What is the Science of Reading & Why is it Important?
Teach, Read, Succeed: Ask the Expert
The Science of Reading refers to the evidence and information that we have about how learning to read happens.
What is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading refers to the research that we have about how children learn to read and write. Information about different instructional practices provides information about how people learn to read, and how to effectively teach the skills that are related to reading.
Why is this important?
Oral language, or speech, is learned by hearing. Babies and young children learn how to talk by hearing the people around them talk and read to them. However, reading must be taught. Children will not learn how to read from simply being read to. Rather, instruction that is explicit - teaches the sounds and the components related to reading (more on that in a second!) and systematic, meaning that it is taught in a way that makes sense, for example children need to know the letter sounds before they can blend them together to decode words.
Components of Reading Instruction
Phonemic Awareness
Phonemic awareness refers to the spoken parts of language. Phonemes are the smallest parts of language (think of letter sounds!). Phonemic awareness is the ability to break apart the sounds in words, change them, and manipulate them. This skill is used for reading and spelling.
Phonics
Phonics is connecting spoken sounds to letters and spelling patterns. This is important for readers to be able to look at letters and know and say the sounds, in order to be able to blend sounds to read words, or to produce the letters that spell sounds when writing.
Fluency
Fluency refers to the rate and expression of reading. Young readers who are focused on decoding will not be able to read as fluently as someone who has been reading for years, if their effort is spent on decoding (sounding out) the words.
If a reader is not reading fluently when we expect them to, it typically indicates that foundational skills need more practice, and an analysis of the foundational skills can help to determine what needs to be practiced.
Vocabulary
In order to understand what is being read, you have to know the meaning of the words, or the vocabulary. A child may be able to decode complex words, but without understanding their meaning, they will not be able to comprehend, which is the goal of reading.
Comprehension
Comprehension is the goal of reading. When all of the components of reading work together, a child is able to understand and make sense of what they have read.
Why does the Science of Reading Matter?
Using evidence based instruction, or practices that have been proven to effectively teach reading, will help children to become confident, skilled readers - who are able to read with comprehension and write.
Are you interested in learning more about the components of reading? Check out our Building Blocks for Confident Readers checklist here! You’ll find a breakdown of the skills needed to become a confident reader, and tips for practicing them!
Brittany is a teacher and reading specialist, fueled by her passions in teaching and supporting families. She supports families whether from birth through childhood.
Contact Courageous Moments to learn how she can help you and your child on your child’s reading journey.