Exploring the Relationship Between Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading

Introduction

Is structured literacy the same as science of reading?

In short: No, they are not the same, but they are closely related.

Here's a quick breakdown: - Structured Literacy: An evidence-based approach to teaching reading that includes explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. - Science of Reading: The body of research that studies how the human brain learns to read, informing effective instructional methods, including structured literacy.

Both are vital in creating effective reading instruction programs, but they serve different roles in literacy education.

Structured literacy provides teachers with a way to implement Science of Reading research into actionable classroom strategies. It emphasizes direct, explicit teaching methods that follow a logical sequence. For parents, particularly those of early-elementary children aged 4-7, understanding these concepts helps in choosing the right tools and approaches to support their child.

The importance of this cannot be overstated. The Science of Reading research shows us how crucial early reading skills are for later academic success and how effective structured literacy can be in teaching these skills, especially to struggling readers.

We'll dive deeper into these concepts, focusing on their integration, differences, and practical classroom application.

What is Structured Literacy?

Structured Literacy is an instructional approach grounded in the Science of Reading. It focuses on teaching reading by directly and systematically addressing six key components: phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Let's break down each of these components and see how they fit into this approach.

Phonology

Phonology is the study of sound patterns within a language. It includes two main subcategories: phonological awareness and phonemic awareness.

• Phonological Awareness: This is the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words. Skills include identifying syllables, rhymes, and onset-rime segments.
• Phonemic Awareness: This is a more focused skill involving the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. For example, breaking the word "cat" into its individual sounds: /k/, /a/, /t/.

Sound-Symbol Association

This component involves teaching students the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or letter combinations (graphemes). This is crucial for both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) words. Students learn how letters map to sounds in a systematic and explicit manner.

Syllables

Understanding syllables helps students break down words into manageable parts. There are six syllable types in English: closed, open, vowel-consonant-e, vowel team, r-controlled, and consonant-le. Teaching these types helps students decode and spell multisyllabic words more effectively.

Morphology

Morphology is the study of the smallest units of meaning in words, known as morphemes. This includes prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Teaching morphology helps students understand how words are formed and how their meanings can change with the addition of different morphemes. For example, knowing that "un-" means "not" can help students understand words like "unhappy" and "unfair."

Syntax

Syntax refers to the rules that govern sentence structure. In Structured Literacy, students are explicitly taught about grammar, sentence structure, and the roles of different words within a sentence. This helps improve reading comprehension by making it easier for students to understand how sentences convey meaning.

Semantics

Semantics involves the meaning of words and sentences. Structured Literacy instruction includes explicit teaching of vocabulary and comprehension strategies. This helps students not only decode words but also understand and make meaning from what they read.

Systematic and Explicit Instruction

Structured Literacy is both systematic and explicit:

• Systematic: Skills are taught in a logical order, progressing from simple to more complex. This ensures that each new skill builds on previously learned skills.
• Explicit: Teachers provide clear, direct instruction, stating what students will learn, how they will learn it, and how they will demonstrate their understanding. This includes modeling, guided practice, and independent practice, with immediate feedback and correction.

In summary, Structured Literacy is a comprehensive approach to reading instruction that aligns closely with the Science of Reading. It provides a clear, evidence-based framework that can help all students, especially those with learning differences, become proficient readers.

Next, we'll explore how Structured Literacy aligns with the Science of Reading and why this alignment is crucial for effective reading instruction.

What is the Science of Reading?

The Science of Reading is a comprehensive body of research that answers the question: "How does the human brain learn to read?" This research spans multiple disciplines, including neuroscience, cognitive science, education, and linguistics.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience studies how the brain processes written words. Learning to read is not an innate skill like speaking; it requires specific neural pathways to be developed. Studies have shown that when children learn to read, their brains create connections between areas responsible for visual processing and those involved in language comprehension. This understanding helps educators develop teaching methods that align with how the brain naturally learns to read.

Cognitive Science

Cognitive science examines the mental processes involved in reading. This includes understanding how we recognize letters, decode words, and comprehend text. Cognitive scientists have identified that reading requires a combination of skills, such as phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words) and decoding (sounding out words). These insights are crucial for developing effective reading instruction.

