Eulexia Tutoring Blog
The Nostalgia Trap: How Dick, Jane, and Dr. Seuss Can Inadvertently Cause Reading Failure
Many remember Dick and Jane, and Dr. Seuss fondly. But what if these beloved books, when used as first readers, implicitly teach habits that can lead to reading failure? We explore the how Dick and Jane and Dr. Seuss books, created as instructional products, were ineffective or even destructive to their purpose of helping kids learn to read.
Decoding vs. Guessing: How to Spot Truly Effective Phonics Instruction
Pictures should support understanding, not replace reading the word! When kids rely on images instead of decoding letters (like /k/ /a/ /t/ for "cat"), true reading skills don't develop. Learn how to identify phonics programs that teach decoding, not guessing.
Sounds First! Why Focusing on Letter Sounds (Not Names) Builds Stronger Readers
Could teaching the ABCs actually slow down reading? Explore why focusing on letter sounds before letter names is crucial, according to reading science. Understand how names can cause confusion and why a sound-first approach leads to more confident decoding.