Episode 66: Reading wars, with Rob Randel

A Guardian report on a study into phonics has reignited the debate about approaches to reading in the early years. Jane and Fin welcome back special guest Rob Randel to discuss the controversy - is the focus on phonics “failing children”? Rob is a primary school teacher in Wales and a committee member of the Reading Reform Foundation.  Guardian article: Focus on phonics to teach reading is ‘failing children’, says landmark study.  https://www.theguardian.com/education/2022/jan/19/focus-on-phonics-to-teach-reading-is-failing-children-says-landmark-study  Greg Ashman’s rebuttal blog: Has synthetic phonics been demolished?  https://fillingthepail.substack.com/p/has-synthetic-phonics-been-demolished?s=03  Dr Jennifer Buckingham’s rebuttal blog: Groundhog day for reading instruction.  https://fivefromfive.com.au/blog/groundhog-day-for-reading-instruction/  Subscribe to ImpactPlus today: www.impact.wales/impactplus  Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller  Producer: Darren Evans  Visit us at: www.impact.wales  Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur