What is structured literacy instruction?

Structured literacy instruction is an approach to teaching reading and writing that focuses on the foundational skills of language, such as phonology, phonics, morphology, syntax, vocabulary, and comprehension. It is a systematic and explicit method that teaches these skills in a logical and sequential order, building upon each other to develop strong reading and writing abilities. This type of instruction is particularly beneficial for struggling readers and those with dyslexia, as it provides a comprehensive and structured approach to learning language.

What is the science of reading?

The science of reading is a multidisciplinary field that studies how people learn to read and comprehend written language. It draws from areas such as cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and education to understand the complex cognitive processes involved in reading. Researchers in this field investigate various factors that affect reading abilities, such as phonological awareness, vocabulary, syntax, and working memory. The ultimate goal of the science of reading is to improve literacy instruction and promote successful reading outcomes for all individuals.

Why should schools train their teachers in structured literacy?

Schools should train their teachers in structured literacy because it is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading that has been shown to be effective for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Structured literacy instruction focuses on teaching the foundational skills of reading, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding, in a systematic and explicit way. This type of instruction can benefit all students, not just those with reading difficulties, by providing a strong foundation for reading and writing. By training teachers in structured literacy, schools can ensure that all students have access to high-quality reading instruction.

Why is structured literacy essential for all students?

Structured literacy is essential for all students because it provides a systematic and explicit approach to teaching reading and writing skills. This approach ensures that all students, including those with learning differences, have access to the same foundational knowledge and skills necessary for reading and writing success. Structured literacy also emphasizes the connections between spoken and written language, which helps students develop a deeper understanding of language and improves their overall communication skills. By providing a clear and consistent framework for literacy instruction, structured literacy helps students build confidence and achieve academic success.