The Fundamentals of Reading Development: What Research Says About How Kids Learn to Read
Over the past several decades, the exploration into how children learn to read has evolved into a rich tapestry of research and insights. Drawing from education, neuroscience, psychology, and linguistics, we've gained a deeper understanding of the intricate processes that support how reading develops.
Below are 10 key principles that help explain key learnings from research, offering clear, actionable guidance for educators, parents, and literacy advocates.
Why Reading Must Be Taught (Unlike Speaking)
While children acquire the ability to speak through natural development and immersion in language in their environment, reading and writing are skills that must be deliberately taught and nurtured. This distinction underscores the importance of intentional, structured learning experiences to develop literacy.
The Roots of Literacy Begin Early
Literacy development starts at birth, rooted in early social interactions, exposure to language, and experiences with print. These foundational experiences are crucial, as they set the stage for later reading success.
Decoding: The Gateway to Reading
Proficient reading is built on the ability to decode words efficiently. This skill relies heavily on phonemic awareness—the recognition of individual sounds in words. Effective decoding instruction is essential for enabling children to read new words independently.
The Importance of Reading Fluency
Fluency is a hallmark of skilled readers, characterized by the ability to recognize words quickly and accurately, read with appropriate expression, and maintain a pace that supports comprehension. Fluency is both a product of and a contributor to comprehensive reading ability.
Comprehension: The Ultimate Goal
Reading comprehension integrates multiple skills, including a robust vocabulary and a wealth of background knowledge. It is the ultimate goal of reading, allowing readers to extract meaning and gain new information from text.
Differentiated Instruction: Tailoring Learning
Recognizing the diverse needs and abilities of learners, differentiated instruction is critical. Utilizing student data to inform teaching strategies ensures that instruction is responsive and effective for all students.
The Value of Direct and Systematic Instruction
Direct, systematic instruction in reading skills is shown to be highly effective. In contrast, approaches that rely too heavily on indirect cues can be unpredictable and may leave gaps in a child's reading development.
Supporting English Learners and Emergent Bilinguals
For children learning to read and write in a new language, additional supports are often necessary. These supports can help strengthen oral language skills, facilitating a smoother transition to reading and writing in the new language.
Honoring and Leveraging Home Language
Children who speak languages or dialects other than American English benefit from instruction that honors their home language while providing ample opportunities to engage with and learn from American English texts.
Integrating Skills Over Time
Becoming proficient in reading and writing requires the integration of various skills developed over time. This long-term development process emphasizes the need for sustained, comprehensive literacy instruction.
These ten principles reflect the complex, interconnected nature of reading development. They emphasize the need for intentional, evidence-based instruction and a holistic view of each learner’s path to literacy.
