When Reading Isn't Clicking: The K–2 Evaluation, Dyslexia Questions, and What to Ask Before Retention Comes Up

When Reading Isn't Clicking: The K–2 Evaluation, Dyslexia Questions, and What to Ask Before Retention Comes Up That "Reading Support / Next Steps" email can make your stomach drop—fast. In this episode, Dr. Amy Patenaude walks you through what a K–2 reading evaluation actually looks at (in normal human language), what "dyslexia questions" are most useful in early elementary, and what to ask for before retention becomes the whole plan. You'll leave with clear questions, calm scripts, and a Monday-morning-ready way to keep the plan specific (not vague "more time"). In this episode you'll learn How to break "reading" into the real K–2 skill stack (decoding, fluency, comprehension) so you can ask: "Below level in what, specifically?" What a good evaluation is actually for: not just scores, but a plan that changes what happens on Monday morning The dyslexia questions that matter in K–2 (patterns in phonological awareness, letter–sound connections, decoding, and progress monitoring) How to run "retention" through a STOP-sign filter: time is not an intervention—so what changes besides time? How to translate school-meeting phrases into parent power ("We'll do interventions" → which one, what dosage, what skill target?) Short, calm scripts you can use without writing a 12-page email in the parking lot Tiny Wins to try this week Dot log for 7 days: one sentence a day—what was hard, what helped. Bring two work samples to the meeting: one "easy" and one "hard." Put three questions on a sticky note (not a novel). Reset before requests after school: snack, water, 10 minutes… then reading. One sentence for your child: "This isn't pass/fail. This is to learn what helps your brain." Pick one. One is enough. Free resources Boredom Buster Guide — quick ideas for those "I'm boooored" moments (without you becoming a cruise director). https://psyched2parent.myflodesk.com/boredomebusterguide Big Feeling Decoder — make sense of meltdowns and big reactions (and figure out what they're really telling you). https://psyched2parent.myflodesk.com/bigfeelingsdecoder 50 AI Prompts for Tired Parents — get help drafting school emails, scripts, and next-step questions when your brain is done for the day. https://psyched2parent.myflodesk.com/aiprompts4parents Disclaimer "This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a provider-client relationship. If you're concerned about your child's mental health, safety, or development, please consult a qualified professional in your area."