Why Is The Science of Reading Important? 4 Reasons To Teach Structured Literacy In Your Classroom

If you’re like most early elementary teachers, you already know the immense responsibility of teaching kids to read. But here’s the thing – it’s not just about handing them a book and hoping they’ll catch on. It’s about knowing the how behind reading instruction, and that’s where the Science of Reading comes in.

As a K-2 teacher of 30+ years, I’ve watched the pendulum swing between many instructional strategies. For the past three years, my school district has been using a structured literacy program based on the Science of Reading. I can confidently report that our students are thriving – accurately and confidently reading grade-level texts due to explicit instruction. 

So today, I’m sharing key information on why the Science of Reading is important and how you can get started teaching structured literacy (even if your district curriculum isn’t). Plus, grab some no-prep Science of Reading FREEBIES to use in your classroom today!

Key Takeaways Ahead:

• What is the Science of Reading?
• The Core Components
• 4 Reasons To Implement Structured Literacy In Your Classroom
• Next Steps for Teaching the Science of Reading

What is the Science of Reading?

Think of it as a reading teacher’s best-kept secret (but I’m here to share!). It’s the research-backed roadmap for teaching reading in a way that actually works. We’re talking decades of studies in neuroscience, linguistics, and psychology that explain how the brain learns to read and the most effective methods for teaching literacy. And trust me, once you start using these techniques, you’ll see real results in your students.

Some other terms you might hear in place of “Science of Reading” are structured literacy and evidence-based reading. Both of these terms refer to the same instructional approach as the Science of Reading.

The Core Components

To break it down, the Science of Reading is built around five essential skills:

• Phonemic Awareness: This is all about helping kids hear and play with the sounds in words.
• Phonics: Matching those sounds to letters – basically, teaching them how to crack the code.
• Fluency: It’s not just about speed, it’s about reading smoothly so kids can really dive into a text.
• Vocabulary: A bigger vocab means better comprehension, so the more words, the better.
• Comprehension: This is the endgame – getting kids to understand what they read, think critically, and even make connections.

By focusing on these skills, we’re giving our students everything they need to go from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”

For a deep-dive on this topic, check out my “Science of Reading Comprehensive Guide for New Teachers” (plus, grab a few FREE resources to use in your classroom while you’re there!). 

4 Reasons To Implement Structured Literacy in Your Classroom

Let’s break down the 4 key reasons I recommend using structured literacy strategies in your classroom:

1. You Can Catch Learning Gaps Early
   We all know how crucial those early years are. If a student struggles with reading in the first few grades, they’re likely to fall behind in other subjects. By using the Science of Reading techniques, we can spot gaps early and give students the support they need before things snowball.
2. Structured Literacy Techniques Work for All Students
   Whether your class is full of kids who have been read to since birth or those who are just now getting that exposure, these strategies work across the board. They’re especially helpful for students with dyslexia or other learning differences. I’ve personally seen my diverse groups of second graders thrive over the years of implementing structured literacy techniques.
3. Structured Literacy Gives Us Clear Direction
   We’ve all been there – trying to decide between competing literacy programs and methods. Do you go with the one that focuses on a love of reading or the one that drills phonics? The Science of Reading shows us that we don’t have to choose. Both approaches are vital, and this framework integrates them seamlessly. Stick around for some expertly-designed, classroom-tested Science of Reading FREEBIES to try today.
4. The Science of Reading Empowers Teachers With Knowledge
   Teaching can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like we’re being pulled in a million directions. But when you lean into this research, you know you’re using strategies that are proven to work. No more second-guessing!

The Science of Reading isn’t just another buzzword – it’s a game-changer in literacy instruction. With this evidence-based approach, you can help every student in your classroom not only learn to read, but love to read. 

Next Steps For Teaching the Science of Reading

If you’re ready to dive into the Science of Reading, here’s where to start:

• Get some professional development under your belt. It’s worth it.
• Make sure your curriculum is aligned with this research (or supplement if you need to – my resources work great for this approach).
• Use data to drive instruction and give students personalized support.
• Share these principles with parents—they can make a world of difference at home, too.

Need some 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!