Join host Dr. Kathryn Garforth on the latest episode of the Right to Read Initiative as she sits down with Elise Lovejoy, the founder of Express Readers, to delve into foundational reading skills and the creation of decodable books for young learners. Elise, a seasoned educator and parent, shares her personal journey, enriched by her experience with a neurodiverse family member, and how it has shaped her empathetic approach to teaching. Together, they discuss the transformative power of phonics and the critical role of connecting with students, especially those with neurodiverse backgrounds. Tune in to understand the importance of phonemic awareness, the use of "pseudo words," and the differences in communication styles when teaching young children versus educators. Elise reveals her path from creating classroom resources to establishing a successful business, overcoming challenges with inspiration from significant educational research. She stresses the need for continuous learning, teacher support, and resource availability, advocating for a systemic shift towards phonetically systematic education methods. This episode is filled with valuable insights on the necessity of adaptable teaching practices, the benefits of decodable books, and practical strategies for fostering student engagement in reading. Discover the importance of building trust with students, leveraging collaboration among educators, and the power of personalized education to meet the unique needs of every child. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or passionate about literacy, this episode offers profound discussions and actionable advice to enhance reading education practices.