Structured Literacy

Structured Literacy is an instructional approach rooted in the Science of Reading that is explicit, systematic, and evidence-based. It focuses on teaching the structure of language in a way that supports all learners, especially those with reading difficulties such as dyslexia. Below are the key elements of Structured Literacy, by integrating these elements, Structured Literacy provides a comprehensive, research-based framework for teaching reading and writing effectively.

Explicit Instruction

Teaching is direct and clear.

Concepts are explained step-by-step with no assumptions about students' prior knowledge.

Teachers model skills and strategies, then guide and practice with students.

Systematic and Cumulative Instruction

Lessons are planned in a logical order, progressing from simple to complex concepts.

Skills are taught sequentially, with each new skill building on what has already been learned.

Previously taught skills are revisited and reinforced regularly.

Diagnostic Teaching

Instruction is informed by ongoing assessment and observation.

Teachers continuously monitor progress and adapt instruction to meet individual needs.

Error analysis is used to identify and address specific gaps in learning.

Multisensory Learning

Teaching engages multiple senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile) to reinforce learning.

Examples:

Writing letters in sand or shaving cream (tactile).

Clapping out syllables (kinesthetic).

Saying sounds aloud while writing (auditory and visual).

Phonology

Focus on phonological and phonemic awareness, the foundation of reading and spelling.

Phonological Awareness: Recognizing and manipulating larger sound units like syllables.

Phonemic Awareness: Identifying and manipulating individual sounds in words.

Sound-Symbol Association (Phonics)

Explicitly teaching the relationships between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or letter patterns (graphemes).

Includes instruction on decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling).

Syllable Structure

Teaching the six types of syllables and how they influence pronunciation and meaning:

• 1. Closed (e.g., cat).

  2. Open (e.g., go).

  3. Vowel-Consonant-e (e.g., cake).

  4. Vowel Team (e.g., boat).

  5. R-Controlled (e.g., bird).

  6. Consonant-le (e.g., bubble).

Morphology

Understanding the smallest units of meaning in language, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

Teaching how morphemes affect spelling and meaning (e.g., un- means "not" as in unhappy).

Syntax

Instruction in the structure of sentences, including grammar and word order.

Helping students understand how sentence structure affects meaning and comprehension.

Semantics

Building vocabulary and understanding word meanings and relationships.

Encouraging deep comprehension of language in context.

Fluency

Developing automaticity in reading so students can focus on comprehension rather than decoding.

Practicing high-frequency words and connected text for speed, accuracy, and expression.

Comprehension

Ensuring students understand the meaning of what they read through active strategies like summarizing, questioning, and predicting.

Tying vocabulary, syntax, and background knowledge to improve understanding.

Integration of Reading, Writing, and Spelling

Reading and writing are taught together, reinforcing each other.

Spelling instruction is structured and tied to phonics, morphology, and orthography.

Evidence-Based Practices

Strategies and methods are grounded in research and proven to be effective for diverse learners.

Avoids practices like guessing from context or relying solely on visual cues.

Focus on All Learners

Particularly effective for struggling readers and students with dyslexia but beneficial for all learners.

Instruction is inclusive and addresses a wide range of abilities.

Structured Literacy in Action

Daily Routines: Incorporate phonological awareness activities, explicit phonics lessons, and multisensory practice.

Lesson Progression: Begin with direct instruction, provide guided practice, and transition to independent work.

Assessment: Use data to inform instruction and provide targeted interventions where needed.