Community Corner
Why Kids Struggle with Reading & Writing - And What We Can Do About It
Many schools rely on "one-size-fits-all" literacy programs that don't serve all learners.
This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
Did you ever dread going back to school on Monday?
Did reading or writing make you anxious as a kid—or still does today?
If you answered yes, you're not alone. I did too—and I was the teacher.
Today, I'm on a mission to support students, parents, and educators who are facing those same challenges—especially when it comes to learning differences like dyslexia and dysgraphia.
A Personal Wake-Up Call
Growing up, I struggled with both reading and writing. I became a master of shortcuts— skimming the chapters, watching the movie version instead of attempting to read the actual book, studying Sparknotes, and pretending I understood the material.
Spoiler alert: I wasn’t fooling anyone.
Those early struggles led me to a deeper question as an adult:
Why aren’t we doing more to help kids who learn differently?
Understanding Dyslexia and Dysgraphia
If you’ve heard these terms but aren’t sure what they mean, here’s a quick overview:
- Dyslexia affects how the brain processes written language. It can make it hard to connect letters to sounds and decode words.
- Dysgraphia affects written expression. It can impact handwriting, spelling, and the ability to organize thoughts on paper.
These are neurological learning differences—not behavioral problems. Kids with dyslexia or dysgraphia are not lazy. They simply learn in a different way!
Why Traditional Programs Fall Short
Many schools rely on “one-size-fits-all” literacy programs that don’t serve all learners. These programs do touch on the foundational skills that students with learning differences need—like explicit phonics instruction or multisensory learning techniques. However, most do not provide the teacher with supplemental aids if the student does not grasp the concept. As a result, the student is still struggling with the fundamentals while the teacher has to continue to match the pace of the program.
The result: kids remain disconnected, reading becomes more of a chore, and writing continues to be a battle.
What Actually Helps
If we want kids to become confident readers and writers, here’s what works:
- Purposeful, connected learning
- Structured literacy programs grounded in the science of reading
- Support for neurodiverse learners, including those with dyslexia and dysgraphia
- Relevant, engaging content that helps students care about what they’re learning
Let’s Rewrite the Narrative
I used to dread reading. Now, I create tools and strategies that help students become confident learners.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, you don’t have to navigate this alone. I work with families, schools, and professionals to create supportive, science-based learning strategies—and I’d love to share what’s working.
Let’s rethink how we teach reading and writing and give every learner a chance to thrive.
Let’s do this together!
About the Author
Emma Brown is a certified reading specialist and educator who helps students with learning differences like dyslexia and dysgraphia build confidence and success. Emma specializes in teaching, implementing, mentoring, and creating innovative, engaging Reading and Writing lessons for students who have dyslexia and dysgraphia. She offers tutoring, school training, and a variety of resources at ebliteracy.com.
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