Linguistic Phonics
Knowledge-Building for Teachers Series
Linguistic Phonics is getting a lot of attention right now. When I first heard of it, I was very skeptical. The approach was foreign to me and did not make sense compared to the OG-based phonics programs I had used. But after hearing about the success of other educators and out of a need to support my own students who continued to struggle, I am now a huge advocate. I recently completed my EBLI training and have seen incredible growth in my students. Some of these resources were also featured in my recent post with Elana Gordon on Reading Interventions.
Podcasts
Is Linguistic Phonics the New Gold Standard in Structured Literacy? with Jennifer Newman and Svetlana Cvetkovic The Literacy View - Podcast
Jennifer and Svetlana discuss their new paper “Re-examining Foundational Literacy Instruction in the United States: A Case for Linguistic Phonics” and clarify what linguistic phonics is. See Harriet Janetos’ article below discussing their paper.
This is a dual interview about the Sounds-Write and SPELL-Links linguistic phonics programs.
S3E18: The Power of EBLI or S2P with Nora Chahbazi with The Road to Reading Podcast
This is an interview to learn more about the EBLI approach to literacy instruction.
120. Reading Simplified: Help Struggling Readers Crack the Code with Dr. Marnie Ginsberg with Stellar Teacher Podcast
This is a podcast to learn more about the Reading Simplified program.
Informational Video
Linguistic Phonics with Ann Sullivan
This is a quick informational video explaining simply and concisely what Linguistic Phonics is. This is the perfect place to start if you are new to linguistic phonics.
Articles
Data Deep Dive: Did I Avoid the Summer Slide? & Accelerating Student Progress with EBLI: Student Data Profiles with Science of Reading Classroom
Elana Gordon’s work is what convinced me to look into linguistic phonics. Her data is so compelling and the students she is able to exit out of interventions is incredible. These two articles feature her work and success.
A Speech-to-Print, Linguistic Phonics Approach: What Is It and How Does It Compare to Orton-Gillingham? by Miriam Fein, MS, CCC-SLP
This article compares the different approaches of Linguistic Phonics and OG. It also gives a lot of great information about what linguistic phonics is.
The phonics wars by Holly Korbey at The Bell Ringer
This is an amazing piece on linguistic phonics with an interesting look at its connection to the science of learning. She interviews many of the teachers, creators, and researchers highlighted in this post.
Rethinking Reading: A Look at Linguistic Phonics by Harriet Janetos Making Words Make Sense
Harriet discusses in this article a paper published in 2025 “Re-examining Foundational Literacy Instruction in the United States: A Case for Linguistic Phonics” written by Jennifer Newman and Svetlana Cvetkovic making the case for the linguistic phonics approach.
Teachers to Watch
Meet four educators, all Goyen Fellows 25-26, who are using linguistic phonics programs. I have linked their Substack and YouTube video playlists below.
Tal Most is a Deputy Director and reading interventionist for ColoREADo. She uses the EBLI program.
Stephane Bolton is a first grade teacher in Alabama and a Goyen Fellow 25-26. She uses the EBLI program.
EBLI Playlist from Science of Reading Classroom - YouTube featuring the classrooms of Tal Most and Stephane Bolton.
Tara Hess is a second grade teacher in Colorado. She uses the Reading Simplified program.
Victoria Ochoa Rodriguez is a dual language kindergarten teacher in Colorado. She uses the Reading Simplified program.
Reading Simplified Playlist from Science of Reading Classroom - YouTube featuring the classrooms of Tara Hess and Victoria Ochoa Rodriguez.
Programs
Reading Simplified created by Marnie Ginsberg
Reading Simplified is a linguistic phonics approach to teaching literacy. It is a streamlined vision for accelerating decoding, word ID, and fluency created by a researcher and practicing teacher.
EBLI Evidence Based Literacy Instruction developed by Nora Chahbazi
EBLI is a linguistic phonics approach to teaching literacy through integrated instruction. Teachers have the tools to teach reading, spelling, writing, and handwriting simultaneously, using vocabulary and texts for student groups of all sizes and ability levels- from large classrooms to intensive intervention.
Learning By Design and SPELL-Links created by Jan Wasowicz
SPELL-Links is a speech-to-print approach combined with multi-linguistic word study.
Sounds-Write written by John Walker
Sounds-Write is a “speech-to-print phonics program” grounded in the science of learning. The program is designed to be taught whole-class but also serves intervention and small group settings.
Book
Why Our Children Can’t Read and What We Can Do About It: A Scientific Revolution in Reading by Diane McGuinness
The book that started it all. Diane McGuinness’s work is the go-to reference for linguistic phonics.
Webinars
A Structured Linguistic Literacy Summit
This is a free virtual summit held each summer. Presentations and panel discussions include preeminent reading and cognitive science researchers, thoughtful practitioners who have shifted their instructional approaches, and many other brave literacy champions who aim to promote better student outcomes.
What a photogenic vocabulary white board! It's "looking good in pictures."
Thanks for all these links and for celebrating linguistic phonics!