Minnesota Learning Solutions

10/01/2026

We need to stop telling kids to focus when we haven't taught them how.

"Focus."

"Pay attention."

"Concentrate."

"Sit still."

We say these things to kids all the time. I know I did as a parent and as a teacher.

But here's the question I've been thinking about:

Have we ever actually taught them how to focus?

Imagine handing a child a bike and saying, "Just balance."

Or putting them in a pool and saying, "Just swim."

We wouldn't expect them to know how. We would teach them.

Yet when it comes to focus, we often treat it like something a child should just know how to do.

And when they can't?

We tell them again.

"Focus."

"Pay attention."

"You're not listening."

"Try harder."

For some kids, that works. They seem to naturally know how to bring their attention where it needs to be.

But for many of the kids I work with, it doesn't.

And it's not because they don't want to focus.

They haven't been taught how.

This is one of the things I love about the work we do at Minnesota Learning Solutions.

We don't just tell kids to focus. We teach them how.

We give them a simple, practical tool so they can recognize what being focused feels like and know how to get themselves there.

And this is where we often see change happen quickly.

A child who is constantly being reminded to pay attention begins to recognize for themselves when they're not focused.

A child who struggles to sit still has a tool to help their body and mind work together.

A child who has heard "focus" over and over suddenly has something they can actually do.

And suddenly, instead of hearing what they're doing wrong, they have something they can actually do to help themselves.

Instead of relying on an adult to continually redirect them, they have a tool they can begin using for themselves.

And that can carry over into reading, learning, following directions, sports, everyday tasks, and so much more.

Sometimes we assume a child needs more practice, more reminders, more consequences, or more motivation.

But what if they simply need to be taught how?

Because once they understand how to do something they've been struggling with for years, you can almost see the relief.

"Oh. I can do this."

And that's the part I love.

If you have a child who is constantly being told to focus, pay attention, slow down, or try harder, maybe it's time to look at focus a little differently.

Focus is a skill. And skills can be taught.

It doesn't have to be this hard.

If this has you thinking about your own child a little differently, I'd love to hear your story. You can simply comment or reach out to learn more about how we approach focus and learning at Minnesota Learning Solutions.

09/22/2026

A little update from Minnesota Learning Solutions 💛

As many of you know, Sydney welcomed a beautiful little girl this summer. After spending the past few months at home with her, she has decided not to return to Minnesota Learning Solutions and instead enjoy this season at home with her daughter.

I am so grateful for the time Sydney spent as part of Minnesota Learning Solutions and for the care she brought to the families she worked with. While I will certainly miss having her here, I couldn't be happier for her as she steps into this new chapter.

Wishing Sydney and her family so much joy in this very special season of life. 💛

09/18/2026

If you missed the private online showing of WHO KNEW? that I shared back in July, here’s another chance to watch!

If you have a child who struggles with reading, learns differently, has dyslexia, or you’ve ever wondered why reading seems to come so easily for some kids and can be so difficult for others, this documentary is worth checking out.

WHO KNEW? takes a different look at reading struggles and dyslexia. It explores what may be happening behind those struggles, while also looking at the strengths, creativity, and different ways of thinking that can come along with them.

Sometimes what looks like a reading problem is only one piece of a much bigger picture.

There is another FREE virtual screening on September 24 at 6:00 PM Central.

Whether this is part of your own story, your child’s story, or you work with kids who learn differently, I think you’ll find something interesting in it.

🎥 Watch the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdHfQIOIdos

Register for the FREE screening:
https://toolbox.davismethod.com/widget/form/4k5h4te11Gwl4H8quT1b

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09/02/2026

We are so grateful for the life and work of Ron Davis. ❤️

What Ron discovered through his own experiences with dyslexia and autism has changed the lives of children, adults, and families around the world, including so many families we have had the privilege of working with at Minnesota Learning Solutions.

His impact has already reached so many, and I know it will continue to reach so many more through the work he created and the facilitators around the world who continue to share it.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have known Ron, learned from him, and to be able to continue sharing his work with others.

For those who would like to learn more about Ron and the incredible life he lived, I’m sharing his obituary below. ❤️

The extraordinary legacy of Ron Davis continues worldwide.

