The reading wars

Published: March 4, 2021, 10:49 p.m.

Jordan Baker's March 6 cover story 'Kids in the crossfire' looks at the heated debate over how best to teach kids to read. The choice between a phonics-led and  “balanced literacy” approach has morphed from a brawl about teaching methods into another front in the culture wars. Joining Jordan on the podcast is literacy expert Professor Anne Castles, scientific director of the Macquarie Centre for Reading. Moderated by Good Weekend editor Katrina Strickland, the conversation dives into not just the divided politics of the issue, but how Australian children are faring with reading in general, where dyslexia fits into the discussion, and tips on what parents can do to help their children read well.

Link to the story: https://www.smh.com.au/national/kids-in-the-crossfire-it-s-not-just-that-they-can-t-read-it-affects-every-minute-of-their-day-20201203-p56kf6.html

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