Structured literacy programs are explicit, systematic teaching that focuses on phonological awareness, word recognition, phonics and decoding, spelling, and syntax beginning with words and building to sentences, paragraphs and controlled text for students who struggle learning to read, decode and read fluently. Not all structured literacy programs are equal, for students who lack phonetic awareness, (the understanding of letter sounds, vowels, blends) an Orton-Gillingham structured literacy program is often touted as the gold standard. These programs are evidence-based for students with learning disabilities including Dyslexia and are most effective for struggling readers.
Structured literacy programs systematically teach over 200 phonics rules in the English language and provide students with the opportunity to practice decoding, reading and applying phonics rules. This explicit instruction allows students to gradually build one rule atop another to improve reading, fluency and decoding. When students gain an understanding and application of phonics rules they can decode and improve reading.
Structured literacy programs are often taught in a one-to-one setting in order to work within each student’s ability and pace. Using a professional tutor who has knowledge of and experience with explicit phonics instruction is important to ensure student success. Explicit instruction means the tutor clearly explains, models and allows the student to model, understand and practice phonics rules until mastered, improving reading and understanding of language.
Quality structured literacy programs are multi-sensory and include books, word lists, phonics games and other instructional materials to immerse students in learning and applying phonics rules. Giving students the tools to understand phonics rules help them to understand and apply the rules while reading.
Finding the right structured literacy program and the right tutor for your child is important to finding reading success.
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