What's Happening?
The Reading League, a national nonprofit focused on evidence-based reading instruction, has launched a new publishing branch, the Reading League Press, to release the 'Read Then Peek' series. This series is designed to support early literacy by emphasizing
phonetic decoding skills. The 30-book series encourages children to focus on letters and sounds before revealing corresponding illustrations, aiming to build reading confidence and comprehension. The initiative aligns with the Reading League's mission to promote the science of reading and provide educators and parents with reliable instructional materials.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the 'Read Then Peek' series is a significant development in early literacy education, as it addresses the need for materials that support phonetic learning. By focusing on decoding skills, the series helps children develop a strong foundation in reading, which is crucial for their academic success. The approach of delaying visual cues until after reading reinforces the importance of phonetic understanding, potentially leading to better reading outcomes. This initiative also provides educators and parents with vetted resources, ensuring that the materials used in classrooms and homes are aligned with current educational research.
What's Next?
The Reading League plans to promote the 'Read Then Peek' series through its national chapters and educator community, with pre-orders available and shipments beginning in June. The organization aims to expand its catalog with additional instructional books and materials, further supporting educators and families in their literacy efforts. As the series gains traction, it may influence other educational publishers to adopt similar evidence-based approaches, potentially leading to broader changes in early literacy instruction across the U.S.
