Reading in NOT a natural process

Did you know that our brains are not born with the power to automatically start to read. Reading is not a natural process and therefore must be taught but taught correctly. For many years the approach to reading has been very basic, which explains why the learning process has been so difficult for so many young readers. Finally, more and more states and education agencies are stepping up their efforts and switching to more intensive reading instruction with a heavy base in phonics.  Typically, this scientifically based instruction is ideal for children with Dyslexia, however, this approach benefits ALL children.  Children would engage multiple senses in the learning process though sight, speech, touch, and sound to help imprint words into their brains.  Our school districts are slowing increasing their Dyslexia screeners, literacy instruction and teacher training. These programs have been shown to drastically improve the literacy rates of children across whole demographics.  It benefits early readers and it’s been shown time and time again that this scientific approach to reading IS how children learn to read.  Why? Comprehensive phonics instruction is key. Phonics supports decoding, decoding of words supports word recognition, word recognition supports fluency, and fluency supports reading comprehension.  Each level supports the next, but making sure that the foundation is solid is key.  When a child learns to read, it becomes life changing. Unfortunately, children that cannot read by third grade are at a higher rate of dropping out of school, poverty, and even criminal activity. This is why changing the way reading is taught is so important.  The more we educate ourselves on the importance of teaching reading correctly, the better chances we have of preventing children from slipping through the cracks. Remember, reading is a life skill.  It’s a tool all children will need for the rest of their lives.

 

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Anonymous said…
I wish more schools taught this way. My child has struggled to read for years.
May 5, 2023 at 3:17 AM
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