Introduction:

• Definition of key reading theories to be discussed: Whole Language, Balanced Literacy, Structured Literacy.
• Whole Language emphasizes learning whole words and phrases in meaningful contexts.
• Balanced Literacy combines phonics and whole-language theory.
• Structured Literacy is highly explicit and systematic in teaching literacy components.

Early American Education:

• Informal education methods prevailed in early American history.
• Importance of teaching reading due to the significance of biblical knowledge.
• New England Primer (1690) popularized the phonics approach to reading.

Horace Mann and Common Schools:

• Horace Mann, "Father of the American education system," advocated for common schools.
• Six principles guiding the school system's structure and purpose.
• Mann's influence on shaping education policies and philosophies.

Reading Philosophy and Methodologies:

• Discussion of reading instruction methods: imitation vs. rules, phonography, and phonics.
• Challenges and criticisms of various reading approaches.

The Reading Wars Timeline:

• Evolution of reading instruction from the 1800s to the present.
• Emergence of the whole language approach in the 1950s.
• Shift towards investigating how children learn to read in the 1960s.
• Introduction of balanced literacy in the 1990s.
• Current debate between balanced literacy and structured literacy.

Structured Literacy and its Importance:

• Definition and principles of structured literacy.
• Effectiveness of structured literacy, especially for students with dyslexia.
• Majority of American teachers employ balanced literacy despite ongoing reading struggles.

The Path Forward:

• Acknowledgment of the fixable nature of reading struggles.
• Importance of successful teaching methods in addressing reading challenges.
• Personal success in teaching children to read using effective methodologies.

Conclusion:

• Recap of the reading wars' history and ongoing challenges.
• Call to action for prioritizing effective reading instruction methods.
• Hope for improved literacy outcomes through structured approaches.

Resources:

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The Science of Reading Simplified: A Practical Guide for Parents

The 5 Foundations of Reading: All Essentials Every Parent Should Know

Literacy for Littles Ebook

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