· By Jen Jones
A Practical Guide to Understanding Structured Literacy
Why Structured Literacy is Crucial for Young Readers
When it comes to Structured Literacy, the goal is clear: provide systematic, explicit teaching methods to help children decode and read words efficiently.
Here’s why Structured Literacy is essential: - Explicit Instruction: Skills are taught directly and systematically. - Systematic Approach: Follows a planned sequence from simple to complex tasks. - Evidence-Based: Supported by extensive research and data. - Inclusive: Effective for all students, especially those with reading difficulties like dyslexia.
Importance: Structured Literacy addresses the foundational elements necessary for reading success. Each lesson builds directly on previous ones, ensuring no gaps in understanding.
Target Audience: Parents and educators of children aged 4-7 who struggle with basic reading skills.
I'm Jen Jones. With over 30 years of experience in literacy education, I’ve dedicated my career to helping teachers open up the potential of Structured Literacy. From classroom teaching to curriculum development, my mission has always been to ensure every child can read confidently.
Easy Structured Literacy word list: - elements of literacy - cumulative instruction - six components of reading
What is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is a highly effective approach to reading instruction. It focuses on explicit, systematic teaching of essential literacy skills. This method is particularly beneficial for students with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, but it supports all learners.
Definition and Key Features
Structured Literacy was first coined by the International Dyslexia Association. It involves teaching reading in a way that is:
- Explicit: Teachers clearly explain and model skills, ensuring students understand each step.
- Systematic: Instruction follows a logical sequence, starting with simple concepts and gradually moving to more complex ones.
- Evidence-Based: It relies on research-backed methods to teach six key elements: phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
Evidence-Based Approach
The evidence-based nature of Structured Literacy is crucial. Research shows that many children, especially those with dyslexia, need direct and systematic instruction to learn to read effectively. For example, the Science of Reading supports this structured method as it helps students understand how sounds connect to letters and words.
International Dyslexia Association's Role
The International Dyslexia Association has been instrumental in promoting Structured Literacy. Their work emphasizes that children with dyslexia benefit the most from this approach. They advocate for its use in schools to help all students become proficient readers.
Key Features of Structured Literacy
- Phonology: Understanding the sound structure of language.
- Sound-Symbol Association: Connecting sounds with their corresponding letters.
- Syllables: Learning how to break words into syllables.
- Morphology: Understanding the structure of words and how they are formed.
- Syntax: Grasping the rules that govern sentence structure.
- Semantics: Comprehending the meaning of words and sentences.
Why It Works
Structured Literacy works because it builds a strong foundation in the mechanics of reading. By teaching skills in a clear, step-by-step manner, students can progress from simple tasks to more complex ones without gaps in their understanding.
Next, we'll explore the Key Components of Structured Literacy and how they interconnect to support reading development.
Key Components of Structured Literacy
Structured Literacy involves several key components that work together to build strong reading skills. These components include phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Let’s dive into each one.
Phonology
Phonology is the study of sound structures in spoken words. It includes skills like rhyming, counting words in a sentence, and clapping syllables. A critical part of phonology is phonemic awareness—the ability to break words into their smallest sound units, called phonemes. For example, the word cap has three phonemes: /k/, /ă/, and /p/.
Sound-Symbol Association
Once students understand phonemes, they need to link these sounds to letters, a process known as sound-symbol association. This is often referred to as phonics. Students learn to read by connecting visual letters to their sounds (visual to auditory) and to spell by converting sounds into letters (auditory to visual). Mastery in this area includes blending sounds into words and breaking words into individual sounds.
Syllables
A syllable is a unit of sound containing one vowel sound. English has six basic syllable types: closed, vowel-consonant-e, open, consonant-le, r-controlled, and vowel pair. Understanding these types helps students determine vowel sounds in unfamiliar words. For example, knowing that a closed syllable (like hat) usually has a short vowel sound can guide a student in reading new words accurately.
Morphology
Morphology is the study of word parts that carry meaning, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes. For instance, the word instructor breaks down into the root struct (meaning to build), the prefix in (meaning in or into), and the suffix or (meaning one who). This knowledge helps students decode and understand complex words.
