through early elementary school. Learn what to look for, how to respond, and why early intervention matters. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers practical insights to help every child thrive.Topics Covered:What dyslexia is (and isn’t)Early warning signs in young childrenClassroom indicators and teacher strategiesHow parents can advocate for supportCommon myths and misconceptionsHelpful Resources:International Dyslexia Association – Dyslexia Basicshttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/ Understood.org – Signs of Dyslexia at Different Ageshttps://www.understood.org/en/search-results?query=signs%20of%20dyslexia Reading Rockets – Helping Struggling Readers https://www.readingrockets.org/helping-all-readers/why-some-kids-struggle National Center on Improving Literacy – Dyslexia Toolkithttps://www.improvingliteracy.org/dyslexia Subscribe, share, and join us in building a community where every learner is supported and understood.
Transcribe →23. What Dyslexia Is (and Isn't)
Aug 1900:11:36Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, we explore the evolving definition of dyslexia, including the current and proposed IDA definitions. We uncover common myths, clarify misconceptions, and spotlight the latest research (2020–2025) on brain networks, genetics, and early detection.Helpful links:Current IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basicsIDA 2002 Definition (Reading Rockets PDF)https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/guide/IDA-Dyslexia-Handbook-2019.pdfProposed 2025 IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/idas-revised-2025-dyslexia-definition-now-open-for-public-commentfMRI Findings (Frontiers)https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computational-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncom.2021.594659/fullNetwork Connectivity (Nature Communications)https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05499-2Genetic Loci for Dyslexia (Nature Genetics)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01192-yScienceDaily summary of genetic studyhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221020112823.htmNew Multivariate Genetic Study (2025)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03514-0JAMA – Infants at Risk Study https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797787
Transcribe →22. Dysgraphia Research
May 6, 202500:08:00Tap to summarizeLet's take a look at recent research regarding Dysgraphia and what it means for our students.
Transcribe →21. A Perspective Shift
Apr 8, 202500:12:41Tap to summarizeInstead of focusing on deficits and weaknesses, let's take some time to focus on the strengths students with dyslexia possess.
Transcribe →20. Executive Functioning & Dyslexia
Dec 4, 202400:15:06Tap to summarizeEver wonder why students with dyslexia often have difficulty getting organized, prioritizing tasks, or keeping up with their stuff? It may be because of their executive functioning!
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