Dr. Patricia Vadasy, a Senior Research Scientist at the Oregon Research Institute specializing in early reading, dives into the world of phonics instruction. She unpacks the pivotal role of alphabet knowledge in teaching young learners to read and spell. Vadasy discusses effective, research-backed phonics strategies, highlighting the importance of systematic teaching methods tailored to diverse student needs. She also explores individual differences in learning and the benefits of practice, emphasizing actionable insights for educators dedicated to fostering successful reading foundations.