What does the Science of Reading actually look like in a real classroom?

In this powerful and practical episode, we’re joined by Jen Jones from Hello Literacy, who breaks down the research into clear, doable steps teachers can implement straight away.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about guided reading, running records, sight word lists, or online readers - this episode is your permission slip to rethink, refine, and reset.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why grouping by skill (not reading level) changes everything
• The simple assessment shift that gives you clearer data in minutes
• How to use decodable texts without making literacy feel robotic
• A smarter way to teach sight words that actually sticks
• The permission teachers need when shifting to Science of Reading practices

Key Takeaways:

• Teach the skill, not the level
• Align your literacy block with decoding research
• Progress over perfection when making changes
• Use a phonics scope and sequence as your instructional roadmap
• Create small group folders organised by phonics skill

This conversation is honest, empowering, and packed with actionable strategies. And perhaps most importantly? Jen reminds us that growth requires experimentation and imperfection is part of the process.

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Check our Jen’s website: Hello Literacy
• Hello Decodables website 
• Jen’s Free Phonics Assessment and Quick Placement Assessment 
• Connect with Jen Jones on Instagram
• Purple Project Video mentioned
• Book mentioned: The ABCs and All Their Trick By Margaret Bishop

APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZON

About Today’s Guest

Jen Jones is a veteran educator, literacy consultant, and the founder of Hello Literacy and Hello Decodables. With over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher and literacy coach, Jen specializes in translating the Science of Reading research into practical, classroom-ready instruction. She is the author of a comprehensive phonics scope and sequence and has created a full library of decodable books and small-group lessons used in schools across the country. Jen is passionate about helping teachers move from confusion to clarity so students can become confident, skilled readers.

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