It is said that literacy and language are two sides of the same coin. After all, how can you be literate if you cannot read or write? And how can you read or write if you do not have a firm grasp of language? This is why speech and language are so closely connected to literacy. Part of the reason why early intervention is so important when it comes to literacy is because, if caught early enough, issues with speech and language can be remedied before they have a chance to impact literacy. However, it is also important to remember that prevention is always better than cure.

In today’s episode, I am interviewing the founders of Reading with TLC, Nancy Telian and Penny Costagnozzi. Reading with TLC provides research-based professional development and materials for reading and spelling. She is the author of the internationally acclaimed Lively Letters program, which simultaneously trains the acquisition of phonemic awareness and phonics skills. Nancy has been on a mission with Penny, author of Sight Words You Can See, since 1991 to ensure that literacy is achieved by all.

As you know, I’m a huge supporter of the Lively Letters program and use their resources with my students often. I’m excited to let you hear their story and share with you their take on language and literacy.