Which Method Is Better For Kids Learning How To Read: Science of Reading or Balanced Literacy?
When it comes to kids learning how to read, there’s been an ongoing debate about the best approach. Two major methods often come up: the Science of Reading (SoR) and Balanced Literacy (BL).
While both aim to help students become strong readers, they go about it in very different ways. Let’s break down these two approaches to understand their key differences – and how they can impact your classroom.
Plus, I’ll share my personal experience with the Science of Reading and provide some FREE resources to get you started.
Key Takeaways Ahead:
- The Science of Reading – Key Features, Pros, Cons
- Balanced Literacy – Key Features, Pros, Cons
- Which Approach Works Best For Kids Learning How To Read?
- My Personal Experience
- Getting Started With The Science of Reading
- FREE Teaching Resources
- Other Structured Literacy Recommendations
The Science of Reading (SoR)
The Science of Reading is backed by decades of research in areas like cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and education. It’s all about using a structured, evidence-based approach to teaching reading.
Key Features:
- Explicit Phonics Instruction: SoR emphasizes systematic phonics, where students learn exactly how letters make sounds and how these sounds come together to form words.
- Structured Literacy: It takes a step-by-step approach, starting with the basics like phonemic awareness and word recognition, then building up from there.
- Focus on the ‘Reading Rope’: Hollis Scarborough’s Reading Rope model shows how different skills like word recognition and language comprehension combine to create skilled readers.
- Data-Driven Instruction: Teachers regularly assess students to pinpoint their needs and adjust lessons accordingly.
- Decoding Before Meaning: In SoR, kids first learn how to decode words fluently. Once they’ve mastered that, they can focus on understanding what they’re reading.
Pros:
- Backed by a lot of research, making it especially effective for struggling readers or students with dyslexia.
- Provides clear, straightforward guidelines for instruction.
Cons:
- Critics say it can sometimes put too much focus on mechanics and not enough on fostering a love for reading.
- Some teachers find it a bit rigid compared to more flexible methods.
Balanced Literacy (BL)
Balanced Literacy takes a different approach, blending some phonics instruction with a bigger focus on reading and writing in real-world contexts. The goal is to make reading enjoyable and meaningful for students.
Key Features:
- Integration of Reading and Writing: Kids read and write every day, often choosing their own books and writing topics to keep them engaged.
- Guided and Independent Reading: Teachers lead small-group guided reading sessions, but there’s also plenty of time for independent reading at the student’s level.
- Less Structured Phonics Instruction: Phonics is included, but it’s embedded into overall literacy activities instead of being taught explicitly step by step.
- Whole-Language Influence: BL leans on the whole-language approach, which prioritizes meaning and context over isolated skills like phonics.
- Teacher Autonomy: Teachers have more flexibility to choose materials and adapt lessons to their students’ needs.
Pros:
- Encourages a love of reading by giving kids the freedom to explore different genres and texts.
- Promotes student choice and ownership in their learning journey.
- Creates a rich literacy environment.
Cons:
- Critics argue that it’s too unstructured for students who struggle with reading, possibly leaving gaps in their phonics skills.
- It might not give enough attention to the foundational skills some students need.
Which Approach Works Best For Kids Learning How To Read?
The truth is, it depends on your students. For those who are struggling or have learning challenges, the structured approach of the Science of Reading often works better. But for students who are already proficient readers or thrive in a more flexible environment, Balanced Literacy can be more engaging.
Ultimately, many teachers find success by blending both approaches – taking the best of both worlds to create a well-rounded literacy program. The key is understanding the differences, knowing the science behind each, and making informed decisions to meet your students where they are.
My Personal Experience
Personally, my school district has adopted the UFLI Foundations curriculum over the past few years. These structured literacy methods have helped my second graders thrive – they’re actually decoding new words using phonics skills I explicitly taught. No more looking at the pictures and guessing what the words say.
I have loved teaching the Science of Reading methods so much that I dedicated the past three years to developing high-quality, engaging resources to use alongside the UFLI Foundations curriculum.
They’re perfect for small group instruction, centers, differentiation, and quick activities for additional practice.
Getting Started With The Science of Reading
If you’re interested in testing out the Science of Reading teaching methods in your own elementary classroom, check out my store! I’ve got dozens of engaging literacy activities for grades PreK-5.
FAQ: “Do I have to use the UFLI Foundations curriculum to try your Science of Reading resources?”
NO. I design literacy activities that can be used as a supplement to any reading program.
FAQ: “Are your resources part of the UFLI Foundations program?”
NO. None of my resources are affiliated with UFLI or can be found in their program. I have simply developed fun classroom activities for my students to use as a supplement to the curriculum.
FREE Teaching Resources For Kids Learning How To Read
I am so passionate about spreading the word about the Science of Reading teaching methods. I know you’ll experience the same outstanding results that I (and thousands of other teachers) have.
Want to try before you buy? Here are three popular Science of Reading FREEBIES that you can try today – just print and go!