Phonics

Phonics is a key component of the Science of Reading. It involves teaching the relationships between letters and sounds. This method helps children decode unfamiliar words by sounding them out. While phonics is essential, the Science of Reading is not limited to it. It also includes other critical skills like vocabulary development and reading fluency.

Comprehension

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret what is read. The Science of Reading emphasizes that comprehension involves more than just decoding words. It requires making connections between new information and existing knowledge, understanding text structure, and using strategies like summarizing and questioning to enhance understanding.

Evidence-Based

The Science of Reading is grounded in evidence-based practices. This means that the instructional methods are backed by rigorous scientific research. For example, the National Reading Panel (2000) identified five essential components of effective reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. These findings have informed policies and laws in 30 states to ensure that reading instruction is effective and equitable for all students.

In summary, the Science of Reading combines insights from neuroscience, cognitive science, and educational research to provide a thorough understanding of how reading works. This knowledge helps educators develop evidence-based instructional methods that improve reading outcomes for all students.

Next, we'll explore how Structured Literacy aligns with the Science of Reading and why this alignment is crucial for effective reading instruction.

How Structured Literacy Aligns with the Science of Reading

Integration

Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading are closely intertwined. Both emphasize the importance of evidence-based techniques to teach reading. Structured Literacy integrates the core principles of the Science of Reading into its framework, ensuring that teaching methods are grounded in what research shows about how children learn to read.

Teaching Methods

Structured Literacy uses explicit and systematic teaching methods. This means skills are taught clearly and directly, with a well-organized sequence of instruction. For example, a teacher might start by explicitly teaching letter-sound correspondences before moving on to more complex tasks like reading CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. This aligns with the Science of Reading, which emphasizes the importance of direct instruction in reading skills.

Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is a critical component of both Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading. This skill involves the ability to hear and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) in words. According to research, improving phonemic awareness is crucial for connecting phonics and spelling instruction. Structured Literacy programs ensure that this foundational skill is taught systematically and explicitly.

Decoding

Decoding is the ability to translate written words into their spoken equivalents by using knowledge of letter-sound relationships. Structured Literacy places a strong emphasis on decoding skills, teaching students how to break down words into their component sounds. This is in line with the Science of Reading, which identifies decoding as a vital skill for reading proficiency.

Systematic Instruction

Structured Literacy is systematic, meaning it follows a logical sequence where each skill builds upon the previous one. For instance, students might first learn to recognize individual letters and their sounds before progressing to blending those sounds into words. This approach ensures that instruction is cumulative and that students have a solid foundation before moving on to more complex tasks. The Science of Reading supports this systematic approach, recognizing that a structured sequence of instruction helps students master reading skills more effectively.

Structured Literacy aligns with the Science of Reading by integrating evidence-based teaching methods, emphasizing phonemic awareness and decoding, and following a systematic instructional approach. This alignment is crucial for effective reading instruction and helps ensure that all students, especially those with learning differences, receive the support they need to become proficient readers.

Next, we will delve into the key differences and similarities between Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading.

Key Differences and Similarities

When exploring is structured literacy the same as science of reading, understand their key differences and similarities. Both approaches aim to improve reading proficiency, but they do so through specific methods and principles.

Explicit Instruction

Structured Literacy emphasizes explicit instruction. This means teachers clearly and directly teach literacy skills. For example, a teacher might start a lesson by stating, "Today, we will learn about the 'sh' sound." This approach leaves no room for guessing, which is especially important for students with dyslexia or ADHD.

In contrast, some traditional methods may rely more on incidental learning, where students are expected to infer rules and patterns from reading experiences. Science of Reading research supports explicit instruction as a critical component for effective reading education.

Cumulative Curriculum

A cumulative curriculum is another hallmark of Structured Literacy. Skills are taught in a logical order, building from simple to complex. For instance, students first learn letter-sound correspondences before progressing to more complex tasks like reading CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words.

This structured approach ensures that each new skill reinforces previously learned skills. The Science of Reading also supports this cumulative method, as it helps solidify foundational knowledge and makes learning more manageable for students.

Diagnostic Teaching

Diagnostic teaching involves continually assessing students to tailor instruction to their needs. In Structured Literacy, teachers frequently check for understanding and adjust lessons accordingly. This could mean revisiting phonemic awareness activities if students struggle with decoding.

