The Science of Reading

Welcome to a new blog. In a recent conversation with Kristy Haworth, who is a Dyslexia Therapist and Family Coach who is the owner of All Kids Can Education, an evidence-based private practice offering one to one written language therapy to kids with dyslexia, ADHD and autism. 

Originally a classroom teacher, Kristy left the Education Department 11 years ago frustrated by the fact that she was not equipped with the knowledge that she needed to help those kids that were struggling with reading in the classroom. After several accredited courses in structured synthetic phonics and learning difficulties, Kristy now is confident that she can help any child learn to read, regardless of their diagnosis. 

In the realm of education, few pursuits are as noble and transformative as unlocking the power of literacy. Reading isn't just a skill; it's a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and opportunity. Yet, for many children, mastering the art of reading can be a daunting challenge, one that is far more complex than simply recognising letters on a page.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the critical role that systematic, evidence-based approaches play in teaching children to read. This approach, often referred to as the "Science of Reading," draws upon decades of research into how the brain learns to read and offers a roadmap for effective instruction.

At the heart of the Science of Reading is the understanding that reading is not a natural process; it must be taught. Rather than relying on intuition or guesswork, educators now have access to a wealth of knowledge about the specific skills and strategies that children need to become proficient readers.

One of the key principles of the Science of Reading is the importance of phonics instruction. Phonics is the method of teaching children to decode words by recognising the sounds that letters and letter combinations represent. By systematically teaching children the relationship between letters and sounds, educators can give them the tools they need to tackle unfamiliar words with confidence.

But phonics instruction is just one piece of the puzzle. The Science of Reading also emphasises the importance of phonological awareness, which is the ability to recognise and manipulate the sounds of language. Activities such as rhyming, blending, and segmenting sounds help children develop this crucial skill, laying the foundation for fluent reading.

Recognising the power of the Science of Reading, many educators and parents are turning to evidence-based literacy programmes to support children's learning. One such programme is Step Into Literacy, a comprehensive literacy programme designed to support educators in implementing the Science of Reading principles in their classrooms.

In addition to structured literacy programmes, there are also a wealth of resources available to educators and parents who are interested in learning more about the Science of Reading. Organisations such as the International Dyslexia Association and the National Institute for Literacy offer a wealth of information, research, and professional development opportunities for those seeking to deepen their understanding of evidence-based reading instruction.

By embracing the Science of Reading, educators and parents can empower children to become confident, skilled readers who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the written word and unlock the doors to a lifetime of learning and opportunity.