Reading, comprehending, and synthesizing written information is a vital part of the way we communicate. That’s why child literacy is so important—and why Emily Hanford and Mark Seidenberg were dismayed to discover that most schools could not teach it effectively. Since the 1980s, American children have learned to read through a method called “balanced literacy,” which emphasizes word recognition and reading comprehension over phonics. And it doesn’t work. The number of students who cannot read at grade-appropriate levels hasn’t changed in decades.
Hanford and Seidenberg have embarked on a quest to fix child literacy in the United States, each in his or her own way. Hanford created a podcast called “Sold a Story,” which breaks down the history and shortcomings of balanced literacy in eight highly entertaining parts. Meanwhile, Seidenberg has maintained a blog called “Reading Matters,” which breaks down the science of child literacy for everyday readers. The two have collaborated frequently, and their efforts have begun to bear fruit: School districts across the country are finally adopting a scientifically sound approach. “If you think your child is struggling to learn how to read, trust your gut,” Hanford told Worth. “Ask questions. Seek help … Many kids who are having difficulty are not getting the instruction they need”.
