Mercer County Schools will have a new elementary reading series next year, which always throws a learning curve for teachers, students, and families. We adopted HMH’s Into Reading, which focuses on the science of reading. So, let’s learn what the science of reading is all about!
Reading experts (cognitive scientists) research how people learn to read. This research, in turn, molds reading instruction to better education students.
First, the science of reading states that students need a phonics approach. Therefore, it’s important for kids to learn phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The phonics approach teaches children the sounds in words.
However, the science of reading goes beyond phonics and several factors play into successfully comprehending text. For example, working memory involved the brain’s pre-frontal cortex, which matures later in childhood. Working memory involves executive functions of the brain, and it can be intentionally developed.
In addition, auditory processing enhances phonics instruction too. Auditory processing is a child’s ability to distinguish the sounds in words in order to blend, segment, and read. Therefore, children who can’t hear small changes in sounds struggle with phonics.
So, now that you have a little bit of knowledge behind the science of reading, you’ll have an idea what it means if the term comes up during a conference or meeting. As always, let us know if you would like further information!
