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Teacher question: I saw that Mark Seidenberg was complaining that there is now too much phonics instruction. What do you think of that? Shanahan replies: I have great respect for Dr. Seidenberg’s work but have long been critical of...
Blast from the Past: This entry first dropped on October 26, 2019, and was reissued on January 24, 2026. The only change is an update to the NAEYC statement (it was in draft form when originally cited). Teacher question: What does research say about early literacy and when to begin? I am aware that kids may reach the stage of development where they're ready for reading at different times. What does the research say about the "window" for when a kid can learn to read? What are the consequences if they haven't started reading past that time? Shanahan response: Oh, fun. The kind o...
Erasmus wrote that “every definition is dangerous.” His abhorrence for the sharp definition was due to a fear of dogmatism. I’m no Erasmus but I’d say, “let’s risk it.” Experience tells me that wea...
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