Ronald “Ron” Dell Davis, 84, of Burlingame, California, a pioneering figure in the fields of dyslexia and autism, passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2026, after a brief illness, with his wife of 52 years, Alice, by his side.

Ron devoted his life to challenging conventional ideas about dyslexia, autism, intelligence, and human potential. Drawing from his own experiences with autism and dyslexia, he developed innovative, strengths-based approaches that have helped transform the way thousands of individuals and families understand learning differences and autism.

His groundbreaking work in dyslexia began decades ago and led to the development of the Davis Methods, including mastery programs for dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, and autism. His landmark book, The Gift of Dyslexia, published in 1994, became an international bestseller, selling over one million copies and being translated into more than 20 languages. He later authored The Gift of Learning, followed by his autobiography, Dummy, and co-authored Autism and the Seeds of Change with Abigail Marshall.

In 1995, Ron and Alice founded Davis Dyslexia Association International to train facilitators in his methods and ensure that his work could reach people far beyond his own practice. What began with Ron’s pioneering ideas grew into an international community of licensed facilitators serving individuals and families in more than 40 countries and 30 languages.

Ron’s work in autism was especially close to his heart. The Davis Autism Approach® grew from his unique understanding of autism and his belief that people on the spectrum should be supported through approaches that recognize their strengths, build understanding, and help them participate fully in the lives they choose. His work has touched thousands of individuals with autism and their families around the world.

Ron’s influence extended far beyond his books and programs. He challenged the assumption that dyslexia and autism defined what a person could learn or accomplish. He encouraged people to look beyond limitations and recognize possibilities, and he inspired generations of facilitators to carry that vision forward.

Ron often said that all things truly powerful are truly simple and his work reflects that.

Ron leaves behind not only his wife, Alice and his family, but an international community of facilitators, colleagues, friends, clients, and countless people whose lives were touched by his work. His legacy lives on in the programs he created, the books he wrote, and, most importantly, in the people who continue to believe that every individual has possibilities beyond what others may see.

Ron is survived by Alice; his sons, Ray and Philip; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren, and his younger brother Keith.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ron Davis Autism Foundation, 50 Woodside Plaza, Unit 520, Redwood City, CA 94061 or electronically via the Ron Davis Autism Foundation Charity page: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/3926848

09/01/2026

Think about the last time you started a new job.

New people. New routines. New expectations. Trying to remember names, figure out how everything works, and find your place.

And on top of all of that, you want to do a good job.

It's exhausting!

Now imagine doing all of that when you're 8.

That's really what we're asking our kids to do when they start a new school year.

So if your child comes home exhausted, emotional, frustrated, or just not quite themselves these first few weeks, remember how much their brain is taking in every day.

Maybe they need an earlier bedtime.

Maybe it's an extra hug or a little more reassurance.

Maybe they need some quiet time when they get home instead of answering a bunch of questions about their day.

Sometimes they simply need us to understand that starting something new is a lot.

But as the weeks go by, trust what you know about your child too.

If you're starting to see those familiar struggles with reading, focus, homework, or confidence return, it may be more than adjusting to a new school year.

Sometimes kids don't need to try harder.

They need tools that make sense for the way they think and learn.

At Minnesota Learning Solutions, that's what we help kids discover.

Here's to giving our kids, and ourselves, a little extra patience as we settle into another school year. ❤️

08/28/2026

Today, the world lost a truly beautiful human.

Ron Davis passed away peacefully today, and I keep thinking about how many lives are different because he chose to share what he discovered.

Ron understood the dyslexic and autistic mind in a way few people could because he had lived it himself. He knew what it was like to experience the world differently. And when he found things that worked for him, he didn't keep them to himself. He shared them, taught others, and eventually created something that has reached people all over the world.

I will forever be grateful for that.

Because of Ron, I have had the privilege of watching children begin to see themselves differently, including my own son. I’ve watched confusion turn into understanding, frustration lessen, confidence grow, and families find hope when they weren’t sure what else to try.

And those are only the lives I get to see.

There are facilitators all over the world doing this work. There are children and adults whose lives have changed because of it, and families who were finally given a different way to understand someone they love.

