3/19/2024

S2E5 How Social Media Can Boost the Science of Reading With Jessica Farmer

“I focus on foundational reading skills and writing skills because that foundation is where everything begins.”

—Jessica Farmer

35 minutes

What role can social media play in advancing the science of reading movement?

Recorded live during Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning 2024 in New Orleans, host Dr. Liz Brooke sits down with literacy influencer Jessica Farmer to discuss how social media provides an effective platform for transferring data-backed practices to educators, administrators, and parents. A former first grade teacher, Farmer shares actionable activities and tips with more than 300,000 followers on her Farmer Loves Phonics accounts on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Farmer shares how to:

Spot literacy misinformation on social media
Support teachers as they go through rigorous professional learning while also teaching
Use evidence-based practices at home with children
Make quick changes today in the classroom and see real results
Use social media to complement formal professional learning

In this special All For Literacy episode, listeners at the live recording had the opportunity to ask Farmer specific questions about the role of certain platforms in literacy education and enjoy memorable audience interactions.

Episode Breakdown

(03:07) - Farmer’s journey into education

(05:58) - How the pandemic influenced Farmer’s work on social media

(09:00) - What drew Farmer to advocacy via social media

(09:48) - Who Farmer creates her videos for

(13:31) - Farmer’s favorite resources and accounts

(14:47) - How to spot literacy misinformation on social media

(19:11) - How to support teachers who are going through professional learning

(20:24) - How to bridge the gap between social media video and practice in real life

(24:33) - What excites Farmer the most about the future

(27:25) - Quick changes teachers can make today to see real results

(39:53) - Audience questions

About the Guest

Former first-grade teacher Jessica Farmer runs the popular social media accounts Farmer Loves Phonics. Trained in LETRS for Early Childhood and Comprehensive IMSE Orton-Gillingham, Farmer uses her platform to advocate for the science of reading movement and advance the field of reading instruction.