What is the Best Way to Teach A Child To Read?

A Comprehensive Guide to Teaching a Child to Read

Reading is one of the most important skills that a child can learn. Being able to read opens up a world of knowledge and imagination, and sets a foundation for lifelong learning. However, the process of teaching a child to read can be complex and there are many different approaches and theories about the best way to do it.

In this post, I will explore the history of the “reading wars” between different methods of reading instruction, the science of reading, and the five key components of effective reading instruction. By understanding the scientific basis for reading, we can provide children with the best possible foundation for becoming successful readers.

The Reading Wars

Throughout history, there have been two main theories about how to teach children to read: Whole Language and Phonics with Direct Instruction.

Whole Language is an approach that focuses on meaning and uses cues such as picture support and context to help children understand what they are reading. This approach was popular in the 1970s and 1980s and is based on the idea that reading should be a natural process that is learned through immersion and exposure.

Phonics with Direct Instruction, on the other hand, focuses on letter sounds and teaching children to sound out words, regardless of context. This approach is based on the idea that children need to be systematically taught the rules of the alphabet and how to use those rules to sound out words.

In recent years, most schools have adopted a blended approach known as Balanced Literacy, which combines elements of both Whole Language and Phonics with Direct Instruction. This approach recognizes the importance of both meaning and letter sounds in the reading process, and seeks to provide a balance between the two, but in my opinion, is just whole language in disguise.

The Science of Reading

The Science of Reading (SoR) is an approach to reading instruction that is based on decades of scientific research. This research has shown that reading is not a natural process and that children must be systematically taught the skills they need to become successful readers.

The Simple View of Reading theory, first proposed in 1986, suggests that reading comprehension is equal to the product of decoding and language comprehension. In other words, children need to be able to sound out words accurately and quickly in order to understand what they are reading.

SoR is based on the idea that there are five key components of effective reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. By teaching these components in a systematic and research-based manner, educators can help children develop the skills they need to become confident and skilled readers.

Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is the ability to take apart and manipulate sounds in words orally. This is an important skill for children to have before they can learn phonics, as it helps them understand the sounds that make up words.

Activities that develop phonemic awareness include rhyming, counting syllables, and stretching out words to hear their individual sounds. For example, children can be asked to identify words that rhyme with a given word, or to count the number of syllables in a word.

Phonics

Phonics is the connection between the sounds of oral language and the printed letters on the page. Children who have a strong grasp of phonics are able to sound out words on the page, rather than relying solely on context or memory.

Phonics instruction typically involves teaching children the alphabet and the sounds associated with each letter. Children then practice sounding out words and connecting those sounds to the letters on the page.

Why is Vocabulary Important for Reading?

Vocabulary is the foundation of reading comprehension. Children who have a rich vocabulary are better able to understand and remember what they read. When children encounter new words, they have to make connections with words they already know and understand. By building a large vocabulary, children are able to make these connections more easily, which leads to improved reading comprehension.

How to Develop Vocabulary

1. Read Aloud: Reading aloud to children exposes them to new words and their meanings in a natural and enjoyable way. Children can listen to and repeat new words, which helps them remember them.
2. Introduce New Words: Teach children new words and their meanings in a systematic manner. This can be done through flashcards, word walls, or other visual aids.
3. Encourage Questions: Encourage children to ask questions about words they don’t know. This helps them understand the meaning of the word and also builds their curiosity and critical thinking skills.
4. Use Context Clues: When children encounter an unfamiliar word in a text, help them use context clues to figure out the meaning of the word. This helps them learn to figure out the meaning of words on their own, which will improve their vocabulary and reading comprehension.
5. Play Word Games: Play word games such as Scrabble, Boggle, or Bananagrams to expose children to new words and improve their vocabulary skills.

Fluency

What is Fluency?

Fluency is the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with expression. Fluent readers can read smoothly and effortlessly, allowing them to focus on the meaning of the text.

Importance of Fluency in Reading

Fluency is important because it improves reading comprehension by freeing up working memory. When children can read fluently, they can focus on the meaning of the text and make connections between what they are reading and what they already know. Fluent reading also improves reading speed and accuracy, which helps children become more confident and independent readers.

How to Develop Fluency

1. Read Aloud: Encourage children to read aloud regularly. This helps build their confidence and fluency, and also gives them the opportunity to practice reading with expression.
2. Timed Reading: Have children read texts for a set amount of time and then compare their reading speed and accuracy. This helps build fluency and gives children a sense of progress and achievement.
3. Choral Reading: Choral reading involves having children read a text together in unison. This helps build fluency, and also helps children understand the rhythm and pacing of the text.
4. Repeated Reading: Encourage children to read texts multiple times. This helps them become more familiar with the text, which will improve their fluency and comprehension.
5. Reading with a Partner: Have children read with a partner, taking turns reading sentences or paragraphs. This helps build fluency and also gives children the opportunity to practice reading with expression.