Literacy Untangled Podcast

#52 Beyond Smores: Finding the Summer Program Your Dyslexic Child Actually Needs

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Struggling to figure out the best summer plans for your dyslexic child? Are you torn between the need for academic support to prevent summer slide and the desire for your child to have a fun, relaxing break? What if I told you that you could find a way to do both? 

This week, we dive deep into the world of summer options for dyslexic learners, exploring everything from specialized academic programs and supportive traditional camps to the power of individual tutoring and passion-based special interest camps.  I’ll help you navigate the overwhelming choices and uncover what truly makes a summer program dyslexia-friendly, along with the crucial factors to consider when evaluating staff, program structure, and learning philosophies. You’ll even discover what you can expect to pay for these types of programs, as well as options to alleviate the burden of this cost. 

Keep in mind that whatever summer option you choose, summer should feel like summer and be both fun and beneficial to your child’s development. My intent for this episode is that it helps you find that sweet spot between academic support and good old fashioned summer fun! 

If you’d like to learn more about Kildonan's Camp Dunnabeck, an option that I mentioned in this episode, you can visit their website at https://www.kildonan.org/camp-dunnabeck to see all that a program like this has to offer. 

Topics Covered:

  • What to consider when navigating the summer balance for your dyslexic child and balancing fun versus. preventing the "summer slide" in reading [1:23]
  • The different types of specialized academics summer programs that exist and specific questions you can ask to determine if they are dyslexic-friendly [2:42]
  • Why finding the right summer fit is personal and what you can do to ensure the one you choose is right for your child [5:15]
  • Action steps to take to set your child up for success once a program is chosen [6:42]
  • What you can expect to pay for a specialized program and a few options you have if cost is a major constraint [7:46]
  •  Summer reading tips and why consistency matters more than quantity [9:15]

    • Key Takeaways

    • Summer is a balancing act and It's about finding the sweet spot between relaxation and skill maintenance. 
    • Diverse summer options exist and there's a wide range of choices beyond just academics to consider.
    • Child-centered decision-making is crucial, so actively involve them in the decision-making process.
    • Focus on holistic development and recognize that various activities indirectly support reading skills.

      • When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:

      Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!

      Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.

      Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.

      Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.

      I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.

      Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.

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      Literacy Untangled PodcastBy Jennie Sjursen
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