Syntax
Syntax refers to the rules that dictate the order and function of words in a sentence. It includes grammar and sentence structure. For example, understanding that a sentence typically follows a subject-verb-object order helps students make sense of what they read and write coherent sentences.
Semantics
Semantics is all about the meaning of words and sentences. It involves understanding vocabulary and how words work together to convey ideas. Teaching semantics from the start helps students with comprehension, ensuring they not only decode words but also grasp their meanings.
Each of these components builds on the others, creating a comprehensive framework that supports reading development. In the next section, we’ll explore how Structured Literacy differs from other approaches and why it’s particularly effective for students with reading difficulties.
How Structured Literacy Differs from Other Approaches
Understanding how Structured Literacy stands out from other reading instruction methods is key to appreciating its effectiveness. Let's compare it with other approaches like Orton-Gillingham, balanced literacy, and whole language.
Orton-Gillingham
Orton-Gillingham is a specific, highly structured approach that falls under the umbrella of Structured Literacy. It uses a multi-sensory method to teach reading and spelling. This means students engage in activities that involve visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile elements to reinforce learning. For example, they might trace letters in sand while saying the corresponding sounds. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia because it breaks down reading into smaller, manageable skills.
Balanced Literacy
Balanced Literacy emerged as a middle ground between phonics and whole language approaches. It includes a mix of shared, guided, and independent reading. While it does incorporate phonics, it often relies heavily on context and imagery to help students decode words. This can be problematic for struggling readers who need more direct instruction in phonics to succeed. According to decades of research, children don't naturally learn to read—they need explicit teaching. Unfortunately, Balanced Literacy can leave gaps for students who can't decode words independently.
Whole Language
The whole language approach assumes that students will learn to read naturally through exposure to rich literature. It emphasizes meaning-making and encourages students to guess words using context clues, such as pictures or sentence structure. However, this method doesn't provide the explicit, systematic instruction in phonics that many students need. As LeVar Burton pointed out in a US News interview, "The balanced approach doesn't work. Whole language doesn't work." He emphasizes that we need to shift towards methods that provide the tools children need to decode words effectively.
Key Differences
- Explicit Instruction: Structured Literacy requires direct teaching of all concepts. Unlike whole language, it doesn't assume students will pick up reading naturally.
- Systematic Approach: The instruction follows a logical sequence, starting with the basics and gradually moving to more complex concepts. This is different from balanced literacy, which can be less structured.
- Diagnostic Teaching: Teachers continuously assess and tailor instruction to meet individual student needs, ensuring no one slips through the cracks.
- Multi-Sensory Techniques: Methods like Orton-Gillingham engage multiple senses to reinforce learning, making it more accessible for students with learning differences.
In summary, Structured Literacy offers a clear, research-backed framework that is particularly effective for all students, especially those who struggle with reading. Unlike other methods, it provides the structured, explicit instruction necessary for mastering reading skills.
Next, we’ll dive into the benefits of Structured Literacy, focusing on its effectiveness for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Benefits of Structured Literacy
Structured Literacy is a game-changer in reading instruction, especially for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. Here's why:
Effectiveness
Research consistently shows that Structured Literacy is more effective than other reading methods. A study by the International Dyslexia Association found that explicit and systematic instruction in phonics significantly improves reading outcomes. This approach doesn't leave anything to chance; it ensures that students learn to decode words accurately and fluently.
Dyslexia
For students with dyslexia, Structured Literacy is often a lifeline. Dyslexia makes it hard to break words into their component sounds, a skill crucial for reading. Traditional methods like balanced literacy or whole language often fall short for these students. Structured Literacy, on the other hand, breaks down reading into smaller, manageable skills. According to Louise Spear-Swerling, a dyslexia expert, "Structured Literacy approaches are much more successful than many typical literacy practices for meeting the needs of children with dyslexia."
Struggling Readers
Not just for dyslexia, Structured Literacy works wonders for all struggling readers. It provides a systematic way to teach phonics, which is essential for decoding unfamiliar words. Unlike balanced literacy, which relies on context and imagery, Structured Literacy gives students the tools they need to read independently. This is crucial because, as noted in the National Reading Panel Report (2000), children don't naturally learn to read—they need explicit teaching.
