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Structured Literacy
Benefits of Structured Literacy
Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading and writing that is particularly effective for
ALL students, especially those with learning differences like dyslexia.
This approach not only enhances literacy skills but also equips students with the knowledge and strategies they need to succeed in all areas of their education.
How do I know if Structured Literacy is Right for My Child?
Structured Literacy focuses on addressing gaps in decoding and encoding skills, providing essential support to help your child succeed. While it is ideal to start in the early primary years, this approach remains beneficial at any age, particularly for neurodiverse learners.
Evidence-Based Teaching Principles of Structured Literacy
The Structured Literacy model incorporates several evidence-based elements that research has identified as crucial for successful reading instruction:
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Phonology This refers to the understanding of the sound structure of language. Phonological awareness, including the ability to manipulate sounds (phonemes), is essential for decoding words and is a core component of Structured Literacy.
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Sound-Symbol Association Also known as phonics, this element involves teaching the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or letter combinations. Mastery of this association is critical for reading and spelling.
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Syllable Instruction Understanding syllables and their patterns helps students decode words more accurately. Structured Literacy teaches students to recognise and divide words into syllables, improving reading fluency.
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Morphology This involves teaching the smallest units of meaning within words, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Morphological awareness enhances vocabulary and helps students understand and decode more complex words.
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Syntax This element focuses on the rules that govern sentence structure. Teaching syntax helps students understand how words and phrases are arranged to create meaning in sentences.
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Semantics This relates to the meaning of words and sentences. Structured Literacy ensures that students not only decode words but also understand their meanings in context, which is vital for reading comprehension.
To effectively teach these elements, Structured Literacy is guided by several evidence-based teaching principles:
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Explicit Instruction Teachers provide clear, direct explanations and demonstrations of each concept or skill, leaving nothing to guesswork. This ensures that students understand exactly what they are learning and how to apply it.
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Systematic and Cumulative Approach Instruction is carefully sequenced, starting with the most basic elements and gradually progressing to more complex concepts. Each new skill builds on previous knowledge, ensuring a solid foundation.
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Diagnostic Teaching Teachers continually assess students’ progress and understanding, adjusting instruction based on individual needs. This ongoing assessment allows for targeted support and intervention.
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Multisensory Engagement Structured Literacy often incorporates multiple senses—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile — in instruction. This multisensory approach reinforces learning and caters to different learning styles.
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Practice and Review Repetition and review are key components of Structured Literacy. Regular practice helps students solidify their understanding and retain new skills, leading to mastery.
These methodologies and approaches make Structured Literacy tutoring sessions highly effective, particularly for students who need a more focused and individualised approach to literacy instruction. By addressing the specific needs of each student in a systematic and explicit manner, these sessions help build a strong foundation in reading and writing that supports academic success.