Real Results Reading Interventions

Steven Spielberg — the director behind E.T., Jaws, and Schindler’s List — has dyslexia.

He spent his childhood two years behind his classmates in reading, was mislabeled as lazy by teachers, and was bullied so badly he dreaded going to school. His creative escape? Making movies with a Super 8 camera.

Dyslexia brings real challenges — but it also brings strengths that can’t be taught: creativity, big-picture thinking, and a mind that naturally approaches problems differently.

Spielberg’s message to kids with dyslexia says it best: “You are not alone… It will not hold you back.”

If your child sees the world a little differently…encourage it. That perspective just might be their greatest asset.

The Barton Reading & Spelling System’s structured literacy approach helps kids with dyslexia build reading skills to match the strengths they already have. Learn more at www.bartonreading.com

The 2026 State of Dyslexia in the United States report is now available, and it is a valuable resource for both parents and educators.
https://www.stateofdyslexia.org/state-of-dyslexia-report-2026?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=Dyslexia%20Newsletter%20-%20May%202026&utm_medium=email&utm_id=21

The National Center on Improving Literacy compiled this free report to summarize where each state currently stands on dyslexia‑related laws, policies, and initiatives.

It highlights key areas such as universal screening requirements, teacher training in structured literacy, and students’ access to appropriate evidence‑based intervention.

The report is easy to explore in either of its two formats—a downloadable PDF or an online flipbook—so you can quickly look up your own state and compare it with others.

As you prepare for IEP or 504 meetings, or conversations with school leaders, this document can help you understand what supports should be in place for students with dyslexia and whether your state is meeting that standard.

It is also an excellent tool to share with local parent groups, tutors, and advocates who are working to improve identification and instruction for struggling readers in your community.

Sometimes it's what we don't see that is the biggest hurdle.

Oh my goodness, I love this post! Congratulations to Mychal for getting the job at Reading Rainbow and sharing his love for reading!

Reading Rainbow host and PBS librarian Mychal Threets has spent his life surrounded by books. But for a long time, he felt different and didn't know why. In April 2026, Mychal, a 36-year-old native of Fairfield, California, shared that he was officially diagnosed with autism and ADHD.

Mychal said, "I am autistic and I have ADHD. I was officially diagnosed the other day, and after the doctor told me the news, we ended the session. And I just burst into tears. I had so many emotions… I told a friend right after and we were talking about some of those feelings, talking about the grief I feel for a little library kid Mychal, who felt so different and did not belong."

Many people already know Mychal as "Mychal the Librarian," a voice online who brings joy, kindness, and a love of reading to millions. In 2025, he stepped into a role as the new host of Reading Rainbow, a show that first began in 1983 with LeVar Burton inspiring kids across the country. Mychal hosted new episodes on YouTube, and one episode, "Moo Hoo," reached over 2 million views. The same kid who once felt different and like he didn't belong is now helping others feel seen, heard, and love who they are.

(Photo: Mychal Threets / Elizabeth Dyer Photography)

Long post but worth the 1 minute read (from Bright Solutions for Dyslexia).

GUESSING ISN'T READING

Many struggling readers appear to be reading—but if you look closely, they are often guessing. They may glance at the first letter, look at the picture, look at the shape of the word and say a word that makes sense in the sentence—but isn’t actually what’s on the page.

These guessing techniques are very common for people with dyslexia. Experts at the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity emphasize an important truth: Guessing is not reading.

☆Signs a Student is Guessing Instead of Reading☆

•Substitutes words (e.g., says “pony” for “horse”)
•Skips or adds small words
•Relies heavily on pictures for clues
•Struggles with unfamiliar words
•Reads the same word differently each time

Strong readers don’t rely on context clues or pictures to figure out words. They decode—accurately and automatically.

Decoding must be taught directly. Students with dyslexia need explicit, systematic phonics instruction to learn how to break words apart and read them correctly. This type of instruction also teaches spelling and shows how reading and spelling are connected in a logical way.

During the early stages of learning to read, it’s critical that students practice only with controlled text—stories that contain only the types of words they have been taught to decode.

When students are asked to read uncontrolled books—such as textbooks, Accelerated Reader books, library books, or even nightly reading sent home from school—they are often forced to guess at words they haven’t learned how to decode yet.

Over time, this guessing habit can become deeply ingrained. In fact, it’s one of the reasons many bright students with dyslexia “hit the wall” in reading development by third grade.

If a child continues reading uncontrolled text while learning decoding skills, progress can slow significantly—because each lesson begins with reteaching the child to stop guessing.

Nice to see you! My teacher elf name is Mrs. Merry Frostytoes. 😂

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122232825170173705&id=61555211162298&post_id=61555211162298_122232825170173705&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

You can’t cure dyslexia but you can support it.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.”

Dyslexia isn’t something that needs fixing. It’s a lifelong difference that requires understanding, evidence-based instruction, and the right supports in place.

We can make a difference when we

1️⃣ Use Structured Literacy approaches that teach reading explicitly and systematically
2️⃣ Prioritize Early Identification so students get help before they fall behind
3️⃣ Provide Targeted Intervention that meets individual needs
4️⃣ Offer Accommodations that level the playing field
5️⃣ Integrate Assistive Technology to support access and independence
6️⃣ Ensure Educator Training grounded in the Science of Reading
7️⃣ Celebrate Strengths such as creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking
8️⃣ Empower Advocates including parents, teachers, and students who speak up for what works

Every student deserves the right to read! ❤️

I love how my students think differently. Many of them are excellent problem solvers and fiercely independent too!

I can't believe it's been 5 years since I started my little business. I'm incredibly thankful that I get to work with these fantastic kids! Thank you to all the families that trust me with their children's development. Here's to many more years! 🤩

This goes for your students too!