Structured literacy follows a specific order to teach reading, from simple to more complex skills, based on how we know people’s brains work. It is also very direct and explicit. Teachers focus on the exact skills that students need to know to go from speech to printed words. Structured literacy is often a multi-sensory approach with lots of practice, review, and correction of errors as students learn their new skills. Structured literacy teaching can begin in early childhood and continue through high school. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are paired with one another to teach reading skills.
What Does Structured Literacy Look Like in My Child’s Classroom? |
K-4 | Daily Literacy Block which includes direct and explicit instruction in each of the following areas: - Phonemic Awareness
- Phonics
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Fluency
- Writing
All students receive foundational skills instruction using the Fundations program. Some students may receive foundational skills instruction using the Wilson Reading System. |
5-8 | Daily Literacy Instruction which includes direct and explicit instruction in each of the following areas: - Advanced Word Study
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
- Writing
Some students receive foundational skills instruction using the Just Words program or the Wilson Reading System. |
9-12 | Some students receive foundational skills instruction using the Just Words program or the Wilson Reading System. |