Teaching Kids with Dyslexia The Difference Between Letters and Sounds

In this episode of Days With Dyslexia, host Michelle Morgan shares practical strategies for helping children differentiate between letters and sounds. Michelle explains how to use simple tools to create a visual and interactive learning experience. She emphasizes the importance of understanding this difference to enhance reading and spelling. Michelle also provides tips on using these techniques to teach spelling patterns and inflected endings, highlighting the need to address sounds, letters, and meanings in language instruction. A PDF resource is available for download to support parents in implementing these strategies at home.

Download free PDF for teaching letters vs. sounds HERE.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:35 Understanding Letters and Sounds

02:16 Practical Teaching Strategies

04:44 Using Index Cards for Learning

07:28 Letter and Sound Cards

11:14 Inflected Endings and Meaning

14:01 Clarifying Letters vs. Sounds

16:18 Conclusion and Next Steps

The Importance of Teaching Sounds and Letter Names in Dyslexia

In this episode of 'Today's with Dyslexia,' Michelle Morgan, a speech-language pathologist, explores the essential difference between letter names and sounds in language learning. She explains why understanding this difference is particularly crucial for children with dyslexia. Michelle also discusses the triple word form theory (Phonology, Orthography, Meaning) and why some teachers have, unfortunately, moved away from teaching letter names. Through various research citations, she validates the need to teach both letter names and sounds for effective literacy development. Tune in for insights and strategies to help struggling readers become more confident learners.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:29 Understanding Letter Names vs. Sounds

02:56 The Importance of Differentiating Letters and Sounds

05:55 Current Trends in Teaching Reading and Spelling

12:07 Research Supporting Letter Names

23:36 Conclusion and Next Steps

Breaking Down the New 2025 Definition of Dyslexia: What Parents Need to Know

In this episode of 'Days with Dyslexia,' host Michelle Morgan, a speech language pathologist and mother of a dyslexic child, delves into the newly released 2025 definition of dyslexia from the International Dyslexia Association. Michelle reads the extensive definition, breaks down complex terms, and explains their implications. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and clears misconceptions about environmental influences on dyslexia. Michelle also touches on the genetic, neurobiological, and varied severity aspects of dyslexia. Listen in for practical advice and resources to help your child overcome reading and spelling challenges.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:29 New 2025 Definition of Dyslexia

01:56 Reading the New Definition

03:20 Breaking Down the Definition

10:31 Understanding Dyslexia Causes

17:47 Early Oral Language and Literacy

20:47 Secondary Consequences of Dyslexia

25:36 Psychological and Employment Impact

26:55 Importance of Early Intervention

29:38 Conclusion and Resources

Link to IDA's new definition of dyslexia.

Head-to-Hand Writing Program