The Orton-Gillingham Podcast

Why Knowledge Building Matters in Reading Instruction (with Natalie Wexler)

May 8, 2026·27 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

“We’ve been making reading and writing harder for kids than they need to be.” —Natalie Wexler   Systematic phonics instruction is essential, but it's not enough to ensure strong reading outcomes. In this episode of The Orton-Gillingham Podcast, education journalist and author Natalie Wexler joins us to discuss the vital role of background knowledge in reading instruction, why students struggle when it’s overlooked in lesson planning, and how educators can most effectively integrate knowledge building into their daily practice.   Subscribe to our newsletter! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/S9onxP7/brainspringnewsletter For additional content, please see the links below. Current Open Courses: https://brainspring.com/course-schedule/ Meet with an Ed Consultant: https://outlook.office.com/book/Partn... Website: https://brainspring.com    Keep in Touch! Email: podcast@brainspring.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OrtonGillinghamTraining YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrainspringOrtonGillingham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainspringortongillingham/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrainspringOG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brainspringog LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainspring/ Podbean: https://ortongillingham.podbean.com/

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