Structured Literacy: A Simple and Effective Approach to Teaching Reading
By Lindsey Vicknair Senior Literacy Content & Training Specialist of The Center for Literacy & Learning
Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading that simplifies the complex process of literacy acquisition. This method benefits all learners at any level. Let’s break down the key components of structured literacy and explore how its simplicity can lead to effective reading instruction for all students.
Understanding the Core Components of Structured Literacy:
- Phonological Awareness: The ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of spoken language.
- Phonics: Teaching the relationships between letters and sounds.
- Fluency: Developing reading fluency through practice and accuracy.
- Vocabulary: Expanding a student’s word knowledge.
- Comprehension: Teaching reading comprehension skills.
A Step-by-Step Approach: Structured literacy breaks down these components into manageable steps. Teachers follow a systematic and cumulative sequence, introducing each skill before moving on to the next. This step-by-step approach simplifies the learning process and ensures that students have a solid foundation before progressing.
Explicit Instruction: One of the hallmarks of structured literacy is explicit instruction. Teachers are clear and direct in their teaching, leaving no room for confusion. This straightforward method eliminates guesswork and fosters a deep understanding of reading concepts.
Adaptability: Structured literacy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s adaptable to the needs of individual learners. Educators can tailor their instruction to meet the specific requirements of each student, ensuring that everyone can learn at their own pace.
Inclusivity: One of the key benefits of structured literacy is its inclusivity. It is designed to meet the needs of all students, whether they are struggling readers or early learners. The simplicity of its principles allows for effective instruction for every child in the classroom.
Evidence-Based Practices: Structured literacy relies on evidence-based teaching practices. Educators draw from research and best practices to ensure that their methods are proven to be effective. This evidence-based approach simplifies decision-making for teachers.
Aligning with Models and Frameworks: Structured literacy aligns with established models and frameworks, such as Scarborough’s Reading Rope and The Simple View of Reading. These models simplify the complexities of reading, helping educators make sense of the science behind literacy.
Structured literacy offers a simple yet effective approach to teaching reading. By breaking down reading instruction into its core components, providing explicit and adaptable instruction, and relying on evidence-based practices, structured literacy simplifies the process of teaching and learning to read. This approach promotes reading success for all students and is a valuable tool for educators looking to provide effective literacy instruction in their classrooms.
Lindsey Vicknair
Senior Literacy Content & Training Specialist
lindsey@mycll.org
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