The hottest Literacy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

Why College Students Can't Read Books

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Literacy Curriculum Teaching Methods Higher education
  1. Many college freshmen have never read a whole book, which surprises their professors. This shows a gap in reading experience among students entering college.
  2. Curricula like Common Core focus more on articles and excerpts rather than full books. This might not prepare students well for the demands of college reading.
  3. There is a lot of discussion about why this is happening, but Common Core isn't often mentioned as a reason. It suggests that the structure of education could be contributing to the problem.

Not the Right Kind of Provocation

Freddie deBoer • 5971 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🚌 Education Pedagogy Literacy Education reform Equity
  1. In education, there's a big debate about the best way to teach reading. Some say phonics is better, but it's not as clear cut as people think.
  2. Many believe that teaching methods can completely change students' success, but individual talent and background often play a bigger role in how well they do.
  3. The media and education discussions often ignore important questions about ability differences among students, focusing instead on minor teaching method fights.

The unexpected luxury of my local library

Jeff Giesea • 678 implied HN points • 01 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literacy Community Arts Education Public spaces
  1. Local libraries can be really nice places to relax and read, with comfy seating and a peaceful atmosphere. If you haven't been to your library in a while, it's worth checking out!
  2. Libraries are better than coffee shops for working or studying because they are quiet and free. You can enjoy a calm space without having to buy overpriced drinks.
  3. Getting a library card can save you a lot of money. You can borrow books for free and explore new titles without spending anything.

America's Internal Brain Drain

The Permanent Problem • 15 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🚌 Education Literacy Cognition Reading AI Impact Curriculum
  1. There's a growing concern that American students are struggling with basic reading and writing skills. Many students can't handle complex texts, which affects their ability to think critically.
  2. The shift away from deep reading and literature in schools, combined with distractions like TV and smartphones, is hurting our literacy. This decline in reading habits might be making society less capable overall.
  3. As more students lean on AI tools to do their thinking for them, there's a risk that they won't realize their potential. Learning requires effort, and using AI in the wrong way could stunt their cognitive growth.

The BIG GUIDE to teaching LITTLE PEOPLE how to sound out words

The Intrinsic Perspective • 7162 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🚌 Education Teaching Parenting Literacy Child development Learning methods
  1. Teaching kids to read can be done much faster at home than in traditional schools. A few minutes of one-on-one tutoring each day can help them start reading within a year.
  2. Many current reading methods are too complicated for young kids. It’s better to make learning fun and game-like instead of following strict rules and lessons.
  3. The process of teaching reading should begin with simple sounds and slowly progress to full sentences, focusing on what interests the child. This makes reading enjoyable and engaging.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

On Bonfire Night

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 449 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading Writing Renaissance Literacy
  1. Reading and literacy are changing, and many people seem less interested in understanding where their information comes from. This could mean we're heading back to a time when knowledge is just for a few elite people instead of everyone.
  2. Our relationship with reading might be vital right now, especially in a world filled with distractions. We should focus on the best literature and ideas to maintain the depth of our reading experience.
  3. It's important to share the value of reading with others. Like early believers sharing their faith, we must show people how reading has transformed our lives and encourage them to experience that too.

Bringing the science of learning to parent night

The Bell Ringer • 79 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🚌 Education Parenting Teaching Learning Literacy Child development
  1. Many teachers believe that parents are not involved enough in their children's education. They feel that more engagement from families could lead to better support for students.
  2. Parents want to learn how to help their kids succeed in school, especially through understanding learning science. This can strengthen the partnership between parents and teachers.
  3. Schools are starting to share effective learning strategies with parents, like metacognition and retrieval practices, which can help kids study better and improve their overall learning experience.

Quick Advice on Writing Essays

Niko McCarty • 399 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Teaching Essays Literacy
  1. Start your essay with a focused idea. Make sure it's specific enough to explore and not too broad.
  2. Outline your essay and list the questions you want to answer. This helps you stay organized and focused on what you need to research.
  3. Research answers to your questions one at a time, then compile your findings into a structured essay. This makes writing easier and clearer.

