Before They Read or Write, Let Them Speak Their Story

The provided article by Greg Twemlow introduces a confidence-based approach to early literacy, prioritising a child's experience of being heard before formal reading or writing instruction. Twemlow argues that literacy begins when a child's story elicits a joyful response from an audience, fostering confidence that makes reading and writing desirable tools rather than daunting tasks. The "Reading Confidence Accelerator" (RCA) workshop and a "KISS Starter Kit" are presented as practical methods for parents and communities to implement this, involving a short, joyful ritual of children presenting tiny stories in their home language, gradually incorporating English. This approach, supported by tools like a "Book of Presentations" and "Fridge Gallery," aims to address declining reading proficiency and build a child's sense of agency and belonging through repeated positive experiences with language. The author highlights the importance of this method for bilingual children and those struggling with traditional schooling, asserting that listening and celebrating a child's voice can significantly impact their life trajectory. Read the article.About the Author - Greg Twemlow writes and teaches at the intersection of technology, education, and human judgment. He works with educators and businesses to make AI explainable and assessable in classrooms and boardrooms — to ensure AI users show their process and own their decisions. His cognition protocol, the Context & Critique Rule™, is built on a three-step process: Evidence → Cognition → Discernment — a bridge from what’s scattered to what’s chosen. Context & Critique → Accountable AI™. © 2025 Greg Twemlow. “Context & Critique → Accountable AI” and “Context & Critique Rule” are unregistered trademarks (™).