The Science of Reading emphasizes the importance of using data to inform instruction. By identifying specific areas where students need support, teachers can provide targeted interventions, making the learning process more effective.

Phonics Emphasis

Both Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading place a strong emphasis on phonics. Phonics is the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or groups of letters. Teaching phonics explicitly helps students decode new words and improves spelling skills.

Programs like Orton-Gillingham, which fall under the Structured Literacy umbrella, use multisensory techniques to teach phonics. This approach aligns with Science of Reading research, which shows that phonics instruction is essential for developing proficient readers.

In summary, while Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading share many similarities, such as a focus on explicit instruction, cumulative curriculum, diagnostic teaching, and phonics, they are not entirely the same. Structured Literacy is a specific instructional approach that aligns closely with the broader, research-based principles found in the Science of Reading.

Next, we will address whether Structured Literacy is the same as the Science of Reading, comparing their instructional approaches and educational impacts.

Is Structured Literacy the Same as Science of Reading?

When asking, “Is Structured Literacy the same as the Science of Reading?”, it's important to understand both their similarities and differences. Let's dive into a comparison to clarify this relationship.

Comparison and Alignment

Structured Literacy is an instructional approach. It's based on explicit, systematic, and cumulative teaching of reading skills. This method is designed to be clear and direct, ensuring that students understand each step before moving on.

Science of Reading is a body of research. It encompasses decades of studies in cognitive science, psychology, and education. This research identifies how reading works in the brain and what instructional methods are most effective.

Alignment: Structured Literacy aligns closely with the Science of Reading. It uses evidence-based practices identified by the Science of Reading to teach reading effectively. For example, both emphasize the importance of phonics and phonemic awareness.

Instructional Approaches

Structured Literacy uses a systematic and explicit approach:

• Systematic: Skills are taught in a specific order, building from simple to complex.
• Explicit: Teachers provide clear, direct instruction and immediate feedback.

The Science of Reading supports these methods. Research shows that systematic and explicit instruction helps most students, especially those with learning differences like dyslexia.

Educational Impact

The impact of using Structured Literacy, guided by the Science of Reading, is significant:

• Improved Reading Skills: Students gain a strong foundation in phonics, decoding, and comprehension.
• Equity in Education: This approach helps all students, including those with learning difficulties, to achieve reading proficiency.
• Teacher Preparedness: Programs like IMSE provide teachers with the knowledge and tools to implement Structured Literacy effectively.

Statistic: Intervention research estimates that evidence-based approaches can reduce the number of below-level readers from 30% to 5%.

Conclusion

While Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading are not identical, they are closely connected. Structured Literacy is an application of the principles found in the Science of Reading, turning research into actionable teaching strategies.

Next, we will explore how to implement Structured Literacy in the classroom, focusing on curriculum design, teacher training, student engagement, and assessment techniques.

Implementing Structured Literacy in the Classroom

Curriculum Design

Structured Literacy curriculum is systematic and sequential. This means it follows a clear path, starting with basic skills and building up to more complex ones. Each new concept builds on what students have already learned, ensuring a strong foundation.

For example, students first learn letter-sound correspondences before moving on to more complex tasks like reading CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. This logical progression helps students master each step before advancing.

Teacher Training

Effective implementation of Structured Literacy hinges on well-trained teachers. Professional development is crucial. Teachers need to understand the principles of the Science of Reading and how to apply them in the classroom.

IMSE offers professional development programs delivered by experienced teachers with master’s degrees. These programs ensure that teachers feel knowledgeable and supported.

Student Engagement

Engaging students is key to successful literacy instruction. Although phonics requires direct instruction and multiple repetitions, teachers can use multi-sensory techniques to keep lessons interesting.

For instance, the Orton-Gillingham approach incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to make learning more engaging. This helps maintain student focus and energy, even when mastering challenging skills.

Assessment Techniques

Assessment in Structured Literacy is ongoing. Teachers use formative assessments to track student progress and provide immediate feedback. This helps identify areas where students may need extra support.

Jen created a form to document phonics skills that students are mastering in everyday practice. This form serves as a formative assessment, helping teachers give feedback to students.

