- The science around reading has changed a lot over time. More and more research shows that having systematic instructions like phonics would be much more effective than just giving children books. ---- "Research shows that most children need systematic, sound-it-out instruction — known as phonics — as well as other direct support, like building vocabulary and expanding students’ knowledge of the world" - [Link](http://nytimes.com/2023/04/16/us/science-of-reading-literacy-parents.html) "Science of reading advocates say the reason is simple: Many children are not being correctly taught. A popular method of teaching, known as “balanced literacy,” has focused less on phonics and more on developing a love of books and ensuring students understand the meaning of stories. At times, it has included dubious strategies, like guiding children to guess words from pictures." - [Link](http://nytimes.com/2023/04/16/us/science-of-reading-literacy-parents.html)