All Students
While Structured Literacy is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia and struggling readers, it's effective for all students. The method ensures that every child receives the same foundational skills necessary for reading. This universal approach helps prevent reading difficulties before they start. As stated in the Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding guide, "Structured Literacy is not just for those who struggle; it is a robust and comprehensive approach that benefits all learners."
Key Takeaways
- Explicit Instruction: Direct teaching of reading skills ensures no gaps.
- Systematic Approach: Logical progression from simple to complex concepts.
- Diagnostic Teaching: Continuous assessment to meet individual needs.
- Multi-Sensory Techniques: Engaging multiple senses to reinforce learning.
In summary, Structured Literacy offers a comprehensive, research-backed approach that benefits all students, especially those who struggle with reading. This ensures that every child has the tools they need to become a successful reader.
Next, we’ll explore how to implement Structured Literacy in the classroom, focusing on explicit instruction, systematic teaching, cumulative learning, and diagnostic teaching.
Implementing Structured Literacy in the Classroom
Implementing Structured Literacy in the classroom involves several key practices: explicit instruction, systematic teaching, cumulative learning, and diagnostic teaching. Let’s break these down.
Explicit Instruction
Explicit instruction means teaching reading skills directly and clearly. You don’t assume students will pick up on these skills on their own. Instead, you guide them step-by-step.
- Modeling: Show students exactly how to perform a task. For instance, demonstrate how to break a word into its phonemes.
- Guided Practice: Work through tasks with students, providing immediate feedback.
- Independent Practice: Let students try on their own while you monitor and support as needed.
This approach ensures students understand each concept before moving on.
Systematic Teaching
Systematic teaching follows a logical order, starting with the simplest concepts and gradually moving to more complex ones.
- Sequence of Skills: Begin with basic phonics and progress to more complex reading skills.
- Integration of Elements: Teach phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics in a connected way.
This methodical progression helps students build on what they’ve learned, reinforcing their understanding over time.
Cumulative Learning
Cumulative learning involves revisiting and reinforcing previously taught skills.
- Review Sessions: Regularly review past lessons to ensure retention.
- Building Blocks: Each new lesson builds on the previous ones, helping students see the connections between different skills.
- Practice Opportunities: Provide plenty of practice to reinforce learning and build automaticity.
This ensures that students retain and apply what they’ve learned as they move forward.
Diagnostic Teaching
Diagnostic teaching tailors instruction to each student’s needs based on continuous assessment.
- Ongoing Assessments: Use tools like the Quick Placement Assessment to identify student needs.
- Individualized Instruction: Adjust your teaching strategies based on assessment results.
- Feedback and Adjustment: Provide immediate feedback and adjust tasks to meet students where they are.
This approach helps address gaps in understanding and supports each student’s progress.
Practical Tips
- Engage Students: Gain their attention before starting a lesson and maintain it with a brisk pace.
- Proximity: Stay close to students to monitor and support.
- Transitions: Move quickly between tasks to keep students focused.
- Intervention: Redirect off-task students promptly to maintain engagement.
By following these strategies, you can effectively implement Structured Literacy in your classroom, ensuring all students receive the support they need to become proficient readers.
Next, we’ll look at practical examples of Structured Literacy activities, including phoneme-grapheme mapping, decoding and spelling, teacher-led instruction, and feedback.
Practical Examples of Structured Literacy Activities
Implementing Structured Literacy in the classroom is not just about theory; it's about practical, hands-on activities that make reading skills stick. Here are some key activities you can use:
Phoneme-Grapheme Mapping
Phoneme-grapheme mapping is an essential activity for helping students understand the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes). Here’s how it works:
- Grid Setup: Create a grid with one box per phoneme.
- Dictation: Dictate a word, and have students write one phoneme per box. For example, the word cat would be broken down into /c/ /a/ /t/.
- Decoding: Write words in the grid and ask students to decode them by segmenting the phonemes and then blending them back together.
This activity helps students pay attention to all the letters in a word and understand how they map to sounds.
