As parents, keeping up with the evolving education landscape can sometimes feel overwhelming. One area where we’ve seen significant change is in how we teach literacy. Thanks to research in the “science of reading,” we now understand much more about how children learn to read—and how we can help them succeed. This approach to reading instruction ensures that all students, no matter their starting point, have the skills they need to excel.
The science of reading is based on decades of research examining how the brain processes written and spoken language. The focus is on teaching foundational skills that help children decode words, understand meaning, and develop a love for reading.
Key Skills for Reading Success
Understanding these key skills can empower you to support your child’s literacy development at home and better understand how their classroom teacher supports their literacy needs.
Phonemic Awareness: Phonemic awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds in words. It is one of the earliest steps in learning to read. For example, hearing and playing with sounds in words like "cat" (c-a-t) or "dog" (d-o-g) helps children develop the foundation needed for reading. Activities like rhyming games or segmenting sounds can support this skill at home.
Phonics: Phonics is closely related to phonemic awareness, but it goes a step further. It teaches the relationship between letters and their sounds. For instance, children learn that the letter "b" makes the /b/ sound or that "sh" makes the /sh/ sound. This skill helps children begin to decode (sound out) words when they read.
Letter Knowledge: Letter knowledge is understanding the names and sounds of letters. This skill is the foundation for both phonics and spelling. For young learners, letter knowledge is an essential building block in the journey toward reading.
Fluency: Fluency is the ability to read a text smoothly and accurately. Fluent readers can read quickly without stumbling over words, which is essential because fluency helps with comprehension. Students who don't have to focus on sounding out every word can concentrate on understanding what they're reading. Parents can help by encouraging regular reading practice and allowing children to read familiar books and stories aloud.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary refers to the words a child understands and can use. The larger a child’s vocabulary, the easier it is for them to understand what they read. This is why it’s essential to expose children to new words both in and out of school. You can support vocabulary growth by talking with your child about new words they encounter, using them in different contexts, and reading books with rich, varied language.
Comprehension: Comprehension is the ability to understand and make sense of what is being read. It’s the ultimate goal of reading instruction. For a child to comprehend a text, they need to be able to decode the words and understand their meanings in the context of the story or information. Parents can help by asking questions about the books their children read, discussing the main ideas, and encouraging them to predict what might happen next in a story.
The science of reading shows that every child can become a skilled reader with access to the right instruction and practice. Understanding the key literacy skills and supporting your child’s learning at home can help set them up for success in reading and beyond, giving you a sense of accomplishment as you witness their progress.