A recent article questioning the “cost of overteaching phonics” sparked major discussion across the literacy world—and in this episode, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny unpack it all.

Are schools really overteaching phonics? What does the research actually say? And how do teachers balance explicit instruction, reading practice, spelling, assessment, and student engagement without swinging too far in either direction?

The conversation explores the nuance behind phonics instruction, the dangers of clickbait headlines, the importance of teacher knowledge, and why struggling readers still need intentional, explicit teaching. The hosts also discuss phonemic awareness, spelling instruction, scaffolds, differentiation, and the critical role of meaningful reading practice.

Show Notes

Referenced Article

• The Cost of Overteaching Phonics by Liana Loewus (Education Next)

Researchers & Experts Mentioned

• Dr. Mark Seidenberg
• Dr. Louisa Moats
• Dr. Devin Kearns
• Dr. David Kilpatrick
• Tim Shanahan

Resources Mentioned

• Devin Kearns’ PHINDER Tool

Language at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg

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