How Can Phonics Instruction Support All Learners?

Teaching Unscripted

How can we make phonics instruction work for every child regardless of ability or background?

Today's guest, Lorna Simmons, has spent decades pursuing the answer to that question. Her journey, rooted in a deep commitment to literacy for all, has culminated in the release of Saxon Reading Foundations, which launched in June. This new program reflects years of research, classroom experience, and a relentless drive to ensure every student can become a confident reader. Lorna has developed tools and techniques that help educators meet students where they are, whether they need 15 exposures or 1500.

In this episode, she explores how we can bridge the gap between phonics instruction and authentic reading success. Lorna shares practical ways to embed phonics into every subject, use controlled texts effectively, and ensure students get the exposures they need to truly master decoding. Whether you're teaching kindergarten or upper elementary, this conversation will help you unlock the power of phonics across your entire day.

Lorna is in conversation with Amy Mengarelli, one of our partners with the Waymire Group and a former classroom teacher.

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