The Frenzied Return to the School Routine

Sadly, the sun has set on the holidays for many of us, and we’re back to the familiar chaos of school days. Juggling work, school runs, after-school activities, and everything in between seems to send us into a constant frenzy. And for some of you, there’s the added task of listening to your child read or going over their word lists—often far from the relaxing, enjoyable experience we’d like it to be.

Let’s be honest: reading practice can feel like a daily battlefield. Maybe it starts with reluctance—your child doesn’t even want to pull their book out of their bag. Tick, tick, tick... patience begins to fade. Then every word becomes a struggle. Reading feels painfully slow, and frustration grows on both sides. Tick, tick, tick... sounding out unknown words feels like an uphill battle, and resentment starts to creep in. Tick, tick, tick... before you know it, the clock has run out, emotions are high, and little progress has been made.

For many parents I’ve spoken with, practice alone just isn’t enough. They want to help, but they often feel they don’t have the right tools or strategies to effectively support their child. It’s disheartening to watch your child struggle, knowing that your efforts aren’t making the difference you hoped for.
 

This Year’s Focus: Supporting You with Reading

This year, I’m putting a spotlight on reading—specifically helping you, as parents, support your children in a way that works for them. I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re unsure how to help. Every child is different, and unfortunately, none of them come with a manual!

That’s why I’m inviting you to my FREE Masterclass:

Imagine if reading could be fun and stress-free—where the frustration melts away, and progress feels exciting. What if there was a way to approach those tricky, unknown words or finally master those pesky repeat words without the endless struggle? It’s about finding practical, creative strategies that fit your child’s unique way of learning—and I want to share them with you.

Join my Masterclass: Reading made easier—Practical  Tips and Strategies for Reading Success.
12 February 7.00pm

Discover what’s really happening when reading feels like a struggle—and how learning is possible for anyone facing challenges at school or in life. It’s time to change the way we approach these hurdles and uncover strategies that truly work.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what you’ll explore in my upcoming Masterclass:
Did you know that reading difficulties can impact more than just words on a page? They can also affect things like speech, memory, and overall confidence. Understanding these connections is key to unlocking practical tools that make a difference.

If this resonates with you or someone you know, join me on 12 February at 7:00pm for my FREE Masterclass: Reading Made Easier—Practical Tips and Strategies for Success. Let’s explore how to turn frustration into progress and challenges into opportunities.  

😀 2025: The Year of Bold Moves. 🌟

What’s Possible When You Embrace Change? 💫

Happy New Year!  Welcome to 2025!  🎉

As we step into 2025, I want to share a story that highlights the incredible possibilities that come with embracing change.

Today, I want to tell you about Jane.

Now 14 years old, Jane is thriving—enjoying everything a teenager loves, especially during the holidays! But it wasn’t always this way.

When I first met Jane, she was struggling with reading—5 years behind her age level. Basic English and comprehension felt overwhelming, spelling was a constant challenge, and concepts like telling the time or understanding basic math seemed out of reach. Jane was quiet, her confidence shaken, and she often held her head low,  her smile faint and fleeting.

Fast forward to today, and her transformation is nothing short of inspiring. She’s now achieving marks in the 70s and above in math, enjoying chapter books, and spelling with ease. But most importantly, Jane has become a confident and happy young person, thriving in ways she once thought were impossible.

Jane’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible when you take a chance on a new approach. So, as you set your goals for 2025, ask yourself: Are you ready to break free from old patterns and embrace new opportunities for growth?

As the year draws to a close and the season of giving and receiving is upon us, I wanted to share an inspiring update from my clients who traveled all the way from Fiji to work with me earlier this year. When I first met Louis, he was struggling to read a sentence without tripping over his words multiple times. To receive this feedback is a gift indeed!


I’m just writing in once more to let you know that last week, Louis was able to read independently a page in an age appropriate non-fiction book.
Instead of me sitting with him and constantly watching what he is reading, it is becoming possible for me to sit next to him, do something else and help him occasionally when he stumbles.
We have also begun one of our long-time goals: playing a game that requires reading a lot of text (Magic the Gathering) with cards that he doesn’t already know by heart.
So, I would say it’s a mini break-through for us.
He’s not yet entirely independent, especially not for fiction books but definitely one step closer.

Massive congratulations to Louis and his dad for their consistent effort with follow-up work, leading to such outstanding results since March 2024! 👏👏👏

This week, I attended an event hosted by the Hawke’s Bay Business Chamber, where three engaging speakers shared their insights. One story, in particular, has stuck with me—it’s the story of Johnny in math class.

