Cracking the Code with the Science of Reading
Upon beginning their third grade journey, students and parents often encounter what I like to call “the realization”. It’s a moment early in the year where we all begin to understand that things are a little bit different than they were in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade. After spending their early years learning how to read with phonics, sight words, and simple texts, students enter a year of transition. For many students, this is a welcomed change! They’re ready to get into chapter books, graphic novels, articles, and reference books and are thrilled about tasks requiring them to demonstrate deep understanding of what they’ve read.
However, we know that each child develops at their own pace, so what about the students who aren’t quite ready for the switch from learning to read to reading to learn. Science of Reading (SoR) and evidence-based interventions emerge as a powerful tool, offering a fresh approach to literacy that equips students with the foundational skills they need to succeed. SoR is a research-based framework that has helped us to more fully understand the processes involved in gaining reading skills. It emphasizes the importance of five elements that are essential for learning to read: phonological awareness (knowledge of the sounds we hear and say), phonics (the connection between sounds and the letter symbols that represent them), fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in reading development. At DAA, dedicated time for students to independently practice their reading, writing, and foundational skills - and for teachers to address areas of growth and enrichment - is built into the daily schedule.
For my students who need the support of hands-on, responsive, and clearly-explained support with reading skills, SoR serves as a guiding light. It has allowed me to plan tailored small-group instruction that meets the diverse needs of every student. Students who begin the year believing they can’t read or spell make steady progress and find joy and delight as they grow their abilities to fluently read their favorite books, share directions out loud at the start of class, or spell complex words that seemed impossible in the past! Science of Reading-based literacy instruction empowers every child to become a confident, proficient reader, laying the groundwork for academic success and lifelong love of reading and writing for years to come.