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Why Does My Child Struggle with Reading?
Reading, Language Hollis Thomann Reading, Language Hollis Thomann

Why Does My Child Struggle with Reading?

Reading is complex.

Let’s demystify some of that complexity. 

To better understand why your child (or you!!) might be struggling with reading, let’s take a look at a few of the areas that are necessary for reading. To connect to the visual I made above, if any of the parts (outlet, plug, cord, or lamp) aren’t working, the light may flicker, it could be dim, or won’t turn on at all.

Let’s go over those parts. 

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Essay Writing and Executive Functioning: How to work on both at the same time
Hollis Thomann Hollis Thomann

Essay Writing and Executive Functioning: How to work on both at the same time

“What does done look like?”


You can apply this question to many different tasks:


“What will my meal look like when I’m all done making it? Will it be crispy? Will it be burnt? Will the bread be white, brown, or black?”

“What will it look like when I’m done organizing my closet? Will it be organized by color, season, or clothing type?”

When we start with what done will look like, we can take the necessary steps to get there. 



Today we are applying that question to writing essays. Once you’ve looked at and fully digested the essay prompt, you can now think about what “done” would look like.

For example, what would “done” look like if you were given the following prompt…

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What is Executive Functioning?
Executive Functioning Hollis Thomann Executive Functioning Hollis Thomann

What is Executive Functioning?

In short: executive functions (EFs) are high-level brain functions that help us organize, regulate, and adapt our behaviors in order to achieve our goals, both big and small. Let's discuss different components of EFs (attention, inhibition, working memory, self-monitoring, flexibility, etc.) in the context of "Tim" who wants to do well in his math class.

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Click on any of the images below to take a peek
at Mindful Speech’s Instagram.

Children need to be able to independently follow through on tasks that require many steps. Many children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with reading, writing, and executive functioning need individualized support, like speech-language therapy
The summer is one of my favorite times for speech-language therapy sessions. Why? Because we can get into the nitty-gritty of what is difficult without the looming deadline of an essay that needs to get done like NOW, we can avoid a summer setback of
Another school year finished! To help your child develop their self-awareness, help them reflect on the past school year. What was good? What was not so good? What needs to change? ​Think your kid won't talk to you in a million years? Check out my fu
Whether you are writing an essay for school, creating a cover letter for a job, or drafting a grant proposal, you need to read the prompt! ​ ​If you read and understand the prompt, you will know what you need to do in order to deliver on what i
Reading and writing have enriched my life today by (1) connecting me to my friends, (2) challenging me intellectually while reading for work, and (3) immersing me in a different world while reading a novel.  ​ ​How have reading and writing helpe
Really think about it! Try to trick me! Tasks like checking your email, writing a text, taking notes, planning your day, even choosing which podcast you want to listen to all require you to read on some level.  ​ ​Reading is important, reading i
Being able to tell a good story is important for establishing relationships with friends and family members. ​ ​If that's not enough to convince you that storytelling is important, did you know that understanding and telling "narratives" i
Speech-language therapy isn't just working on speech sounds!
Mindful Speech - speech therapy for children and teenagers in Chicago, Illinois - headshot of speech therapist Hollis licensed in Illinois and Chicago headshot in white sweater.jpg

Hi, I’m Hollis, the owner of Mindful Speech.

I’m a speech-language pathologist licensed in Illinois and Colorado.

I specialize in providing speech therapy to help children, teens, and young adults to improve language, reading, writing, and executive functioning skills.

Learn more about me on my About Hollis page.

Let’s work together!

Mindful Speech would love to help your teenager in college develop their language, reading, writing, and executive functioning skills.

Click the link below to schedule an initial consultation and make sure that I’m a great fit for you and your family.