Structured literacy, also known as structured reading or structured reading and writing instruction, is an approach that provides a systematic method of reading instruction. It’s particularly useful for children with dyslexia. This method emphasizes systematically teaching language structures so that students can develop a solid base for both writing and reading. In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of structured reading, as well as the various structured literacy techniques that are used, to see how these can help all students, especially those with literacy difficulties.
Structured Literacy Techniques Principles
Structured literacy has several core principles.
- Diagnostic Teaching: Teachers continually evaluate students’ progress and tailor instruction to fit their changing needs. This proactive approach helps identify learning deficits quickly.
- Techniques Multisensory: Engage multiple senses: sight, sound, touch, and movement. This multisensory strategy reinforces knowledge and memory.
- Language-Based: Structured Literacy emphasizes the understanding of structure in language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics orthography. A deep understanding of the structure and meanings of words helps students to better understand texts.
Core Components Structured Literacy
Structured literacy programmes include several core components to strengthen reading and literary skills.
- Phonics
Teaching phonics teaches about the correspondence between letters and their sounds. This system helps students learn to sound words out. Teaching explicit phonics includes letter-sound relationships, blending of sounds to create words, and understanding common spelling patterns.
- Fluency
Reading fluently involves speed, accuracy, and proper expression. They can read faster and more accurately, focusing on reading comprehension as opposed to decoding individual words. Fluency is improved through repeated readings and by using timed reading exercises.
- Vocabulary
The ability to read well requires a solid vocabulary. Through structured literacy, students learn vocabulary through explicit instruction. They are introduced to new words by contexts, and their meanings are reinforced with activities. This method helps students use and comprehend new words.
- Comprehension
Comprehension is the ability of a person to understand and read a text. In structured literacy, teaching strategies are used to increase comprehension. For example, summarizing or predicting a text and asking questions. Students learn to organize key textual ideas using graphic organizers.
How To Implement Structured Literacy For Students?
The implementation of structured reading techniques is a complex process that requires careful planning and an ongoing commitment to the use of evidence-based approaches. Here are some ideas for a successful implementation.
- Professional Development
In order to successfully implement structured learning, teachers must receive comprehensive training. In-depth training should be provided to teachers on structured literacy principles and components, along with hands-on instruction.
- Diagnostic Assessments
Regular assessments are a great way to determine if students have strengths or areas where they may need assistance. Teachers can customize their teaching and implement targeted interventions based on these assessments. Assessments must cover phonological, phonics awareness, fluency and vocabulary.
- Multisensory Activities
The inclusion of multisensory elements in lessons will increase retention and engagement. You can use sandpaper alphabets for tactile learning or tap out sounds by tapping your fingers. These activities can reinforce concepts as well as cater to various learning styles.
- Small Group Instruction
Teaching in small groups allows for a more targeted and personalized approach. This ensures each group is receiving instruction on a level appropriate to its skill. This helps meet the needs of each student and ensures that they are able to master their skills.
- Collaborative Learning
Through partner work and other group activities, encouraging collaboration can help to enhance learning and offer opportunities for mutual support. Students can learn more from their peers when they collaborate.
Structured literacy: Benefits
There are many benefits to using structured literacy for students with learning difficulties, and all students.
- Improved Reading Skills
Through a focus on the basic components of literacy, structured reading helps students improve their decoding and comprehension. This foundation is vital for academic success.
- Confidence Booster
Their confidence will grow as they experience success at reading and in writing. Positive reinforcement promotes effort and encourages a passion for learning.
- Closing Achievement Gap
Students who struggle with reading and dyslexia can close achievement gaps by using structured literacy. By offering targeted instruction and providing support to these students, they can reach their maximum potential.
Conclusion
Structured reading is a highly effective method of reading instruction for all students. However, it’s especially beneficial to those struggling with dyslexia. Its principles and core components can be incorporated into the classroom to create effective and research-based lessons that build literacy skills while fostering a passion for reading. Each student will be able to achieve academic success and flourish with the help of structured literacy.
