Picture learning to read as trying to ride a bike with missing parts. Growing up, Ilearned to recognize words by their "shape" and the context around them, almost like pedaling a bike with one wheel—balancing, coasting, and guessing, but never really able to pick up speed or handle rough terrain.
Other kids got bike lessons that taught them to use both wheels: phonics, which helps you break down the sounds in a word so you can pedal smoothly and keep your balance everywhere you want to go. When I hit unfamiliar words, it was a speed bump or even a brick wall. He had memorized enough "shapes" to get by on smooth roads (like class discussions or spelling basic words), but new words or technical terms could send him wobbling.
Eventually, I figured out ways to rebuild his reading bike—using tools like audiobooks, technology, practice, and asking for help when needed. Now, he reminds listeners it’s totally normal to need repairs or support on your reading journey. You’re not broken if you struggle; you just might need a new tool, a better set of wheels, or some patience as you upgrade your ride.
The takeaway: don’t stress if you still stumble. Everyone can learn to ride, and there are more ways than ever to reach your destination in one piece.
Enjoy the episode!
YouTube: youtu.be/JjVf0XMSbpA
Show Notes: TheSocialChameleon.Show/faked-reading
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Highlights From The Episode:
1. Whole Word Method vs. Phonics—And Why It Matters. I explain how the “whole word” (or 3Q) method left him memorizing word shapes instead of sounding them out. He didn’t struggle with simple reading, but every new or unfamiliar word felt like a wall. Ever wondered why you’ve tripped over a word you “should” know? It might be your school’s reading method, not you.
2. School Smarts Don’t Always Mean Reading Confidence Despite top test scores, I describe sweating through class reading, dodging book assignments, and depending on class discussions or friends to make it through. If you or your kids perform well but freeze on reading tasks, you’ll find a lot that resonates here.
3. Tools Aren’t Cheating—They’re Pathways From Google pronunciation buttons to Kindle’s read-aloud feature, technology unlocked learning in ways old-school teaching never did. Today, I amn’t ashamed to use every tool at my disposal, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.
4. Ditch the Shame, Embrace the Curiosity. I spent years holding back questions and hiding challenges. I talk plainly about letting go of shame, asking for help, and even practicing reading out loud (yes, on the podcast!). The shift? Stop clinging to stories like “I can’t read.” Start choosing and practicing new beliefs.
5. The Hidden Upside: Listening as a Superpower. Not reading forced me to build sharp listening and conversation skills. I wasn’t reading; however, I was paying attention, and that ended up shaping how he learns now.
✨ Weekly Challenge ✨
Find something you’re struggling with—maybe it’s reading, math, or anything else you feel “bad at.” Then, ask yourself: are you truly bad at it, or do you just need a better tool or approach to cut through the friction? Look honestly at any beliefs you’ve adopted, like “I’m not a good reader” or “I’m terrible at math.” Is it time for a software upgrade, meaning a mindset or method shift?
You don’t need to aim for world-class; if you can move from a level 2 to a 5, that’s a solid improvement. Build enough skill to ask good questions, understand the basics, and avoid getting taken advantage of or lost. If you hit a wall and know this skill isn’t your strong suit, that’s the time to consider getting outside help or outsourcing. The point is to get competent enough, then decide where to focus deeper effort.
The Takeaway: Challenge your beliefs, find friction points, seek better tools, and get honest about when you should learn more versus when you should lean on others.
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
If you want to go down that rabbit hole, or need help for yourself or a child.
The Reading League – “What is the Science of Reading?” (good, clear definition for parents and educators): https://www.thereadingleague.org/what-is-the-science-of-reading/
- National Center on Improving Literacy – Science of Reading hub (short parent‑friendly explanations, videos, FAQs):
- NWEA – “The science of reading explained” (nice overview article):
- Wikipedia overview – “Science of reading” (for listeners who want the more technical background and the “simple view of reading”):
APM Reports: Sold a Story podcast (for the backstory on how popular programs ignored this science and how states are reacting):
- New reading laws sweep the nation following Sold a Story
- At a Loss for Words: How a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers
- Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong (Podcast Series)
- https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/
- Want to discuss Sold a Story? This discussion guide, created by a teacher, invites educators, parents, community members and kids to have a conversation about the podcast. https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/discussion-guide/
- Article on states banning three‑cueing (shows the policy shift you’re talking about):
- EdWeek article on states taking aim at cueing:
Phonics Programs and Resources
Logic of English Strong phonics foundation. Originally for kids, widely used by adults relearning decoding.
Toe by Toe Very popular for older children and adults. Step-by-step phonics. Slow, effective, no shame.
Biographies of Successful Business People (Dyson, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Founders Podcast)
I encourage seeking out books or podcasts about renowned founders as a way to quickly gain decades’ worth of distilled business knowledge.
- The Founders Podcast is the best podcast resource for biographies of people who have stood the test of time. David Senra
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