what is the science of reading
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What Is The Science of Reading? A Comprehensive Guide For Beginners

ByNatalie

Early elementary teachers know the importance of teaching their students the foundational skills of learning to read. In my school district, we use a structured literacy curriculum based on the Science of Reading. I have found the results to be nothing short of incredible.

Our students no longer look at the pictures and guess what the words say. They are decoding words by implementing phonics skills that have been explicitly taught. I have also noticed a significant improvement in my students’ writing since we are intentional about linking reading and writing – giving students guided practice and spiral review as phonics skills become more complex.

Key Takeaways Ahead:

Learning to read is one of the most important skills in life, but it’s not something we’re born knowing how to do. The process is complex, and understanding the “science of reading” can make a big difference in how we approach teaching it. This research-backed framework helps us understand how our brains process written language and how we can use that knowledge to help students of all ages become better readers.

What Is the Science of Reading?

Think of the science of reading as the roadmap to literacy. It’s a body of research that shows how people learn to read, what key skills they need, and how those skills develop over time. 

This research focuses on the importance of systematically teaching areas like phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. And trust me, having a clear understanding of these components is the first step to making a real impact on any student’s reading journey.

what is the science of reading

How Our Brains Learn to Read

Reading isn’t something our brains are naturally wired to do. Unlike speaking, which we pick up as babies, reading involves “rewiring” our brains to make sense of written language. There are a few key areas of the brain involved in reading:

  • The Visual Word Form Area (VWFA) helps us recognize letters and words.
  • Phonological Processing Centers allow us to match sounds with letters.
  • Semantic Networks help us understand the meaning of words and the context they’re used in.

When kids are taught reading skills in a clear, systematic way, it helps create strong connections between these brain areas, allowing them to move from simply sounding out words to really understanding what they’re reading.

5 Essential Skills Every Reader Needs

According to the science of reading, there are five core skills that kids need to develop in order to become strong readers:

  1. Phonemic Awareness: This is all about hearing and working with the sounds in words. For example, recognizing that the first sound in “cat” is /k/ is a key phonemic awareness skill.
  2. Phonics: Phonics teaches kids how to match letters with their sounds, so they can “decode” words when they read.
  3. Fluency: Once children can read smoothly and with expression, it’s easier for them to focus on understanding the text instead of getting stuck on individual words.
  4. Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary helps kids make sense of what they read. The more words they know, the better they can understand a story or piece of information.
  5. Comprehension: This is the ultimate goal of reading—being able to understand, interpret, and think critically about what they’ve read.

Effective Strategies for Teaching Reading

So, how do we help kids develop these skills? The science of reading points to a few key strategies that can make all the difference:

  • Explicit instruction: This means directly teaching things like phonics and phonemic awareness, step by step.
  • Systematic progression: Start with the basics and build from there. For example, teach simple letter-sound combinations first, then move on to more complex concepts.
  • Multisensory learning: Combining visual, auditory, and hands-on activities (like using letter tiles or tapping out sounds) can really help kids, especially those who struggle with reading.
  • Targeted interventions: Regular assessments help identify kids who are struggling early on, so they can get the support they need.
what is the science of reading

The Reading Debate: Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy

In recent years, there has been a lot of debate among educational professionals about how to teach reading. Should we focus more on exposure to rich, engaging books and writing activities (balanced literacy), or should we focus more on direct, explicit instruction in phonics and other foundational skills (structured literacy)? Research supports the structured literacy approach, especially for kids who have trouble learning to read.

Why the Science of Reading Matters

Illiteracy isn’t just a personal struggle – it has wide-reaching effects on society, from limiting career options to affecting health and community involvement. As educators, we have a duty to instruct our students to the best of our ability. The science of reading is a practical guide to teaching reading in a way that works. 

When we apply these principles, we can help kids not only learn to read but thrive as lifelong learners. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or someone who wants to see a more literate society, understanding how reading works is the key to making a lasting impact.

Next Steps For Teaching the Science of Reading

If you’re looking for expertly-designed, classroom-tested Science of Reading resources to support your current reading curriculum, I’ve got you covered!

I’ve taught grades K-2 for over 30 years. My school district uses the UFLI Foundations structured literacy program, and I’ve developed dozens of UFLI Foundations Aligned resources to go along with it. Not only do all of my grade-level teammates use (and love!) my resources, but so do hundreds of other teachers. 

Want to test out a few Science of Reading freebies? Grab some today!

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