by Karina Richland | May 11, 2026 | Language & Reading, Science of Reading
If you have been teaching reading for any length of time, you have probably heard both terms tossed around: sight words and heart words. They sound similar, and many parents and teachers use them interchangeably. But they are not the same thing, and understanding the...
by Karina Richland | Apr 25, 2026 | Articles & Resources, Orton-Gillingham, Phonemic Awareness, phonics, Reading Skills, Science of Reading, Structured Literacy
School leaders and educators hear the phrase “evidence-based” constantly. State mandates require it. Grant applications demand it. But what does the research actually say about how children learn to read, and which instructional approaches have the...
by Karina Richland | Apr 23, 2026 | Dyslexia, phonics, Reading, Reading Skills, Science of Reading, Structured Literacy
If you have ever watched a student struggle to sound out a word, only to guess based on the first letter or the picture on the page, you have seen what happens when reading skills are left to chance. Explicit instruction in reading is the opposite of leaving things to...
by Karina Richland | Apr 13, 2026 | Reading, Science of Reading
If you have ever wondered why your child struggles with reading, or how reading is actually taught in schools today, you are not alone. The Science of Reading is transforming the way educators and parents think about literacy instruction. This guide explains what the...
by Karina Richland | Feb 3, 2026 | Science of Reading
Choosing a reading program can feel like navigating a sea of marketing claims. Nearly every curriculum says it’s “research-based,” but what does that actually look like in a lesson plan? This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll show you the non-negotiable elements of...
by Karina Richland | Jan 10, 2026 | Science of Reading
Building a skilled reader is a lot like building a house. You need a solid blueprint and the right set of tools for each stage of construction. The Science of Reading provides that blueprint, explaining exactly how the brain learns to read. But a blueprint alone isn’t...
