The Sound Reader

My oldest daughter gave me her birthday wish list the other day. This may not seem like much, but we have fought hard to get her here!

When she entered school, none of my coworkers seemed all that concerned about her reading and writing abilities. I kept mentioning to her teachers throughout her K-2 years, but no one gave it much thought because she wasn’t the MOST behind in her class, and she was doing OK technically. It didn’t matter that we were working over time at home to remediate her gaps.

It wasn’t until she was in third grade that I was finally able to make some headway and get her diagnosed with dyslexia. Throughout that time, and until very recently, spelling has been the hardest task for her.

In fact, until we started homeschooling in 4th grade, her writing was mostly unintelligible because of her inability to spell. Unfortunately, most public, charter and private schools do not value or teach spelling appropriately. But now, after diligently, systematically and explicitly going through the spelling program I created with her in mind, she can do it!

I am so proud of how hard she has worked to overcome the struggles she has had due to dyslexia. There isn’t a quick or easy solution, but dyslexia absolutely can be fully remediated! 🥳🥰

The absolute best part of the work I do is getting to work directly with children and watch them grow into happy, confident readers. But another awesome piece of this work is creating interactive and engaging games, puzzles and activities that children actually enjoy doing. Learning to read may be hard for many people, but it certainly doesn't have to be boring! 😃

Helping children overcome challenges when learning to read has always been my goal with The Sound Reader. When my oldest was diagnosed with dyslexia, I knew I had to do something for her that she wasn’t getting at school.

This week, one of my other children was diagnosed with both dyslexia and dysgraphia. I am so thankful I am able to offer her the support she needs, but I know that many parents don’t know where to begin with this stuff. THIS is why I do what I do. ❤️

I’m looking forward to seeing how far my students can grow in 2024. I know it’ll be the best year yet! 😊 Happy New Year, everyone!

Today marks one year since launching The Sound Reader...and what a great year it has been!

Throughout year one, I was able to work with and help improve the reading levels of over 20 children by an average of 1.5 grade levels. To say I am proud of my students (both current and former) for all of their hard work, is an understatement!

I am excited to see what year two brings and what kind of positive impact I can bring to even more struggling readers.

Thank you everyone for your support and for trusting me to teach your children how to read! I love what I do with a passion, and you guys make it possible! 😊

-Hayley