Dyslexia Toolbox

Tips, tools, and strategies for helping struggling readers and students with dyslexia.

Welcome to Dyslexia Toolbox!
I’m Heidi—a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner with over 20 years of experience helping struggling readers succeed. This blog is here to give you practical tools, tips, and encouragement for supporting students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or tutor, you'll find research-based strategies grounded in the Science of Reading to help your reader grow in confidence and skill.

How Do You Set Reading Goals That Actually Work for Dyslexic Learners?

Learn how skill-based, data-driven reading goals help dyslexic learners make real progress, even after other programs haven’t worked.

Heidi Lee

3 days ago4 min read

Is Online Dyslexia Tutoring as Effective as In-Person? What the Research Really Shows for Kids With Dyslexia

Parents often wonder whether online dyslexia tutoring can truly be as effective as in-person instruction. Research shows that when dyslexia tutoring is structured, evidence-based, and taught by a trained specialist, students can make meaningful reading progress in either setting. This article explains what high-quality dyslexia instruction looks like, how to tell if online tutoring is a good fit for your child, and what matters most when choosing between online and in-person

Heidi Lee

Dec 16, 20256 min read

A boy doing spelling dictation during an OG lesson

If Reading Isn’t Improving, This Overlooked Skill Might Be Why

If your child is working hard to read but still not making the progress you hoped for, the missing piece might not be more reading practice — it might be spelling.

Heidi Lee

Dec 8, 20255 min read

Why Pushing Your Struggling Reader to Love Reading Is the Wrong Goal

If your child hates reading, you are not alone. Discover why focusing on a love of learning, not a love of reading, leads to real motivation and long-term success for struggling readers.

Heidi Lee

Dec 1, 20255 min read

Just Found Out Your Child Has Dyslexia? Here’s the Advice Your Future Self Wishes You Knew

What if, in the middle of your worry, you could sit with the wisest version of yourself—the 85-year-old you who has lived the whole story with your child? Someone who has seen the struggles, victories, tears, and breakthroughs, and knows what truly matters.

Heidi Lee

Nov 24, 20255 min read

What Can Push-Ups Teach Us About Helping a Struggling Reader Regain Confidence?

I never expected push-ups to teach me so much about helping struggling readers, but my own experience with a shoulder injury showed me just how important the right plan can be.

Heidi Lee

Nov 17, 20254 min read

Test Your Knowledge: Can You Tell Dyslexia Facts from Myths?

Take this quiz to test your knowledge about dyslexia facts versus myths.

Heidi Lee

Nov 10, 20254 min read

Does Your Child Miss Sounds in Words When They Read or Spell? Here's Help!

The strategies in this post are supported by the Science of Reading. Studies show that tools like Elkonin boxes, or phoneme/ grapheme mapping help children hear each sound in a word before matching it to letters. This process builds strong phonemic awareness and improves both reading and spelling skills.

Heidi Lee

Nov 4, 20254 min read

How Can I Help My Dyslexic Child Become a More Fluent Reader?

Fluency is more than reading fast. It is reading smoothly, accurately, and with expression. For children with dyslexia, fluency can feel like the final step after decoding words. This article explains why fluency matters, how tracking progress can boost confidence, and simple, research-backed strategies you can try at home. From baseline readings to echo, partner, and choral reading, you will learn step-by-step ways to help your child read more naturally.

Heidi Lee

Oct 28, 20255 min read

I Feel So Lost. Where Do I Even Start Learning About Dyslexia?

Just found out your child has dyslexia? Feeling lost is normal. This guide walks parents through practical resources and strategies to support their child with confidence and hope.

Heidi Lee

Oct 21, 20253 min read

A Mom wondering if her child has dyslexia

Does My Child Have Dyslexia or Are They Just a Late Reader?

If your child is struggling with reading, you might ask yourself, ‘Are they just a late reader, or could this be dyslexia?’ Knowing the difference can help you act early and set them up for success.

Heidi Lee

Oct 13, 20254 min read