The Science of Reading: What it Looks Like in Elementary School

Apr 23

The Science of Reading with Jessica Farmer of Farmer Loves Phonics

Ready to learn more about the Science of Reading? Today, we're tackling elementary school reading—a key phase where those essential reading skills start to build.

This blog goes along with a recent podcast episode I did with Jessica Farmer, the passionate force behind Farmer Loves Phonics.

Jessica, a former teacher turned literacy advocate, mom and self proclaimed phonics lover, has become such a wealth of knowledge and support in the Science of Reading community.

So whether you're a parent who wants to know more about quality, research based instruction, a teacher seeking to deepen your practice, or simply someone who wants to know more about the Science of Reading, this blog is for you.

Grab your coffee, tea, water—whatever you like—settle in, and let’s unravel some pieces of reading instruction, guided by the expertise of Jessica Farmer.

Jessica Farmer's Lightbulb Moment: A Deep Dive Into the Science of Reading

During the pandemic in 2020, Jessica took a deep dive into the Science of Reading world (which isn’t a curriculum, but a body of research that supports how we learn to read. To learn more, start here).

Looking for some support as she navigated virtual teaching, Jessica joined a Facebook group called “The Science of Reading: What I Should’ve Learned in College,” aimed at first grade teachers. And the rabbit hole began.

Jessica quickly realized her approach to reading instruction was way off the mark, according to this body of research. And just like many other educators across the United States, her training never covered the scientific, evidence based methods for teaching—not in college, not through her district, or within the curriculum she was using.

Instead, she was doing guided reading, laying out books for small groups, with strategies on the board that encouraged students to skip or guess words based on pictures.

Then came her "aha" moment. Realizing the power of what she was learning, she thought, "Why doesn't everyone know this?" It just made sense—explicit instruction in foundational reading skills. These evidence based practices, based on decades of research, were the best way to teach reading.

So, she took to TikTok, creating phonics videos for her students and sharing her discoveries on social media, sparking conversations and sharing the lightbulb moments she was having.

Want to Learn More About Teaching Reading?

I hope this information helped you learn more on your Science of Reading journey.

Jessica is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to effective instruction and teaching reading. For more tips and insights, please follow along with Jessica of Farmer Loves Phonics!

For more tips and insights to nurture lifelong learners, hop over to my Instagram page.

And, don't forget to explore episodes on the podcast, Play On Words, where you’ll hear more about making learning fun and accessible for all.

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I’m the founder of BCR, host of the Play on Words podcast, a consultant for the Chicago Public Library, and more! On the blog, I regularly share my tips, insights, and knowledge on early literacy.