Exposure Is Not Instruction: How Children Really Learn to Read | Kim Lockhart

In this episode of The Reading Symphony Podcast, Katie talks with Kim Lockhart, literacy educator and teacher trainer, about why exposure alone isn't enough to teach children how to read.Drawing on 25 years of teaching experience, Kim discusses the Science of Reading, structured literacy, the myth of learning styles, and why explicit, evidence-based instruction is essential for struggling readers. They also explore oral language development, French immersion, and practical ways parents and teachers can support children's literacy.About Kim LockhartKim Lockhart, M.Ed., is a Lecturer in Education and Education Consultant with 25 years of experience in French Immersion and Special Education. She specializes in structured literacy, teacher training, and evidence-based reading instruction.Kim Lockhart's LinksSoRticle: Science of Reading Article Discussion Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1183541269592100/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmelockhartlds/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-betts-lockhart-852788249/📩 Join Katie's Email ListGet literacy tips, evidence-based reading resources, and podcast updates.https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/form/M03vMOX9hAn6YOt6J7HNChapters00:00 – Why Teacher Education Needs to Change00:52 – Meet Kim Lockhart02:16 – Why Kim Became Passionate About Teaching Reading03:45 – Bridging the Gap Between Reading Research and Classroom Practice04:50 – What Structured Literacy Looks Like in the Classroom07:09 – How One Teacher Helped Change Literacy Instruction09:26 – Starting a Science of Reading Book Club11:27 – Learning Through Podcasts and Research Articles12:25 – Building a Community of Literacy Educators14:45 – The Gaps in Teacher Education16:07 – Why Reading Research Doesn't Always Reach Teachers17:10 – Turning Research Into Effective Teaching Practice18:30 – The Myth of Learning Styles20:35 – Why Teaching Methods Should Match the Skill22:36 – What Every New Teacher Needs to Learn23:02 – Why Oral Language Is Essential for Literacy25:00 – Speech, Articulation and Language Development26:35 – How Parents Can Develop Children's Oral Language28:20 – Why Correct Pronunciation and Grammar Matter32:15 – Structured Literacy in French Immersion33:45 – Building Language Comprehension in a Second Language36:10 – Why Exposure Is Not Instruction37:50 – Supporting Children Learning a Second Language at Home40:00 – Understanding the Differences Between Languages42:00 – Why Reading Aloud Doesn't Automatically Teach Reading43:00 – The Importance of Everyday Conversations45:30 – Why Independent Reading Isn't Always Enough47:15 – What Parents Should Know About Reading Difficulties48:00 – Why Children Need Intervention, Not More Time#ScienceOfReading #StructuredLiteracy #ReadingInstruction #LiteracyEducation #LearningToRead #OralLanguage #ReadingDifficulties