In this blog post I will discuss what structured literacy is, how it differs from balanced literacy, and the benefits it offers to children who are learning to read and write.
What is structured literacy?
Structured literacy is an evidence-based instructional approach for reading and writing using a structured framework to teach the fundamental components of language, including phonology (speech sounds), sound-symbol association (the relationship between sounds and symbols), syllables (units of oral or written language with one vowel sound), morphology (the study of words and their parts), syntax (the structure of words in a sentence or clause), semantics (the study of meaning in language), and orthography (the conventional spelling system). The term was originally developed by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). One of the important goals of structured literacy instruction is to help students succeed in decoding skills and build automaticity in word recognition, preparing them for higher-level literacy learning.
Structured literacy is characterized by three key features.
1) Direct and Explicit Teaching Methods.
As opposed to discovery methods of learning, in a structured literacy lesson the teacher will directly explain concepts in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. It is not assumed that the student will learn these skills on their own.
2) Systematic and Cumulative Lessons.
Structured literacy instruction follows a specific order of skill sets, beginning with those that are easiest and working up to harder skills. Instruction is broken down into small, manageable steps and students are taught to master each skill before moving on to the next one, making it cumulative. As new skills are introduced, previously taught skills are reviewed.
3) Diagnostic Instruction.
Ongoing informal and formal assessment promotes progress by allowing for instruction to be adjusted to the student's needs and is an essential part of structured literacy.
How does Structured Literacy Differ from Balanced Literacy?
In structured literacy the emphasis is on foundational skills, for example, phonemic awareness and phonics, so that children can become accurate decoders and increase their word recognition, in turn, enhancing higher level skills such as comprehension and written expression. Skills such as morphology and vocabulary are directly taught and also aid the development of meaning. Decodable readers, or books made up of words that can be sounded out using phonetic rules that have been taught, are frequently used in instruction to provide students an opportunity to practice new phonics skills. During oral reading, teachers provide feedback that is directed towards grapheme-phoneme relationships and provide support in decoding words.
On the other hand, balanced literacy is a more holistic approach to reading and seeks to find a balance between skill sets such as phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Teacher-led instruction frequently coincides with small, guided reading groups and independent reading and writing. Balanced literacy instruction emphasizes the use of authentic texts so readers can engage in meaningful reading and writing activities, as well as leveled readers, which are books that have been classified according to complexity of words, number and length of sentences. During oral reading, teachers may encourage guessing at words based on context or picture clues.
What are the benefits of structured literacy instruction for students?
Structured literacy has been shown to be particularly effective for struggling readers and writers, including those with dyslexia, a specific learning disability in reading that is neurobiological in nature. Moreover, structured literacy instruction has been found to be beneficial for all students and some students need this form of instruction to learn to read and write successfully. Listed below are just a few of the benefits of using this framework of instruction:
· Improved reading and writing skills: Structured literacy provides children with the foundational skills they need to become successful readers and writers. By explicitly teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing, children develop strong skills that will enable them to read and write at more complex levels.
· Increased confidence: Children who struggle with reading and writing often feel frustrated or discouraged. Structured literacy provides these children with the support and guidance they need to succeed, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
· Better outcomes in school and life: Strong reading and writing skills are essential for success in all academic areas. Structured literacy provides the tools for children to not only learn to read, but to read to learn.
Structured literacy is a science-based instructional framework for teaching reading and writing. If you are a parent looking for private structured literacy instruction, please contact Dr. Truong here to help your child develop the skills and confidence they need and deserve.
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