SAILL - Dyslexia Resources

08/15/2026

Just because it’s cute doesn’t mean it helps learning!

In today’s Science of Learning spotlight, we’re talking about why keeping your slides simple is one of the best ways to protect your students’ focus.

We’ve all spent time hunting down the perfect meme or clip art to spruce up a slide deck. But did you know those extra details might actually be hurting your lesson?

In cognitive science, these fun extras are known as "Seductive Details." They’re interesting or decorative elements that don't support the core goal, and they actively distract from what you want students to retain.

Teach the stuff, cut the fluff.

Before adding any graphic, animation, or text box to your slide, ask yourself: "Does this clarify the key concept, or does it just take up brainpower?" If it doesn't serve the learning goal, get rid of it! Simpler slides lead to faster processing, better retention, and far less overwhelm.

08/15/2026

05/25/2026

A memorial is something that is established to remind people of a person or an event. Of course, on Memorial Day, we are reminded of all those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Did you know that the base of memorial is ? We see this in related words like memorandum, memoir, memorize, remember, and commemorate. Think of how all these words have something to do with being reminded.

When you recognize the meaning of a base in a word, it's easier to figure out the definition of a word containing that base, and it becomes quite interesting to find other related words.

11/10/2025

Listen for Alkawther's advice to anyone with dyslexia:

11/10/2025

Listen as Alkawther talks about how dyslexia empowered her to keep going!

11/09/2025

How do students with dyslexia feel about their testing accommodations?

Hear from a college student as he reflects on his feelings about being tested in a separate space from his peers.

11/09/2025

October was Dyslexia Awareness Month, and what a month it was!

I started by hosting activities at Central Michigan University including an "Experience Dyslexia" simulation, a presentation about tools for successful spelling, and a movie with small group discussion. I ended the week with a panel of people who have dyslexia sharing their powerful stories of resilience and success.

I also recorded a webinar with Dr. Ginger Collins for SpeechPathology.com about using word journals with older students to build vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension.

Then I headed to Atlanta for 4 presentations at the International Dyslexia Association Conference with members of SWIRV (Structured Word Inquiry Research Vanguard).

Finally, as the month came to an end, I presented with my colleague and book collaborator Lisa Barnett at the Everyone Reading Illinois conference about bringing clarity to spelling.

Whew!

November is ramping up to be just as busy, but before I head to Washington DC for the ASHA conference, I wanted to share some snippets from our dyslexia panel.

Here is Anthony talking about how he sees things from a different perspective because of his dyslexia, and it is both a strength and weakness.

11/07/2025

Register today to secure your spot in this free webinar that has really exciting implications for literacy intervention. CEs available.

Link: https://bit.ly/43LdG8J

11/05/2025

Orthography class starting soon -see the flyer for details.

Lisa is a gifted educator, so don’t miss this opportunity!

Register: https://forms.gle/D6nTMfkmLmRVhdLZ7ort m