Evidence-Based Reading Revolution for Parents

Last updated: August 3, 2025

As a parent of a child navigating the complexities of education, you know firsthand the struggles and triumphs that come with helping your child learn to read. You’re not alone in this journey, and there’s empowering news: schools are shifting towards evidence-based reading instruction, moving away from less effective methods. You’ll discover the importance of advocating for structured phonics for your child, understanding that all students, especially those who need extra support, can benefit from this approach. Embrace your power to make a difference in your child’s education by recognizing their unique learning path and championing the resources they need to thrive.

Adopting Evidence-Based Reading Instruction
The discussion highlights how schools are shifting their reading instruction methods to align with 30 years of scientific evidence on how the brain learns to read. Previously, many schools employed the whole language approach, which assumed that children could learn to read by memorizing whole words, similar to how they learn to speak by being around speakers. However, advancements in technology, such as fMRI and other sensitive scanning technologies, have disproven this theory. Instead, evidence-based methods are now being adopted, recognizing that immersion in printed words alone is insufficient for children to learn to read effectively. For parents, this means understanding that their child’s school may be transitioning to more scientifically supported reading instruction techniques, which can significantly impact their child’s literacy development.

Embrace the shift to structured phonics; it's backed by science and designed to help all kids, especially those with learning challenges, succeed in reading. Tweet Now Follow Learning Success

Advocate for Structured Phonics Programs
One key insight shared involves the critical role of structured phonics instruction in education, particularly for students who do not naturally acquire reading skills. The podcast highlights that approximately 20% of children, including those with dyslexia and other language processing difficulties, fall into this vulnerable category. These students require a highly structured, code-based approach to reading instruction to succeed. Without such targeted education methods, these children may find learning to read significantly more challenging. For parents, this means advocating for structured phonics programs in their children’s schools to ensure all students, especially those with specific educational needs, receive the support necessary to develop essential reading skills.

Author Quote "

Before we could watch the brain while it reads and we can now thanks to technology like fMRI and all sorts of other really sensitive scanning Technologies…that idea that children learn to speak just by being around speakers translated over to reading. We had this idea that well if kids just learn to speak by being around speakers they will learn to read if we immerse them in the printed word and they will just soak it up. Yes, that turns out to be absolutely wrong, in fact it couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Understanding Varied Reading Needs in Children”
The podcast reveals that children’s ability to learn to read varies significantly, as outlined in Nancy Young’s model, the “ladder of reading.” According to the model, some children, referred to as “Scouts,” can learn to read naturally, as exemplified by Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” who learned by observing her father read. However, about 40 to 50% of children require a bit of phonics teaching alongside a whole language approach to succeed in reading. A more vulnerable group, comprising around 20% of children, needs structured and intensive support to acquire reading skills. This insight underscores the importance for parents to recognize their child’s specific educational needs and seek appropriate reading support to ensure their success in literacy development.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the Shift in Reading Instruction: Schools are transitioning from whole language and balanced literacy approaches to a more structured, evidence-based method of teaching reading, known as structured synthetic phonics. This change is supported by scientific evidence over the past 30 years and aims to better align teaching practices with how the brain learns to read. Parents should be aware that this new approach, which focuses on phonically controlled or decodable texts, is designed to help more children, including those with learning challenges, become proficient readers.

Recognizing the Importance of Phonics for All Learners: The new method of teaching reading emphasizes the importance of phonics for all students, not just those struggling with reading. This approach is beneficial to all children and harmful to none, meaning that even students who naturally pick up reading (referred to as "Scouts") can benefit from a deeper understanding of the language system. Parents should encourage and support this method at home by engaging in shared reading with more complex stories while allowing their child to practice reading with decodable texts.

Celebrating Progress Through Reliable Assessments: As schools move away from leveled readers and running records, they are adopting more reliable assessment methods, such as normed assessments that provide percentile rankings and reading age metrics. Parents should understand that these assessments offer a more accurate picture of their child's reading progress. Celebrating improvements in percentile rankings or reading age can be more meaningful and motivating for children than moving up arbitrary levels, as it reflects true progress based on scientific standards.

“Strategies for Enhancing Home Education”
For parents looking to support their children’s education at home, integrating specific strategies can make a significant difference. Encourage daily reading sessions using books that match your child’s interest and reading level to foster a love for reading, which is particularly important for children with Dyslexia. Incorporate educational games that focus on phonics and word recognition, such as matching games with words and pictures, to reinforce learning in a fun way. Setting aside time for homework and study can also help; create a quiet, dedicated space free from distractions where your child can concentrate on their schoolwork. Additionally, engaging in conversations about what they learned at school can enhance their comprehension and retention of new information. By making these practices a regular part of your routine, you’ll help your child build strong educational foundations.

Author Quote "

You’ve got this really vulnerable set of kids and it’s around 20% and these are the kids where dyslexia falls into this category…and perhaps other language processing difficulties but you got a fifth of kids who unless they get this highly structured code-based instruction by teachers, they’re not going to make it.

“Embracing Positive Education for Growth”
For parents of children with educational challenges, embracing positive education approaches can lead to remarkable long-term benefits and growth. By focusing on strengths and fostering a growth mindset, children can develop resilience and a love for learning that will serve them well into adulthood. It’s important to set realistic expectations and celebrate small victories along the way, as progress may be gradual but meaningful. Encouraging a supportive and nurturing environment at home can complement the efforts made in school, helping children to thrive academically and emotionally. Auditory processing plays a crucial role in how children learn, and understanding its impact can further enhance educational strategies. Remember, every child’s journey is unique, and with patience and persistence, the rewards of a well-rounded education will become evident over time.

Discover how the Brain Bloom System can support your child’s unique learning journey, providing the structured phonics and educational resources they need to thrive in reading and beyond.