Our Program

Essential Components of Reading Instruction

​

Answers to Literacy includes the 5 Essential Components of Reading Instruction as identified by the National Reading Panel:

​

• Phonemic Awareness – the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds in spoken words

• Phonics – the understanding that there is a predictable relationship between phonemes and graphemes. (sounds and letters)

• Vocabulary – the development of stored information about the meanings of words necessary for communication

• Fluency – the ability to read text (letters, words, etc.) accurately and quickly

• Fluent readers read with expression

• Comprehension – Using strategies for understanding, remembering, and communicating with others about what has been read

In order to learn to read, a student must first have correct spelling instruction. “Spelling is the foundation of reading and the greatest ornament of writing….Spelling is the art of dividing words into their proper syllables in order to find their true pronunciation. Children learn to read by first spelling the word.” (Noah Webster)

The most powerful predictor for reading success is the student’s ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words.” (Dr. Diane McGuinness)

            Many times our students will progress significantly, if diligent and consistent, in a fairly short amount of time. Some students not only attain their grade level of reading but surpass it by a minimum of 1-2 grade levels.