Terminology

Terms: 

Science of Reading: The Science of Reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. 

Structured Literacy: Structured Literacy instruction is explicit, systematic, diagnostic, cumulative instruction in phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, syllable types, morphology, semantics, and syntax.

• This approach addresses the needs of all students and can be delivered in an intensive and sustained manner to meet the needs of those children who struggle with reading, including those with dyslexia.

Key Principles of Structured Literacy:

Explicit instruction – Explicit (direct) instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented-and has been shown to promote achievement for all students.

• Leaves nothing to chance with clear teacher modeling
• Demonstrates, and opportunity for practice

Systematic instruction – Systematic instruction in reading is a plan of instruction (e.g. scope and sequence) that takes students through an explicit sequence of learning activities.

• Easiest concepts to most complex

Cumulative instruction – Skills and concepts that have been previously taught are consistently reinforced and practiced over time, build on what has come before, as you introduce new concepts and skills

Diagnostic instruction – Teacher is consistently monitoring the progress of their students so they can intervene appropriately

Multisensory instruction - Instruction that provides explicit, direct instruction in the decoding and spelling of the language. Multisensory learning enhances memory and learning of written language through simultaneous use of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways. Links are consistently made between the language seen (visual) and heard (auditory), and symbols felt (kinesthetic-tactile) while learning to read and spell.