Statistic: Intervention research estimates that evidence-based approaches can reduce the number of below-level readers from 30% to 5%.

Next, we will explore the benefits of Structured Literacy for diverse learners, including those with dyslexia and ADHD.

Benefits of Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners

Structured Literacy is a powerful approach that benefits all students, especially those with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD. Let's explore how it supports various groups of learners.

All Students

Structured Literacy is designed to be explicit and systematic, which means every student can benefit from its clear and direct teaching methods. This approach ensures that students learn to read by mastering foundational skills before moving on to more complex tasks.

Statistic: Research shows that using evidence-based methods like Structured Literacy can reduce the number of below-level readers from 30% to 5%.

Dyslexia

For students with dyslexia, reading can be a significant challenge. Structured Literacy is particularly effective for these learners because it emphasizes phonemic awareness and decoding skills. This method has been shown to help dyslexic students significantly improve their reading skills.

ADHD

Students with ADHD often struggle with attention and focus, making it difficult for them to learn in traditional classroom settings. Structured Literacy's multisensory techniques and engaging methods help keep these students focused and energized. The step-by-step, cumulative nature of the instruction allows students to build confidence as they master each skill.

Language-Based Learning Differences

Students with other language-based learning differences also benefit from Structured Literacy. The approach integrates phonology, orthography, and comprehension to provide a comprehensive reading education. This helps students understand the relationship between sounds and written language, improving their ability to read and spell.

Fact: Structured Literacy not only focuses on phonics but also on building vocabulary and background knowledge, essential for reading comprehension.

In summary, Structured Literacy offers a robust framework that supports diverse learners, making reading accessible and achievable for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions about Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading

Is Orton-Gillingham considered a part of Structured Literacy?

Yes, Orton-Gillingham is a key component of Structured Literacy. It is an evidence-based approach that uses multi-sensory techniques to teach reading. The method focuses on explicit, direct instruction that is sequential, structured, and cumulative. According to Dr. Kirstina Ordetx, a Level 4 Master Instructor with The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE), Orton-Gillingham is designed to help all students, especially those with learning differences like dyslexia.

How does Structured Literacy support struggling readers?

Structured Literacy is particularly effective for struggling readers because it emphasizes explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This approach is systematic and diagnostic, meaning it continuously assesses students' progress and adjusts instruction accordingly. According to the Science of Reading, this method helps students overcome reading difficulties by providing repeated opportunities to practice phonetic elements and decode text. Structured Literacy also includes teaching orthography, which helps students understand why words are spelled the way they are, making it easier for them to decode and spell new words.

What are the core components of Structured Literacy?

Structured Literacy incorporates all five essential components identified by the Science of Reading:

• Phonemic Awareness: Understanding and manipulating the sounds in words.
• Phonics: Connecting sounds to written letters and words.
• Fluency: Reading text accurately and quickly.
• Vocabulary: Knowing the meaning of a wide variety of words and concepts.
• Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting what is read.

These components are taught in a structured, sequential, and cumulative manner, ensuring that students build on their skills systematically. The approach also includes regular assessments to guide instruction and ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, make progress.

Next, we will delve into how to implement Structured Literacy in the classroom effectively.

Conclusion

Future of Reading Instruction

The future of reading instruction is bright, thanks to the growing adoption of Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading. These evidence-based approaches are transforming how we teach children to read, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed.

By focusing on systematic, explicit instruction, teachers can help students master the foundational skills of reading. This method is particularly effective for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences but benefits all learners by providing a clear, structured pathway to literacy.

Hello Decodables

At Hello Decodables, we are committed to supporting educators and students on this journey. Our resources are designed to align with the principles of Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading, offering practical tools and strategies for effective literacy instruction.

We provide a range of decodable books that help students apply their phonics knowledge in a meaningful way. These books are carefully crafted to include only the phonics patterns and high-frequency words that students have been explicitly taught, ensuring they can read with confidence and accuracy.

To learn more about how Hello Decodables can support your literacy instruction, visit our guide to decodable books.

The future of reading instruction is here, and it's structured, evidence-based, and focused on ensuring every child becomes a proficient reader. Join us in this exciting journey to literacy for all!