Eulexia Tutoring Blog
Look-Say, Whole Language, Balanced Literacy: A Parent's Guide to the Many Names for the Same Flawed Idea
From 'Look-Say' to 'Whole Language' to 'Balanced Literacy,' the names for reading instruction are constantly changing. But what if they are just different masks for the same flawed idea? We uncover the common thread that runs through these methods and explain why a focus on decoding is the only reliable path.
"Dysteachia": Are Reading Problems Inborn or Taught?
When a child struggles to read, we often ask what is wrong with the child? But what if the problem lies in the instruction? We explore the provocative concept of 'dysteachia'—reading failure caused by poor teaching—and how a child's susceptibility can be turned into a full-blown reading disability by the wrong methods.
The "Dyslexia as a Superpower" Narrative: What Parents Really Need to Know
The 'dyslexia as a superpower' narrative is inspiring. But is the reading struggle itself the gift, or are a child's creative strengths separate? We explore why true empowerment means nurturing a child's gifts while directly remediating reading challenges with effective instruction.
Are We Teaching English Like It's Chinese? Rudolph Flesch's Timeless Warning for Parents
Rudolph Flesch's 1955 book, 'Why Johnny Can't Read,' ignited a debate by observing that many reading methods treated English words like Chinese characters—pictures to be memorized. We explore why this fundamental misunderstanding of our alphabetic language persists and why systematic phonics is the true key to reading.
Decoding German, Understanding Nothing: The Surprising Lesson for Your Child's Literacy Journey
Imagine a woman who can read German aloud flawlessly but understands none of it. Is she truly reading? This surprising scenario reveals a crucial truth: decoding words is the non-negotiable first step to real understanding. We explore what this means for your child and why effective phonics instruction is paramount.
Could It Be the Teaching? Siegfried Engelmann's Provocative Concept of "Dys-teach-ia"
Explore 'dys-teach-ia,' Siegfried Engelmann's provocative idea that challenges common views on learning difficulties. Could ineffective teaching methods, not the student, be the issue?