The teacher wrote a simple question on the board: 4 + 4 = ? 
Mary’s hand shot up instantly; for her, it was a no-brainer. Johnny, on the other hand, slid down in his chair, hoping to disappear. But despite Mary’s eager enthusiasm, the teacher called on Johnny.

Reluctantly, he made his way to the board, picked up the pen, and nervously wrote 9. The room erupted in laughter. Mary, practically vibrating with frustration, insisted she should fix Johnny’s mistake. The teacher, perhaps flustered, gave in. Mary marched to the board, crossed out Johnny’s answer with a big red X, and replaced it with her perfect 8.

What did Johnny take away from this experience?

• That he’s no good at math.

• That everyone in the class thinks he’s dumb.

• That Mary is better than him.

• That the best way to avoid embarrassment is to stay silent and invisible.

Now imagine a different approach. What if the teacher had paused and asked Johnny, “What was your thinking? How did you come to that answer?” This simple act of curiosity and encouragement could have shifted the entire experience for Johnny. Instead of walking away feeling humiliated, he might have felt heard, understood, and safe to try again.

This story isn’t just about Johnny. It’s about all of us—teachers, parents, colleagues, friends. How often do we unintentionally leave lasting imprints on others, even in harmless or routine moments?

The way we respond to mistakes matters. It shapes how people see themselves and their ability to grow. Whether in a classroom, a workplace, or at home, we have a choice:

 We can correct someone with criticism, leaving them feeling diminished. Or we can guide with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement, creating space for learning and resilience.

Let’s be mindful of the impact we leave behind. Sometimes, a moment of thoughtfulness can make all the difference.

Overcoming the ‘wrong’ letter: When one letter changes everything.

This week, I had the privilege of working with an incredible adult client who has battled dyslexia her entire life. For years, she kept her challenges hidden from family and friends, pouring immense energy into concealing just how difficult it has been for her to comprehend what she reads.

I was confident that we could make progress together, but what I didn’t anticipate was the deep emotional connection tied to her learning challenges. During her programme, we noticed she was consistently struggling with the letter “W.” No matter how we approached it, something just wasn’t clicking.

I asked if she associated any emotion with that letter, and her reaction surprised us both. As we worked through the process, the realisation hit: she had unconsciously tied the letter “W” to being “wrong.” It was a word she’d heard repeatedly—throughout her school years and even into her employment—leaving a lasting, negative imprint.

This moment was a powerful reminder of how deeply emotional trauma and learning challenges are intertwined. How often do we hear the word “wrong”? And what lasting effects does it have?

It’s food for thought, especially as you listen to this week’s YouTube video: Can Emotional Trauma Cause Dyslexia? Explore this connection further by checking out the link below.

It is great to be back in touch with you after my break to the US.  what an amazing time we had seeing the sights and experiencing things that are totally unique to the US. We had a ball for the whole 3 week tour taking in the highlights across 4500km - From the Hot Rod reunion at Famoso, Bakersfield, Bubba Gump's in Santa Monica (from the movie Forest Gump) and Fremont Street in Las Vegas - now that is an experience second to none!
 

It got me thinking about how hard we push ourselves—and often our kids—trying to fit in school activities, extra-curriculars, and everything else. Something has to give, and for many, following up with reading at home often gets parked because everyone’s ‘simply too tired.’

Here’s a simple suggestion: make reading a non-negotiable part of your day. Even just 5 minutes can be a big help. Try making it fun by taking turns reading sentences with your child. It’s even more enjoyable when you add funny voices or get into character—it keeps everyone laughing and makes reading a positive experience.

Every now and then you come across something that is so obvious you wonder how you have missed it for so long. I have recently been involved in doing some research about dyspraxia. Well, how enlightening has it been to have discovered that I indeed have dyspraxia!  
I’ve always been one of those people who can trip over air, bump into inanimate objects even when they are not in my direct path, and somehow manage to turn everyday tasks into an olympic obstacle course! I've always thought that it was just 'me' - and it is. However, I can now proudly say that I am among the 5 - 6% of the population that has dyspraxia.  Loosely referred to as 'the clumsy form of dyslexia' that affects
co-ordination and spatial awareness.

This month on YouTube, I dive into the connection between dyslexia and dyspraxia. In this video, I explain how these are neurodevelopmental differences and share specialised strategies that can help individuals  work with our uniqueness.

Later this week, I’m lucky enough to be jetting off on a long overdue holiday to the States with my partner. We’ll be checking out some of the top tourist spots like Monument Valley, Route 66, and even taking a steam train ride to the Grand Canyon! Hopefully, while I’m away, you’ll be wondering where your weekly Dyslexia Unpuzzled update is, but don’t worry—I’ll fill you in on all my adventures when I’m back in early November.