What Is Structured Word Inquiry (SWI)? Structured Word Inquiry is a scientific, linguistic approach to teaching spelling, reading, and vocabulary. Instead of asking students to memorize word lists, SWI teaches them to investigate how words are built and why they are spelled the way they are. In simple terms: SWI [...]
Why Memorization Fails Some Learners (And What Works Instead) “Just memorize it.” For some children, those three words feel like a simple instruction. For others, they feel like a quiet sentence of failure. Every year, I meet students who are bright, curious, and full of ideas—but who keep being told [...]
My Child Is Smart but Struggles at School – What Could Be the Reason? Many parents sit across from teachers or specialists and say the same sentence, often with confusion and worry in their voice: “My child is smart, but school is so hard for them.” You see it at [...]
Starting the New Year Right: A Guide for Special Needs Parents The start of a new year is a natural time for reflection, planning, and renewed commitment. For parents of children with special educational needs, it is also an opportunity to pause, acknowledge progress, and set thoughtful, realistic goals for [...]
New Year, New Hope Supporting Children with Learning Difficulties with Confidence and Compassion The beginning of a new year often brings hope, reflection, and fresh motivation. For parents of children with learning difficulties, the new year can also bring mixed emotions — hope for progress, concern about challenges, and questions [...]
Eye Tracking in Reading Problems: What It Means and How to Understand It When a child struggles with reading, we often focus on phonics, vocabulary, or comprehension. However, an important and often overlooked factor is eye tracking . Difficulties with eye tracking can significantly affect a child’s ability to read [...]
Cognitive Ability vs Academic Performance: Why Intelligent Children May Still Struggle at School Parents often feel confused and concerned when their child shows strong understanding at home but struggles in school. Questions like “Why does my child understand everything but still get poor grades?” or “Does this mean my child [...]
Giving a Voice Through AAC: How Augmentative and Alternative Communication Empowers Non-Verbal Children Communication is the foundation of learning, relationships, and emotional well-being. For many children with special needs—especially those who are non-verbal or minimally verbal—expressing thoughts, needs, and emotions can be a daily challenge. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) [...]
What Is Neuroplasticity? How the Brain Learns and Adapts The human brain is not fixed or unchangeable. In fact, one of the most powerful discoveries in neuroscience is that the brain can change, learn, and adapt throughout life . This remarkable ability is known as neuroplasticity. Understanding neuroplasticity helps parents, [...]
How to Identify a Child Who Needs Extra Support Early Signs Every Parent and Teacher Should Know Every child learns at their own pace — some move quickly, while others need a little more time and structured help. As parents and educators, it’s important to understand that needing extra support [...]
