How the Pandemic in 2020 Put a Spotlight on Reading Instruction

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Apr 23

Written By Gaskill Elizabeth

The 2020 pandemic brought unprecedented changes with school closures.

This included how we viewed reading instruction.

With classes moving online, parents got a front-row seat to their children's learning through Zoom lessons.

And many began to notice something alarming: their kids weren't actually learning how to read.

This period of remote teaching shined a bright light on the urgent need for a reevaluation of how reading is taught. And there began to be a push for a change in methods that truly build reading proficiency from the ground up.

After the pandemic, with calls for racial justice after the murder of George Floyd, it became evident that reading outcomes for Black and Hispanic students differed significantly from White and Asian students.
This achievement gap highlighted the absolute urgency for educational equity in the United States and a push for teaching methods that make sure all children can read and to lay the foundation for a more equitable approach to teaching reading.

What Do Teachers Need?

Teachers beginning their education careers through undergraduate programs must be immersed in the Science of Reading.

And all teachers need teacher training in phonics instruction and phonemic awareness instruction.

For those educators already in the field, they need dedicated time for training to fully grasp how this scientific research must be applied to teaching.

It's crucial to understand that a one-size-fits-all "Science of Reading Curriculum" doesn't exist.

Professional development is essential. We have the opportunity to support teachers in weaving Science of Reading techniques into their current teaching methods. By deepening teachers' comprehension of decades of research about how we learn to read, they can move through any lesson to better support their students' needs.

We have to support our teachers' understanding of this to make sure we have a more effective and inclusive approach to teaching children how to read.

What Can We Do?

This is important.

Quality education matters. Our children’s futures matter.

Whether you're a parent, an educator, or neither, this information is vital. And we are all a part of this change.

So what can you do?:

Start by listening, then spark conversations with friends and family.
Educate yourself. I'll share links to resources that are quick to read, listen to, and watch.
Then, reach out to your school board and your local school districts. Inquire about the curriculum they use and what steps can be taken to improve reading instruction.
Advocate for every child's right to read. We all have a role to play.

We have to make a difference together. It's our responsibility to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn to read for the chance to have a love of reading.

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.