Reading instruction has become one of the biggest conversations in education, but what does the research actually say? In this episode, we explore the science behind phonics, how reading instruction shifted away from explicit phonics, and why so many schools are returning to evidence-based practices. We also share practical, play-based ways to introduce phonics at home, favorite resources for different ages, and why teaching children to decode words doesn't have to come at the expense of a love of books. Whether you're homeschooling a preschooler, supporting a struggling reader, or trying to make sense of the reading wars, you'll leave feeling informed, confident, and ready to help your child build a strong reading foundation.
For a list of studies and resources mentioned in this episode, scroll to the bottom of the show notes.
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Resources from this episode:
Bruce McCandliss, Yuliya Yoncheva, and Jessica Wise, “Hemifield Differences in Word Learning Reveal Incomplete Mapping of Visual Words to Left Hemisphere Language Areas” (2015):
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2015.03.009
Henry May et al., “Long-Term Impacts of Reading Recovery Through Third and Fourth Grade: A Regression Discontinuity Study” (2023):
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED628331
Full-text PDF:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED628331.pdf
Philip Sirinides, Abigail Gray, and Henry May, “The Impacts of Reading Recovery at Scale: Results From the 4-Year i3 External Evaluation” (2018):
https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1186803
Sandra Iversen and William Tunmer, “Phonological Processing Skills and the Reading Recovery Program” (1993):
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.85.1.112
University of Memphis evaluation of Fountas & Pinnell’s Leveled Literacy Intervention:
https://www.memphis.edu/crep/pdfs/publications/lli_efficacy_wo_appendices_accessible_10_29_18.pdf
Sold a Story:
https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/
Reading Eggs:
https://readingeggs.com
Preschool Prep Company (Meet the Phonics):
https://www.preschoolprepco.com
Hooked on Phonics:
https://www.hookedonphonics.com
All About Reading:
https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/
Meadowlark Preschool:
https://meadowlarkpreschool.com
Playing Preschool (Busy Toddler):
https://busytoddler.com/playing-preschool/
Explode the Code:
https://epslearning.com
Carson Dellosa Gold Stars Phonics:
https://www.carsondellosa.com
Logic of English:
https://www.logicofenglish.com
Studies & Resources