Decoding and Spelling
Decoding and spelling activities reinforce the connection between reading and writing. Here’s a simple method:
- Word Chains: Dictate a chain of words where each word changes by one phoneme. For example, start with cat, then change to bat, then bit, and so on.
- Spelling Practice: Have students spell each word in the chain, focusing on the phoneme changes.
- Reading Practice: Write the words and have students practice reading them aloud.
This method ensures that students practice both decoding and spelling in a systematic way.
Teacher-Led Instruction
Teacher-led instruction is crucial in Structured Literacy. Here’s how to make it effective:
- Explicit Modeling: Demonstrate how to break down words into phonemes and blend them back together.
- Guided Practice: Work with students on tasks, providing immediate feedback. For example, if a student struggles with a word, guide them through the process of decoding it.
- Independent Practice: Let students try on their own, but stay close to offer support as needed.
This approach ensures that students get the instruction and practice they need to master reading skills.
Feedback
Giving feedback is a critical part of Structured Literacy. Here’s how to make it effective:
- Immediate Feedback: Provide feedback right after a student completes a task. For example, if a student misspells a word, correct it immediately and explain the mistake.
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise students for correct answers and effort. This encourages them to keep trying.
- Constructive Criticism: Offer specific suggestions for improvement. For instance, if a student struggles with a particular phoneme, provide additional practice and explain the correct pronunciation.
Effective feedback helps students understand their mistakes and learn from them.
By incorporating these practical activities into your classroom, you can make Structured Literacy engaging and effective for all students. Next, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about Structured Literacy to help you better understand this approach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Structured Literacy
What are examples of structured literacy activities?
Structured Literacy activities are designed to be hands-on and engaging, ensuring students grasp fundamental reading skills. Here are some practical examples:
- Sound Boxes: Use a grid where each box represents a phoneme. Students place a token in each box as they segment the sounds in a word.
- Letter Tiles: Provide students with letter tiles to build words. This helps them understand sound-symbol associations by physically manipulating the letters.
- Sentence Assembly: Give students cut-out words to arrange into sentences. This reinforces syntax and sentence structure.
- Color Coding: Use different colors to highlight various parts of words or sentences. For example, vowels can be one color and consonants another to emphasize syllable structure.
These activities make learning interactive and visually engaging, aiding in better retention of reading skills.
What are the six key features of the structured literacy approach?
Structured Literacy focuses on six essential elements that are evidence-based and interconnected:
- Phonology: Understanding the sound structure of language, including phonemic awareness.
- Sound-Symbol Association: Learning the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters (graphemes).
- Syllables: Recognizing and decoding the units of sound that make up words.
- Morphology: Understanding the structure of words, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
- Syntax: Grasping the rules that govern sentence structure.
- Semantics: Understanding the meaning of words and sentences.
Each element builds on the others, creating a comprehensive framework for reading instruction.
How does Structured Literacy incorporate the Science of Reading?
Structured Literacy is deeply rooted in the Science of Reading, which is research-based and focuses on key components necessary for reading success:
- Phonemic Awareness: The ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words.
- Phonics: Understanding the relationship between letters and sounds.
- Fluency: The ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression.
- Vocabulary: Knowing the meaning of a wide variety of words.
- Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting what is read.
By integrating these components, Structured Literacy ensures that students develop a strong foundation in reading. This approach is systematic, explicit, and cumulative, making it highly effective for all students, especially those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties.
For more detailed insights and practical applications, check out resources like Hello Decodables and the National Reading Panel Report.
Next, we’ll explore how to implement Structured Literacy in the classroom effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach that teaches reading in a systematic, explicit, and cumulative way. It focuses on essential elements like phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics, ensuring that all students, especially those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, can succeed.
At Hello Decodables, we are committed to providing resources that align with the Science of Reading. Our phonics-based decodable books are designed to support teachers and students in their journey toward reading proficiency. By integrating Structured Literacy into your classroom, you can help students develop strong foundational skills, setting them up for lifelong literacy success.
Ready to make a difference in your students' reading abilities? Explore our resources and learn more about how Hello Decodables can support your implementation of Structured Literacy. Visit our website for more information, or contact us today to get started.
Thank you for reading our guide. We hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our students through effective reading instruction!