Episode 46 | Mary McCool Berry on Dyslexia: Understanding and Supporting Struggling Readers

Summary
In this episode, Mary McCool Berry discusses the science behind dyslexia, the importance of identifying struggling readers, and how to support them effectively. She emphasizes the need for engaging content that sparks interest in young readers, particularly those who struggle with print. She also highlights the importance of understanding the reading process through linguistics and how technology can support reading education. Mary shares her experience with leveraging knowledge of the English language to improve reading skills and advocates for hands-on, practical approaches to help children overcome reading challenges.

Takeaways

• Engagement is Key: Providing engaging content that resonates with a child's interests can spark curiosity and motivate them to keep reading, even if they initially struggle with traditional books.
• Linguistic Knowledge: Understanding the linguistic foundations of language and reading is essential for both educators and technology developers to support struggling readers.
• Practical Experience Matters: Gaining firsthand experience by working with children who struggle to read is invaluable for truly understanding their challenges.
• Tech’s Role in Reading Support: Tools like Edsoma can be part of the solution by offering accessible reading content that helps with word identification and encourages children to stay engaged.
• Ongoing Education: For educators, tech developers, and investors, it’s essential to continually educate themselves about the science of reading and learning, especially when it comes to leveraging new technologies.

Sound Bites

"If you gave them a book about baseball or football or India or you know, the salmon run in Alaska and these things speak to these kids, then maybe they're willing to be uncomfortable long enough to just learn how to get past that first page."

"You have to have somebody on your staff with a deep knowledge of the reading and writing and spelling process, obviously."

"If you don't know a code, can't unlock the box if you don't know the code."

"It's not about let's get a whole bunch of books in kids' hands. It's not because all of those books that are great read alouds are difficult to read."

"You have to volunteer at a community center or a homeless shelter with a person and try to teach them to read."

Chapters

02:23 Realizing the Need for Specialized Training

04:23 Becoming an Activist: Understanding the Widespread Issue of Dyslexia

06:55 The Science of Dyslexia: A Language Processing Disorder

10:53 Identifying Dyslexia: The Role of Tests, Teacher Training, and School Choice

15:33 Affordable Resources: Helping Parents Support Their Children's Reading Journey

29:11 Engaging Students: How to Inspire a Love for Reading

31:44 The Power of Books: Sparking Change Through Meaningful Reading

34:12 From Interest to Independence in Reading

36:53 Unlocking the Code: Leveraging Linguistics and Technology for Literacy

About Mary

With over 35 years of experience as a Wilson Dyslexia Therapist, Certified Dyslexia Advocate, and Instructional Design Specialist, Mary McCool Berry supports students and businesses in understanding and accommodating dyslexia.

Connect with Mary

LinkedIn: @mary-mccool-berry-m-ed-w-d-t

Instagram: @mary_mccool_berry

X: @BerrysBunch