Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Why kids can't read (and what we can do about it), with Kate Crist

Mar 6, 2025

27:39

1062. Did you know that 21% of U.S. adults struggle with basic literacy? In this eye-opening episode, literacy specialist Kate Crist talks about the literacy crisis in America, how reading is taught incorrectly in schools, and what we can do to fix it. She has real stories of students and adults overcoming reading struggles, the science behind learning to read, and practical advice for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to help.

Resource list

Literacy rates:

PIAAC, NAEP

Why do we have these low rates of literacy?

Two great films - The Truth About Reading [OFFICIAL TRAILER] [NOW STREAMING] and Right to Read
Podcast = Sold a Story

How can I help the readers in my life?

Family Guides from Seek Common Ground (what your kids should know at grade level)
FULCRUM for advocacy resources
To understand how we learn to read, this graphic guide cannot be beat: How We Read (written for adolescent students, it’s great for adults too)
Tools to use at home: Reading Buddies, Toddlers Can Read, Learning Dynamics, How to Teach your Kid to Read in 100 easy lessons
For older readers City Stories and this set of recommendations from the Literacy Architects (and if you want to get super nerdy, this article from Reading Rockets
And if you have the money/are low-cost resources in your community: Get a literacy tutor.

What is phonics?

Really, it's part of the science of reading ( body of interdisciplinary research about reading: studies done all over the globe for the last 5 decades. There is a preponderance of evidence to inform how to read and what instruction should look like) The Reading League has this cool definition guide.
Phonics is part of foundational skills, which is only part of what kids need to learn to read. Check out:
Early reading accelerator quick start guide
This graphic from FULCRUM Or this from the AZ department of education give a visual for the full picture of what a reader needs to become a good reader.

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