The Open Door Blog

Welcome to our blog! Here is where you can read articles by our Open Door admin, tutors, and guest writers too. You’ll find tips and tricks, event and book reviews, inspirational stories, and the occasional exciting announcement too!

The Open Door Blog

Your child’s classroom accommodations—which ones are helping?

If your child has dyslexia and they have an IEP (Individual Education Plan), you know how important their accommodations are in helping them to learn in the classroom. Do you know however, which ones are being consistently applied and which ones are truly helping your child access the curriculum?

Is e-learning in social isolation stressing out you and your children?

All at once, everyone’s lives—everywhere—changed completely. Parents and children earned their PhD’s in juggling; zooming, teaching, working and e-learning—all from home in physical isolation—while simultaneously managing meals, laundry and housework. So if you and your kids are feeling mentally exhausted, take heart.

Get to know your tutors: Leigha Brigham

she was in about grade two and couldn’t hardly read a single word. And by Christmas she wrote me this incredible card that said, “Dear Leigha, thank you for teaching me how to read.” And I still have that card

Looking for imaginative, beyond-the-screen things to do with your children?

During this period of isolation, we are virtually together but physically apart. We are being given a gift of time to connect with our children and create with our minds and hands. If you’re looking for unique, creative and playful activities to do with the kids—beyond the TV and computer screens—read on my friend!

Get to know your tutors: Janet Doyle

Every other month you can find a new “Get to know our tutors” video right here on our blog. We’ve got some great ones so stay tuned!Get to know Janet, a wonderful tutor and teacher (and you get to meet her dog too!).

How can I claim tutoring fees on my income tax?

[…] to make your tax preparation easier, I will answer the most common questions posed to The Open Door about tutoring and taxes.

How did advocacy play a role in launching the Right to Read Inquiry?

If you have a child with dyslexia in the Ontario education system, undoubtedly you have heard about the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) launch of its Right to Read public inquiry. In a nutshell, the Commission is investigating the Ontario education system, asking why thousands of Ontario students with reading disabilities—particularly dyslexia—are not getting the support they need to learn how to read.

Get to know your tutors: Bianca Amaral-Stewart

Every other month you can find a new “Get to know our tutors” video right here on our blog. We’ve got some great ones so stay tuned! Get to know Bianca, another long-time tutor who also works and teaches at Algonquin College. https://youtu.be/e8dg2neFjPQ Transcript:...

Get your game on: Discover games that suit the skills of dyslexic players

…celebrate the wonderful hidden talents of the children, friends and family in our lives—who may have dyslexia. To discover the secret skills of your peeps, try playing a few board or card games with them over the holidays.