TextProject president and CEO Elfrieda H. (Freddy) Hiebert blogs about important issues in reading research and practice.
CRA 2026: Reading More, Learning More
October 16, 2026
Presentation PDF from TextProject CEO Dr. Elfrieda Hiebert ‘s keynote presentation at the 2026 California Reading Association virtual conference on October 16 is now available. Related Posts- Reading More, Learning More Blog Series: Building AutomaticiRead More »CRA 2026: Reading More, Learning More
Download PDFBuilding Automaticity Without Putting Meaning on Hold
October 16, 2026
Why texts for foundational skills can also build knowledge. Integrating automaticity with comprehension, TextProject’s text sets allow for rich learning opportunities. Teachers should select texts that foster word recognition and knowledge development.
When Texts Build on One Another
October 16, 2026
From isolated reading experiences to cumulative knowledge. By engaging with related themes across multiple texts, students develop vocabulary, make meaningful connections, and refine their knowledge. This approach fosters deeper comprehension, allowing students to build on what they’ve learned in previous readings for a richer educational experience.
You Can’t Become Automatic at Something You Rarely Do
October 16, 2026
Why reading volume and word distribution matter. High-frequency words dominate texts, limiting exposure to others essential for comprehension. To enhance literacy, students need accessible, engaging texts that offer repeated encounters with various words while receiving targeted foundational skills instruction to decode effectively.
Putting the New Science of Vocabulary to Work in the Classroom
September 30, 2026
This summer, I listened to researcher Dr. Freddy Hiebert present on using AI to support language learning. I was intrigued by her presentation and agreed with her observation that the words selected by curriculum companies often have little to do with one another.
CRA 2026 Keynote – Reading More, Learning More: Making it Happen with Engaging, Knowledge-Rich Text
September 9, 2026
Join TextProject CEO Dr. Elfrieda Hiebert at the 2026 California Reading Association virtual conference October 16-17. Her keynote session focuses on a powerful but often overlooked lever for reading success: increasing reading volume with texts that matter.
The Complexity That Counts: How Word Support Makes Demanding Text Comprehensible
August 25, 2026
Previously, I have suggested that the decline in reading scores might be traced, in part, to mandates requiring students to read primarily complex texts, whether or not they could read them independently. Now my name is on a study reporting that children who read the complex texts came out ahead. This apparent contradiction is resolved by understanding that a.) complexity is not one thing; and b.) word support is crucial.
Back to School Book Giveway
August 21, 2026
TextProject celebrates back to school season with a giveaway of 3 beloved read-alouds featuring stories of new beginnings. For Grades K-1 The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis. There will be times when you walk into a roomRead More »Back to School Book Giveway
For the Love of Literacy Podcast: Freddy Shares Insights on Supporting Reading Automaticity
June 17, 2026
Freddy joins hosts Bruce Hallett and David Ray on the podcast For the Love of Literacy to discuss how we can guide students to reading fluency with intentional, scaffolded texts and networks of words rather than vocabulary lists.
Beyond Reading “Level”: How Small Differences in Vocabulary Demands Affect Reading Success
May 28, 2026
Two new studies suggest an important shift in thinking about beginning reading instruction. “Reading level” alone does not tell us enough about how difficult a text will be for students. The familiarity, frequency, and spelling patterns matter greatly.