It all started with Ron.

I feel incredibly fortunate that I had the opportunity to know him, learn from him, and spend time with him. His work has been such an important part of my life, and I don't know that I could ever fully put into words how grateful I am for what he gave all of us.

Ron, thank you for sharing what you knew. Thank you for giving people a different way. Thank you for the hope you gave so many people. And most of all, thank you for being the kind, beautiful human you were.

Your work isn't ending here. It will continue through every facilitator you taught, every person they work with, and every life that is changed because you were here.

And somehow, I have a feeling you're still discovering what's possible. ❤️

08/28/2026

“I can read the big words now.”

Those were Lily’s words near the end of her program. ❤️

When Lily started, big words felt hard. Just seeing a long word could bring frustration and make her doubt whether she could read it.

Over the past two weeks, Lily learned how to recognize when she was getting confused, use her tools, and get herself back on track. And little by little, those big words didn’t feel quite so big anymore.

By the end of her program, Lily was saying:

“I can read more words now.”
“I don’t have to sound out words.”
“I can find words in the dictionary.”
“Reading is easier and fun now.”

I also saw a shift in her confidence. Instead of immediately thinking a big word was going to be too hard, she was learning that she could slow down, use her tools, and work through it.

At the end of the program, Mom shared something that meant a lot to me. She said this gave her hope.

Hope that learning can look different and that things can get easier for Lily. ❤️

Congratulations, Lily! It was truly a pleasure to work with you!

Lily was also my final program of the summer. It has been a great summer filled with some pretty amazing kids. I’ve watched them work hard, learn new tools, gain confidence, and realize that learning doesn’t always have to feel so hard.

What a great way to wrap up the summer. ❤️

08/21/2026

Another congratulations is in order! 🎉

Corbin finished his program, and I absolutely loved his curiosity and his need to understand why. He asked lots of questions, and once something made sense to him, he grabbed onto it and ran with it.

At the end of his program, Corbin said he can focus better and for longer periods of time and has noticed improvement in his reading and spelling. He's also reading above grade level when using his tools and showing great comprehension.

But I think my favorite comment came from Corbin himself. He told me he thinks all kids should go through the program because it would be helpful. ❤️

Congratulations, Corbin! You worked hard and did an awesome job!

l

08/10/2026

Reading isn't about saying words. It's about creating meaning.

When Gwen came to Minnesota Learning Solutions, she could read many of the words on the page, but understanding what she was reading didn't always come easily. She moved through text quickly, often reading to get to the end of the page instead of reading for understanding. It's no wonder reading felt boring.

Gwen learned how to use one of her greatest strengths, her ability to think in pictures. As she began using that strength while reading, the words on the page started to have meaning instead of simply being words to say. She slowed down, created pictures, and gave the words meaning.

By the end of the program, Gwen was confidently reading grade level material, and at times even above grade level. Even more importantly, she told me she feels like she's a better reader, understands what she's reading, and knows what to do when she comes to a word she doesn't understand.

Gwen, you worked so hard, and it was a joy to watch your confidence grow as you discovered what you're capable of. Keep trusting your strengths, keep using your tools, and keep believing in yourself. 🌟

08/03/2026

Thinking about switching curriculum this year?

Before you do, I'd encourage you to pause and ask one question.

Does this curriculum fit the way my child learns?

After working with homeschooling families for more than a decade, we've noticed something.

Sometimes the curriculum is wonderful.

It just isn't the right fit for the way a child learns.

It's a little like buying shoes. You can buy the highest-rated pair, the most expensive pair, or the pair everyone recommends. But if they don't fit, they still won't work.

The same can be true with curriculum.

If learning has felt harder than it should, it doesn't always mean you need another reading program, math curriculum, or teaching approach.

Sometimes the missing piece is understanding how your child learns.

When parents begin to see learning through that lens, they often discover there wasn't a lack of effort. Their child simply needed a different approach.

If you're wondering what that could look like for your family, we'd love to have a conversation. Sometimes one conversation is enough to provide a new perspective and help point you in the right direction.

As you prepare for the new school year, what's one area you're hoping feels different this year?