The evening class institute

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Literacy Course design
  1. Evening classes can be a mixed bag, with some students really passionate but also a bit much at times. It's important to balance enthusiasm with respect for the class and the teacher.
  2. Some students have a tendency to show off their knowledge or manage the classroom, which can be distracting. Teachers usually know what they're doing, and students should give them space to lead.
  3. Despite some annoying personalities, adult education classes are a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet interesting people. The overall experience can be really rewarding.

It's 1178 BCE and the Bronze Age Has Never Looked Stronger. No, I Won't Lift My Eyes to the Horizon Right Now

The Chatner • 1218 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Literacy
  1. Bronze was a key material in the Bronze Age, highly valued for its durability and versatility.
  2. Linear A script was highly effective for communication and widespread literacy in ancient civilizations.
  3. The strength and stability of various empires and civilizations during the Bronze Age are highlighted.

On unproductive struggle

Rebecca Birch - On Education • 511 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🚌 Education Teaching Strategies Literacy Writing Skills Student Engagement
  1. Productive struggle is a methodology in mathematics to enhance conceptual understanding.
  2. In the field of English, there are practices that lead to unproductive struggle, like cold writes and advising students to only write about what they know.
  3. Group work can be beneficial, but jigsaw teaching might hinder rigorous quality control or understanding checks.

Reading as a warning light

Theory Matters • 25 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Education Literacy Culture
  1. Many adults don't read for pleasure anymore, and literacy rates are declining. This affects young people the most, with few kids enjoying reading or owning books.
  2. Reading long texts helps us think deeply and reflect on our ideas. Without it, we risk becoming shallow thinkers who can't fully understand complex issues.
  3. The decline in reading is a sign of bigger problems in society. We need to figure out why reading and thinking critically matter for our democracy and lives.

Notebook: (2) Classroom Libraries

Book Post • 314 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🚌 Education Curriculum Reading Libraries Literacy Pedagogy
  1. New legislation is being introduced to protect library collections from political interference.
  2. Efforts are being made to provide free books and support for restricted books through private initiatives.
  3. There is a debate over teaching methods in early childhood education, with concerns about prioritizing 'Science of Reading' and its impact on student-directed reading and diverse classroom libraries.

How to Get Kids Reading More Books

The Analog Family • 319 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🚌 Education Reading Literacy Child development Parenting Books
  1. Kids are reading less because of distractions like smartphones and a focus on analytical approaches in school. It's important for them to enjoy reading whole books to gain emotional connections and confidence.
  2. Setting up an environment full of books helps encourage reading. Having books available everywhere can make reading more appealing to kids.
  3. Parents should model reading habits. When kids see their parents reading, they may be more inclined to pick up a book themselves and find enjoyment in it.

What We Lost and Never Knew

Risk Musings • 916 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
💾 History Discovery Knowledge Survival Inventions Literacy
  1. Over the course of human history, a vast amount of knowledge and discovery has been lost due to the limited opportunities for people to pursue and share their ideas.
  2. Many brilliant individuals throughout history may have gone unrecognized and their innovative ideas lost, as they were focused primarily on survival rather than creativity and exploration.
  3. Today, we are fortunate to live in a time where access to resources like food, water, and shelter, along with advancements in medicine and technology, allow more individuals to focus on creativity and sharing ideas.

What Was Literacy?

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literacy Communication Education History
  1. Literacy used to be a way for smart people to communicate and verify knowledge, but now, with technology like computers and videos, many can learn without reading at all.
  2. The rise of emojis and podcasts shows that people are more interested in visual and audio communication than traditional reading, making literacy less important in today's society.
  3. As literacy fades, we might lose a sense of culture and shared storytelling, but it’s possible that new ways of learning and sharing experiences will emerge instead.

The Art of Emails

Niko McCarty • 79 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🚌 Education Writing Skills Communication Professional development Literacy Self-Improvement
  1. Cold emails are powerful tools for making connections. They show you are proactive and really want to connect with someone.
  2. Writing cold emails can improve your writing skills. It helps you think clearly about what you want to say and how to say it to the right person.
  3. When writing, treat it like you're emailing one person. This helps you focus and makes it easier to express your ideas simply.

