The Science of Reading Formula

Dyslexia Myths Debunked: What Every Teacher Needs to Know with Melanie Brethour


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So many of us grew up believing myths about dyslexia—like thinking it meant kids saw letters backwards, or that they would eventually “catch up” if we just gave them time. But those myths don’t just confuse teachers… they keep students from getting the support they desperately need.

In this episode, I sit down with resource teacher and dyslexia advocate Melanie Brethour to unpack the most common dyslexia myths—debunked with research and real classroom experience. Melanie shares her journey as both a teacher and a mom, the guilt she felt realizing she had unknowingly reinforced ineffective practices, and the small shifts that changed everything for her students.

Whether you’ve been teaching for 5 years or 25, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction so you can support struggling readers with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

  • Why “backwards letters” are not the hallmark of dyslexia.
  • The biggest misconceptions still circulating in schools.
  • Practical ways to spot early signs of dyslexia in your classroom.
  • Simple shifts to move beyond myths and into effective support.

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The Science of Reading FormulaBy Malia Hollowell

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