Literacy & Reading History
Explore the surprising, sometimes controversial history of how we learned to read and write. From alphabet experiments to phonics wars, these articles unpack the methods that shaped generations of readers—and continue to influence how we write today.
- Details
- Hits: 201
If you were a student in the ’80s or ’90s, you probably remember the distinctive click-clack of typewriter keys in typing class. There was a rhythm, a challenge, and—dare we say it—fun. By contrast, early computer classes often felt like staring into the abyss of a DOS screen, waiting for commands that made little sense.
Typing class wasn’t just a course; it was a mini-adrenaline rush. Timed tests pushed your fingers to move faster, accuracy drills sharpened precision, and weekly competitions gave students bragging rights. Every improvement was visible, measurable, and satisfying. Even today, those muscle memory skills pay off—you can still feel the benefit in fast emails and essays.
Read more: Why Typing Class Beat Early Computer Class (Hands Down)
- Details
- Hits: 383
- Social Media Image:
The way your readers were taught to read might be shaping how they respond to your writing, whether you realize it or not.
Over the centuries, reading instruction has shifted dramatically—from strict phonics drills to whole language immersion to today’s science-backed methods. Understanding these historical shifts isn’t just for educators; it’s a powerful tool for freelancers and authors who want to connect deeply with their audience. By grasping how different reading backgrounds shape reader expectations and processing, you can craft clearer, more engaging manuscripts and sharpen your editing skills. Let’s explore the evolution of reading instruction and what it means for your writing today.
- Details
- Hits: 384
- Social Media Image:
Language is at the heart of storytelling, communication, and education. Yet speaking, reading, and writing are distinct skills—each with its own challenges and processes. For writers and educators, understanding these differences is essential for crafting accessible, engaging content that resonates with diverse readers.
Read more: Speaking, Reading, and Writing: Understanding the Differences Every Writer Should Know
- Details
- Hits: 349
- Social Media Image:
From neuroscience to AI, the next wave of literacy education is already here. Here's what writers need to know.
Reading Instruction Isn’t Done Evolving
For more than half a century, reading instruction has swung between philosophies: from phonics to whole language, from balanced literacy to the current Science of Reading movement. Each wave has brought its own methods, materials, and promises—some backed by research, others by ideology. But now, as neuroscience, AI, and adaptive technologies advance rapidly, a new chapter in literacy education is beginning to take shape.
This article explores where reading instruction may be headed next. What innovations are likely to stick? Which classroom realities will resist change? And most importantly—for writers, educators, and researchers alike—how might these shifts affect the next generation of readers and thinkers?
Read more: What’s Next for Reading Instruction? A Writer’s Guide to the Future of Literacy
- Details
- Hits: 285
- Social Media Image:
The way you learned to read might still echo in how you write today.
Every writer was once a reader-in-training. Long before we drafted our first stories or outlined our first novels, we sat in classrooms decoding words, staring at picture books, and stumbling through sentences. But how we were taught to read matters more than many of us realize — because it helped shape how we think about language, structure, meaning, and even creativity.
This article offers both reflection and insight: a chance to explore how different eras of reading instruction shaped generations of writers, and prompts to help you examine how your own literacy story has influenced your voice and habits as a storyteller.
Read more: How Reading Instruction Shapes Writers: A Personal and Professional Reflection