Decades of scientific research have been invested in identifying the most effective method of reading instruction. In 2000, the National Reading Panel (NRP) Report summarized these findings into five critical areas which are described below.

Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is the foundation for spelling and word recognition.  Phonemes are the smallest unit of sound that can make meaning.  We blend these sounds together to make words.  So the word cat has three sounds, c/a/t.  Use of rhyme, counting the number of syllables in words and substitution of sounds are all ways to practice this critical skill.

Phonics

Phonics is the skill of mapping sounds, or phonemes in words to our alphabetic system.  Words are a code and phonics instruction is the decoding key to our 44 phonemes.  Research shows that explicit phonics instruction at an early age is critical for achieving the best learning outcomes.

Fluency

Fluency is the ability to read with appropriate speed, accuracy and expression.  Fluent readers read smoothly, observe punctuation and provide meaningful intonation. A hurdle to fluency can be the struggle to decode words or to identify their meaning.  Reading aloud to children is an effective way to model this skill.  Having your child read a passage silently before reading aloud will enhance their fluency as will repeated reading.

Vocabulary

Strong vocabulary builds a child’s comprehension skills, the ability to think deeply and express themselves effectively.  It takes significant pressure off reading when words are already known and understood.  One of the best ways to enhance your child’s vocabulary is through engaging in daily conversations using new and interesting words that you might discuss and define.

Comprehension

Comprehension is the understanding and interpretation of what is read.  It is an active process between the reader and the text and involves cognitive and metacognitive processes.  It is achieved by piecing together all the skills, however, teaching comprehension strategies can begin before a child is able to read.  Based on research, there are six interrelated comprehension strategies which include; connections, predictions, questioning, visualizing, monitoring and summarizing.

It is the systematic and explicit instruction of these ‘Five Pillars of Reading’ that will achieve the most effective reading instruction for all our young learners.

References:

The five pillars of reading instruction. Retrieved from http://elearninginfographics.com/the-5-pillars-of-successful-reading-instruction-infographic/

Launching young readers: Reading rockets. Target the problem.  Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/helping/target

A closer look at the five essential components of effective reading instruction: A review of scientifically based reading research for teachers. Retrieved from https://education.ucf.edu/mirc/Research/Closer%20Look.pdf

Jo Zammit – Learning Enhancement Team