About two years ago, my adorable six-year-old son decided he wanted to create handmade Valentine’s cards for his classmates in first grade. I was delighted that he chose to skip the store-bought variety, so we gathered construction paper and got creative together.
With a printed list of his classmates’ names in hand, he meticulously copied each one in his large handwriting. He put so much effort into those cards. I volunteered to assist with the class party, and when it was time to hand out the cards, the other kids dashed around with excitement—but my son stood hesitantly beside me. He gently tugged at my shirt and whispered, “Mom, can you help me give out my cards?”
“You can do it yourself, buddy! Everyone else is,” I encouraged him.
He shook his head, saying, “I can’t, Mom. I don’t know how to read their names.”
In that moment, I realized just how much my son was struggling with reading, and it left me feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Tears threatened to spill as I grappled with the situation.
My son is incredibly intelligent. After finishing public pre-K, he scored in the 99th percentile on the assessment for our school district’s gifted program. I had high hopes for his elementary school experience, as I had always loved learning myself. I assumed he would find it just as easy.
However, when he faced difficulties with sight words in kindergarten, I was taken aback. I had read to him daily since birth—yes, literally every day! He adored books, and I thought we had set him up for success.
Frustrated by the consistent focus on what we were doing at home during meetings with school officials, I wanted to shout: “We’ve done everything possible! Stop blaming us and teach my child how to read!”
Determined to find answers, I sought help outside our school district. We consulted our pediatrician, who referred us to a specialist at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville. Finally, we received a diagnosis: my son has dyslexia, a condition that affects about one in five children.
The solution recommended by the Vanderbilt expert was structured literacy—a systematic approach to phonics instruction. It became clear that mere exposure to words wasn’t enough; my son needed direct teaching to connect letters and letter combinations to the sounds we speak.
Reflecting on my past attempts to help him read, I remembered struggling with words that didn’t fit typical sound patterns. I had no way to explain these exceptions, mistakenly assuming certain words simply didn’t follow the rules. In truth, I lacked knowledge of those rules.
As my son’s reading skills and confidence improved, I began to wonder why all children aren’t taught systematic phonics. After all, written language is just a code for spoken sounds, and if kids aren’t explicitly taught how to “decode” it, how can we expect them to learn?
Through my own research, I discovered the science of reading—the way our brains link letters to sounds. Statistically, around 40% of kids can learn to decode on their own, but that leaves 60% who struggle, including children like my son.
It’s alarming to note that approximately 65% of children in the U.S. are not proficient readers, according to the National Assessment on Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation’s Report Card. This trend is mirrored in Tennessee, where I reside.
For many kids unable to pick up reading skills naturally, the impact on their entire education can be detrimental. This situation is a national crisis—not the fault of parents or teachers, but rather a systemic issue that demands change—from teacher training programs to reading curriculum creators and school districts.
Recently, our state took a significant step forward by proposing legislation and funding to ensure early elementary teachers receive training in the science of reading along with appropriate materials. I hope this bill passes and that school districts wholeheartedly adopt these changes. It’s essential if we truly want every child to thrive.
If your child is struggling with reading, reach out to your school’s instructional leaders and inquire about their teaching methods. If they aren’t using systematic phonics, advocate for what your child—and all children—truly need.
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In summary, my journey with my son’s dyslexia has been eye-opening and challenging. Understanding the importance of structured literacy has reshaped my views on education and the need for systemic change. Every child deserves the tools to succeed in reading, and it’s up to us to advocate for them.
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