What Is the Science of Reading?

What Is the Science
of Reading?

If you’ve heard the term “science of reading,” you might wonder what it really means. Simply put, the science of reading is based on decades of research that shows how children learn to read and what methods work best to teach them. This research has made it clear that reading is not something we learn naturally, like speaking. Instead, it’s a skill that requires explicit instruction.

For years, some schools used a method called “whole language,” which focused on exposing children to lots of books and letting them figure out reading on their own. However, science has shown that most children need to be taught specific skills, like how to hear individual sounds in words (phonemic awareness) and how letters represent those sounds (phonics).

Why Is This Important?

When we teach reading based on this scientific research, children are much more likely to succeed. Kids who are taught these foundational skills become better readers, avoiding the frustrations and challenges that come from trying to guess words based on pictures or context. By using the science of reading, we can give our children a strong start, making reading easier and more enjoyable.

Two Activity Ideas to Build a Strong Foundation

Sound Scavenger Hunt: Go on a “sound scavenger hunt” with your child! Say a sound, like the /b/ sound, and challenge your child to find objects around the house that start with that sound. For example, they might find a “book,” a “ball,” or a “bag.” This helps develop their phonemic awareness, which is essential for reading.
Letter-Sound Match: Write a few letters on small pieces of paper (like B, C, D), and then say a sound, such as /d/. Ask your child to point to the letter that matches the sound. You can make this more fun by turning it into a game—each time they match correctly, they can take a small step toward a “treasure” (a toy or treat) on the other side of the room.

These simple activities are a great way to begin using the science of reading at home!