The science of reading, a sense of urgency

The Bell Ringer • 119 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🚌 Education STEM Literacy
  1. Schools need to focus on what really helps students learn. It's important to prioritize the most effective methods for teaching reading.
  2. There is a pressing need to improve education practices based on solid research. Educators should act quickly to implement what works best.
  3. Understanding how reading works can lead to better teaching strategies. This knowledge can help create a better learning environment for all students.

13 Medium Publications That Can Nominate Your Stories for A Boost

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 419 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🚌 Education Writing Publishing Literacy Content creation Online Platforms
  1. Medium has a Boost Program where selected stories get more exposure. This is great for writers who want their work to be seen by more people.
  2. There are 62 Community Nominators who can suggest stories for Boosting. Joining the right publications can help writers get their stories nominated.
  3. Writers can reach out to specific Medium publications to get their stories reviewed and potentially Boosted. Each publication has its own focus, so it's important to match your story with the right one.

Two Upcoming Workshops

Nice Try • 79 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🚌 Education Workshops Writing Literacy Publishing Creative Arts
  1. There are two writing workshops coming up in New York City. One is a ten-week course for intermediate and advanced writers, and the other is a three-day intensive for novel writing.
  2. The ten-week workshop will help writers improve their skills from individual sentences to complete stories. It costs $550 and runs from May 7 to July 9.
  3. The three-day workshop focuses on editing and finalizing a complete manuscript. It costs $1800 and will take place on August 16-18.

Does cursive writing offer educational benefits over printing?

The Science of Learning • 119 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🚌 Education Literacy Curriculum Writing Research Child development
  1. Handwriting, whether cursive or printing, is better than typing for young kids. It helps them with spelling, letter recognition, and memory.
  2. There is no solid proof that cursive writing is better for cognitive skills than printing. Both styles seem to be pretty equal in benefits.
  3. The claims about cursive writing being more helpful for critical thinking or expression are not supported by research. It's important for kids to practice any handwriting to become fluent.

Coming soon: The Novice Issue

The Bell Ringer • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🚌 Education Learning Teaching Literacy Training Tutoring
  1. A new issue called 'The Novice Issue' is coming soon for subscribers. It's likely to focus on beginners in a certain topic.
  2. The author encourages readers to think about their own experiences of learning something new. This could help tutors connect with their students.
  3. Subscribers can try a 7-day free trial to access more content and support the publication. It's a good way to explore what the author offers.

Start the week #85: Circularity

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 7 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching Literacy Technology Economics
  1. Starting a new career can come from a need to adapt to changing job markets. It's important to explore new opportunities when your current field seems uncertain.
  2. Learning new skills is crucial, and sometimes it takes the help of others to succeed. Getting guidance from colleagues can make a big difference.
  3. Connections made in the past can lead back to new opportunities. You might meet people again who can help you progress in your career.

Recent Notes...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 7 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🚌 Education Literacy Critical Thinking Philosophy Cultural Studies Theory
  1. C.P. Snow's The Two Cultures highlights the divide between the sciences and humanities. Learning more about both can make anyone smarter.
  2. John Ganz is an example of a hardworking person who could benefit from understanding the ideas in Snow's work.
  3. The goal of sharing this information is to help readers become smarter and enhance their understanding of important cultural concepts.

AI Is Coming For Your Children

Shatter Zone • 25 HN points • 20 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Children's Books Literacy Artificial Intelligence
  1. Con-men are using AI to flood Kindle with low-quality children's books, which might harm childhood literacy.
  2. AI-written e-books are increasing on platforms like Amazon, enabling rapid production and plagiarism.
  3. AI-generated children's books, lacking empathy and coherence in story and illustrations, may negatively impact young readers' literacy and empathy development.

Use Simple Language

Rational Dino’s Substack • 2 HN points • 26 Mar 24
🚌 Education Communication Literacy Teaching Language Public Speaking
  1. Using simple language helps people understand you better. When we use complicated words and sentences, many might not get what we're saying.
  2. Many successful publications and companies use simple language. This makes it easier for everyone to read and enjoy their content, which leads to more people engaging with it.
  3. Improving communication skills takes practice. Using readability tools can help you simplify what you write, making it clearer and more accessible for others.