Structured Literacy Programs: Which One is Right for You?

Structured literacy programs are a game-changer for children struggling with reading. They offer a systematic and explicit approach, making it easier for young learners to decode words and understand text. If you’re searching for the right reading solution, here are the key benefits structured literacy programs provide:

1. Explicit teaching of reading skills
2. Systematic instruction that is cumulative
3. Diagnostic evaluations to tailor learning
4. Multisensory activities to engage kids
5. Evidence-backed methods ensuring effectiveness

Reading is a critical skill, yet many children face challenges, especially those with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. According to the research behind the science of reading, the majority of students, regardless of their background, can achieve reading success when taught through structured literacy.

Hello Decodables is designed to meet these needs with programs that are fun and educational, helping your child build strong foundational reading skills.

My name is Jen Jones, founder of Hello Literacy, with 30 years in education focusing on literacy instruction. I've developed structured literacy programs that are research-based to ensure every child becomes a confident reader.

Essential structured literacy programs terms: - elements of structured literacy - structured literacy instructional methods - structured literacy interventions

Understanding Structured Literacy Programs

What is Structured Literacy?

Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading that is explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and cumulative. It focuses on key components like phonology, sound-symbol association, syntax, and semantics. This method ensures that students, regardless of their background, can achieve reading success.

Phonology is the study of the sound structure of spoken words. It includes phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. For example, the word cat has three phonemes: /k/, /a/, and /t/.

Sound-Symbol Association involves teaching students to connect sounds (phonemes) with their corresponding letters or groups of letters (graphemes). This is often referred to as phonics. For instance, students learn that the sound /k/ can be represented by the letters "c," "k," or "ck."

Syntax refers to the set of rules that dictate the structure of sentences. It involves understanding how words are organized to convey meaning. For example, in English, the sentence "The cat sat on the mat" follows a specific word order to make sense.

Semantics is concerned with the meaning of words and sentences. It involves understanding vocabulary, interpreting phrases, and comprehending text. For instance, students learn that the word "bark" can refer to the sound a dog makes or the outer layer of a tree, depending on the context.

Core Principles of Structured Literacy

Explicit Instruction: This involves direct and clear teaching of concepts. Teachers explain new ideas thoroughly and do not assume that students will learn through exposure alone. For example, a teacher might explicitly explain how to decode a word by breaking it down into individual sounds and then blending them together.

Systematic & Cumulative Instruction: Instruction follows a planned scope and sequence that progresses from easier to more difficult concepts. Each new skill builds on previously learned ones. For example, students first learn to recognize and produce individual sounds before moving on to blending those sounds into words.

Diagnostic Teaching: Teachers continuously assess students' progress and adjust instruction based on their needs. This ensures that each student receives personalized support. For instance, if a student struggles with a particular sound, the teacher can provide additional practice and targeted feedback.

Cumulative Learning: Each step in the instruction process builds on previous lessons, ensuring that students retain and apply what they have learned. For example, after mastering basic phonics, students move on to more complex reading tasks while still practicing foundational skills.

Structured literacy programs integrate these principles to provide a comprehensive and effective reading instruction method. By focusing on the science of reading, these programs help ensure that all students, including those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, can achieve reading proficiency.

Next, we'll explore the key components of effective structured literacy programs, including phonemic awareness, decoding, and comprehension. Stay tuned to learn how these elements work together to build strong reading skills.

Key Components of Effective Structured Literacy Programs

Phoneme Awareness

Phoneme awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. It's a foundational skill for learning to read. Without phoneme awareness, students may struggle to understand how sounds map to letters.

Example: A student learns to break down the word cat into its individual sounds: /k/, /a/, and /t/. This skill helps them later blend these sounds to read the word.

Sound-Symbol Association

Sound-symbol association, often referred to as phonics, involves teaching students to connect sounds (phonemes) with their corresponding letters or groups of letters (graphemes). This is crucial for decoding words.

Example: Students learn that the sound /k/ can be represented by the letters "c," "k," or "ck." They practice this by reading and writing words like cat, kite, and duck.

Morphology and Syntax

Morphology

Morphology is the study of the smallest units of meaning in a language, called morphemes. Understanding morphology helps students decode and comprehend more complex words by breaking them down into their root parts.

Example: The word unhappiness can be broken down into the prefix un- (meaning "not"), the root word happy, and the suffix -ness (indicating a state or condition). Understanding these morphemes helps students grasp the full meaning of the word.

Syntax

Syntax refers to the rules that govern the structure of sentences. It involves understanding how words are organized to convey meaning. Mastery of syntax is essential for reading comprehension and effective communication.

Example: In English, the sentence "The cat sat on the mat" follows a specific word order to make sense. Teaching students the rules of syntax helps them construct and understand sentences correctly.

Next, we'll explore how to choose the right structured literacy program by evaluating program effectiveness, implementation strategies, and support resources. Stay tuned to make an informed decision for your educational needs.

Choosing the Right Structured Literacy Program

Choosing the right structured literacy program can be a game-changer for both students and teachers. Let's break down how to evaluate program effectiveness and implement it effectively in your classroom.

Evaluating Program Effectiveness

When evaluating structured literacy programs, consider the following key aspects:

1. Evidence-Based:
Look for programs backed by solid research. Programs that follow the science of reading will often have higher success rates. For instance, studies show that when students are taught using a structured literacy approach, 95% can achieve reading proficiency.

