Why it is important for literacy efforts to begin early

Full Answer Section

    Research has shown that explicit instruction in these five components is essential for all children to learn to read. Explicit instruction means that teachers directly teach children about these components, rather than expecting them to learn them incidentally through exposure to reading. Importance of Early and Ongoing Literacy Efforts Literacy efforts should begin early and be continued and reinforced throughout a child's academic experience. This is because the brain is most receptive to learning to read during the early years of life. During this time, the brain is rapidly developing the neural connections that are necessary for reading. If children do not receive explicit instruction in the five components of reading during the early years, they may struggle to learn to read. This is because they may not have developed the necessary neural connections. Additionally, children who struggle to read in the early years may become discouraged and may not develop a love of reading. Ongoing literacy efforts are also important because children continue to develop their reading skills throughout their academic experience. As children move through the grades, they are exposed to more complex texts. They need ongoing instruction in order to be able to read these texts effectively. Implications for Instructional Practices The science of reading has a number of implications for instructional practices. Some of these implications include:

• Teachers should provide explicit instruction in the five components of reading.
• Teachers should use evidence-based instructional materials.
• Teachers should provide children with opportunities to practice their reading skills.
• Teachers should assess children's reading progress regularly.
• Teachers should provide interventions for children who are struggling to learn to read.

By following these implications, teachers can help all children develop the reading skills they need to be successful in school and in life. Specific Implications for My Instructional Practices

• I will make sure to explicitly teach my students about phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• I will use evidence-based instructional materials that have been shown to be effective in teaching reading.
• I will provide my students with opportunities to practice their reading skills through activities such as reading aloud, choral reading, and independent reading.
• I will regularly assess my students' reading progress using a variety of methods, such as informal reading inventories and standardized tests.
• I will provide interventions for students who are struggling to learn to read. These interventions may include providing additional instruction in the five components of reading, working with students on specific reading skills, or providing students with access to additional support services.

By following these implications, I can help all of my students develop the reading skills they need to be successful in school and in life.  

Sample Answer

   

The science of reading is a body of research that investigates the cognitive processes involved in reading. This research has shown that reading is a complex skill that involves a number of different brain regions and processes.

The five key components of the science of reading are:

• Phonemic awareness: The ability to identify and manipulate the sounds of spoken language.
• Phonics: The ability to match letters with sounds.
• Fluency: The ability to read words quickly and accurately.
• Vocabulary: The knowledge of word meanings.