How to Instill a Love of Reading—With or Without Dyslexia or Other Conditions - Danny Brassell

We sit down with Dr. Danny Brassell, an internationally renowned speaker, author, and educator, to explore how parents can foster a love for reading in their children, including those with special needs. Danny shares his wealth of experience in helping children overcome challenges in reading, focusing not just on how to read but, more importantly, on getting children to want to read. He dives into practical strategies for making reading an enjoyable part of daily life, while also discussing broader topics such as the impact of screen time, gender differences in reading habits, and the role of parents in building a love for reading. Whether your child is verbal or nonverbal, this episode offers actionable tips to encourage joyful learning and growth. Episode Highlights: [2:41] – Danny explains the importance of encouraging children to want to read rather than just teaching them how to read. [8:28] – The numbers 20 and 67: How 20 minutes a day of reading and 67 days to form a habit can transform a child’s reading skills. [12:12] – The critical role of asking good questions in the age of AI, and how kids today are learning to communicate with technology. [17:11] – Using screen time to benefit children’s reading skills, including the surprising research about closed captions. [23:00] – Danny discusses the difference between boys and girls when it comes to reading preferences and how that affects engagement in schools. [29:35] – The "how-to" versus "want-to" gap in both reading and speaking, and how this gap applies to children with special needs. [36:41] – Moms vs. dads: Danny reflects on the different but complementary ways men and women interact with children in a nurturing context, and how this impacts a child’s development.