About Speech First Literacy
Let's change the way we teach children to read and spell.
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Using an integrative speech-first approach helps kids learn the sounds, the meanings, and spelling patterns all at the same time.
Cut the fluff and stick with what works.
Shifting instruction to speech-first principles will anchor the alphabetic code in a logical way that children can more naturally absorb and process.
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Integrating multiple literacy components (vocabulary, spelling, comprehension, fluency) strengthens newly created neural pathways. These pathways form an entirely new area of the brain dedicated to learning and storing written words.
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So how does a speech-first literacy approach work, exactly?
Key Principles of a Speech-First Approach
During my doctoral research, I discovered various speech-first systems such as EBLI, Phono-Graphix, Reading Simplified, and Sounds-Write.
These systems are all guided by three key principles which streamline instruction:
1
A sound can be spelled by 1, 2, 3, or 4 letters
2
One sound can be represented by many spellings
3
The same spelling can represent many sounds
Benefits of Speech-First
Hours not Years
Let’s start shifting our conversation from years to hours! I have discovered that students are learning to crack code in 12-36 hours of instruction (on average).
Increased Reading Success
The approach provides clear, systematic instruction rooted in how the brain processes language.​
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Students often experience significant gains in phonemic awareness, reading fluency, and spelling when this method is applied consistently and tailored to their needs.
Time to Benefit Ratio
Time is our most precious commodity.
Speech-First Systems help teachers streamline instructional routines & key assessments to make the most of every minute of class time and planning.
Digging Into the Reading Science
Explore my curated collection of podcasts, courses, videos, and books that dive deep into the Speech First Literacy approach. These resources will expand your understanding of the science behind effective reading instruction and how to apply it in practice.