2. Research Support:
Check if the program has endorsements from reputable organizations like the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). The IDA outlines essential components such as phonemic awareness, sound-symbol correspondences, and morphology that should be part of any effective program.

3. User Feedback:
Gather testimonials and case studies from other educators who have used the program. Real-world feedback can provide insights into the program's practical application and effectiveness.

Example: A teacher from a New York charter school shared that using a structured literacy program significantly improved her students' reading skills.

Implementing a Structured Literacy Program

Once you've chosen a program, the next step is effective implementation. Here's how to get started:

1. Assessment Needs:
Begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your students' current literacy levels. Tools like the Quick Placement Assessment can help place students in appropriate skill groups.

2. Program Types:
Select a program that aligns with your students' needs. Some popular options include:

• Hello Decodables: Ideal for a broad range of struggling readers with a focus on phonics and decoding skills.

3. Training:
Proper training is crucial. Look for programs that offer professional development opportunities. For example, Hello Decodables provides lesson templates and professional development sessions to help teachers implement structured literacy effectively.

4. Resources:
Ensure you have access to the necessary teaching materials. This includes decodable texts, phonics games, and tactile activities. Resources like Hello Phonics Groups offer structured literacy routines for small-group, skill-based instruction.

5. Ongoing Support:
Continuous support is vital for long-term success. Choose programs that offer ongoing resources, webinars, and community forums where educators can share experiences and solutions.

Example: Jen, an educator, uses a record sheet to document phonics skills students are mastering. This formative assessment helps in providing timely feedback and adjusting instruction as needed.

Next, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about structured literacy programs, covering the six pillars and three principles of structured literacy, and how to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions about Structured Literacy Programs

What are the 6 pillars of structured literacy?

1. Phonology: This involves understanding the sound structure of spoken words. Skills include rhyming, counting words in sentences, and clapping syllables. An essential part of phonology is phonemic awareness, which is the ability to segment words into their individual sounds or phonemes.

2. Sound-Symbol Association: Also known as phonics, this pillar includes teaching students to map phonemes (sounds) to graphemes (letters). Mastery involves both reading (visual to auditory) and spelling (auditory to visual).

3. Syllables: Instruction covers the six types of syllables found in the English language: closed, vowel-consonant-e, open, consonant-le, r-controlled, and vowel pair. Understanding syllable types helps students decode unfamiliar words.

4. Morphology: This involves studying the smallest units of meaning in a language, such as prefixes, roots, and suffixes. For instance, the word "instructor" breaks down into "in-" (prefix), "struct" (root), and "-or" (suffix).

5. Syntax: Syntax is about the rules that dictate the order and function of words in sentences to convey meaning. This includes grammar, sentence structure, and mechanics.

6. Semantics: This pillar focuses on the meaning of words and sentences. It involves understanding vocabulary, interpreting phrases, and comprehending text organization.

What are the 3 principles of structured literacy?

1. Systematic & Cumulative: Instruction follows a logical order, starting with the easiest concepts and progressing to more complex ones. Each step builds on previously learned material, ensuring a solid foundation.

2. Diagnostic: Teachers continuously assess students’ progress to tailor instruction to their needs. This includes both informal observations and formal assessments.

3. Explicit: All concepts are taught directly and clearly. Teachers model skills, guide practice, and provide immediate feedback. This method ensures students do not have to infer concepts on their own.

How do I start structured literacy?

1. Plan: Begin by assessing your students' current literacy levels. Use tools like the Quick Placement Assessment to group students based on their skill levels.

2. Apply Skills: Implement a structured literacy program that aligns with your students' needs. Programs like Hello Phonics Groups provide structured routines and resources for effective instruction.

3. Monitor Progress: Use formative assessments to track students' progress. Tools like record sheets help document the phonics skills students are mastering. Provide timely feedback and adjust instruction as needed.

Next, we'll explore how to choose the right structured literacy program for your classroom, ensuring it meets the specific needs of your students.

Conclusion

Choosing the right structured literacy program can make a world of difference in your students' reading success. With so many options, it’s essential to select a program that aligns with your students' needs, your teaching style, and the latest research in the Science of Reading.

Hello Decodables offers a unique approach with its phonics-based decodable books, designed to facilitate reading instruction for children. Our structured, systematic approach ensures that students master phonics skills progressively, building a solid foundation for reading success.

Long-Term Benefits

Implementing a structured literacy program provides numerous long-term benefits:

1. Improved Reading Skills: By focusing on phonemic awareness, decoding, and comprehension, students develop strong reading skills that are essential for academic success.

2. Equity in Education: Structured literacy programs ensure that all students, including those with learning disabilities and emergent bilinguals, have access to effective reading instruction.

3. Confidence and Independence: As students become proficient readers, their confidence grows, leading to greater independence in their learning journey.

4. Lifelong Learning: A strong foundation in reading opens the door to lifelong learning and opportunities, helping students succeed in all areas of life.

For more information on how to implement a structured literacy program and explore our decodable books, visit our guide to decodable books.

By choosing the right program and following a structured approach, you can ensure that your students achieve reading success and become confident, lifelong learners.