Fun Phonics: Toby Johnson's Mission to Revolutionize Children's Reading

In this inspiring episode of Philly Fortune Talks, host Jake Penny sits down with Toby Johnson, an ardent advocate for children's education. Toby's journey is nothing short of remarkable, beginning in Idaho and extending through 13 years in Beijing, ultimately leading him to the University of Pennsylvania. With a passion ignited by the science of reading movement and restrictive educational policies in China, Toby has dedicated himself to enhancing children's literacy.

As the architect of the Fun Phonics program, Toby has developed a comprehensive online curriculum featuring over 275 Lexile-level decodable e-books, designed to guide students from their ABCs to grade 4 reading fluency. In this episode, Toby shares his experiences volunteering in West Philadelphia schools and the transformative power of phonics and decodable books in children's education.

Key Points:

• Toby's background and journey from Idaho to Beijing and the University of Pennsylvania.
• The development and impact of the Fun Phonics program.
• The challenges and successes of teaching phonics in diverse educational settings.
• The future of education with advancements in AI and personalized learning.
• Insights on financial planning and maintaining a sustainable educational program.
• Toby's advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in children's literacy.

Guest Bio: Toby Johnson is a passionate advocate for children's literacy with over 15 years of experience in the field. He has worked extensively in both China and the United States, developing innovative reading programs that focus on phonics and decodable books. Toby is currently involved in tutoring and continues to expand his online curriculum to reach children globally.

Follow us:

• Follow us on social media and leave a rating and review to support Philly Fortune Talks.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Ready to Share Your Story? If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur from the Philadelphia area and you're ready to inspire and connect with like-minded professionals, we'd love to hear from you. Fill out our brief questionnaire and book a time for your interview here (https://phillyfortunetalks.com/guest).

Let's make something great together. Philly's finest, this is your spot to shine on "Philly Fortune Talks!"