The Literacy Lift

08/25/2026

Supporting Children with Learning Differences Isn't About Lowering Expectations

One of the biggest misconceptions about specialized instruction is that it means expecting less from students.

In reality, it's the opposite.

My goal is always to help students reach high expectations by teaching in a way that matches how they learn.

That might mean:

✔️ Breaking skills into smaller, manageable steps.

✔️ Providing more opportunities for guided practice.

✔️ Using structured, explicit instruction.

✔️ Celebrating progress along the way.

Children with learning differences are capable of incredible growth when they're given the right tools and support.

Supporting students differently doesn't mean expecting less.

It means giving them what they need to succeed.

💛 Every child deserves instruction that helps them reach their potential.

08/25/2026

I hope parents and students have a wonderful transition back to school! Happy First Day of School!

The opening scene from Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo"Good video to ...

08/24/2026

Every Child's Reading Journey Looks Different

One of the most important things I've learned as an educator is this:

Progress isn't meant to look the same for every child.

Some students learn new reading skills quickly.

Others need more repetition, more practice, or a different instructional approach.

Neither path is "better."

Every child brings unique strengths, experiences, and learning needs.

That's why I never compare one student's progress to another's.

Instead, I ask:

➡️ Are they more confident than they were last month?

➡️ Are they using new strategies independently?

➡️ Are they becoming more willing to tackle challenging words?

Those are the moments that matter.

As parents, it can be tempting to compare our children to classmates, siblings, or grade-level expectations. But the most meaningful comparison is to where your child started.

Celebrate the small wins.

They're often the first signs of lasting growth.

💛 Every confident reader started somewhere.

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

🎒 Back-to-school is here! 📚

New backpacks. New routines. New teachers. New goals.

As a new school year begins, I want to remind parents that every child starts from a different place—and that's okay.

If reading has been difficult for your child, this year doesn't have to look like last year. With the right instruction, consistent support, and plenty of opportunities to experience success, children can grow both their reading skills and their confidence.

Whether your child is attending public school, virtual school, or learning through a homeschool program, I'm here to support families who want to help their child become a more confident, capable reader.

Here's to a school year full of growth, progress, and lots of reasons to celebrate. 💛

Happy back-to-school! 📚✏️

What is one thing you're hoping your child gains confidence in this school year?** Share it below! 👇

08/21/2026

What Happens During a Free Consultation?

Reaching out for reading support can feel like a big step, especially if you've never worked with a reading specialist before.

If you've ever wondered what happens during a consultation, here's a peek at the process:

☀️ We start by talking about your child—their strengths, interests, and the areas where reading feels challenging.

☀️ I'll ask questions about school, homeschool, or previous interventions so I can better understand your child's experiences.

☀️ You'll have the opportunity to share your concerns and ask any questions you have about reading development or my approach.

☀️ We'll discuss whether my services are the right fit and what next steps might look like.

A consultation isn't about pressure or making a commitment that day.

It's simply a conversation.

My goal is for every family to leave feeling more informed and more confident about the options available to support their child.

💛 Every great partnership starts with a conversation.

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

Progress Isn't Always Fast—But It Is Worth It

One of my students recently reminded me of something I think every parent needs to hear.

Several weeks ago, a reading task felt overwhelming.

This week, that same student completed it with much less support.

There wasn't one dramatic breakthrough.

Instead, there were dozens of small moments:

One new sound mastered.

One decoding strategy remembered.

One difficult word read independently.

One more reason to believe in themselves.

Reading growth rarely happens all at once. It happens through consistent practice, thoughtful instruction, and the willingness to keep trying.

That's why I never measure success by a single lesson.

I look at how far a student has come—and where they're headed next.

💛 Every step forward matters.

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

Why learn the six syllable types? You can help your child learn to read!

08/20/2026

I enjoy leaning into my clients’ particular interests when creating reading activities because I never know where it will lead! This week, I added some SpongeBob characters to an activity where my client worked on segmenting and blending compound words by literally cutting the pictures in half. Later, we matched the first sound to each picture.

08/20/2026

R-controlled syllables contain a single vowel, followed by an R. The vowel is neither long nor short because it is controlled by the R.