structured literacy block

2 min read 06-09-2024

Structured literacy is an evidence-based approach to reading instruction that is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. This method emphasizes the importance of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. In this article, we will explore the components and benefits of a structured literacy block in the classroom.

What is a Structured Literacy Block?

A structured literacy block is a dedicated time period during the school day focused solely on reading instruction. This block is designed to be explicit, systematic, and sequential, allowing students to engage in various activities that promote literacy development. Typically lasting 60-90 minutes, the structured literacy block can include the following components:

1. Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. Activities in this section may include:

Rhyming games
Sound segmentation
Blending sounds to form words

2. Phonics Instruction

Phonics instruction involves teaching the relationships between sounds and their corresponding letters or letter combinations. This component often includes:

Direct teaching of letter-sound correspondences
Decoding strategies
Structured practice with reading and writing words

3. Vocabulary Development

A strong vocabulary is crucial for reading comprehension. Within the structured literacy block, vocabulary development may involve:

Teaching new words explicitly
Engaging students in discussions about word meanings
Encouraging the use of new vocabulary in context

4. Fluency Practice

Fluency is the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. Activities to promote fluency can include:

Repeated reading of familiar texts
Reader's theater
Partner reading to provide feedback

5. Comprehension Strategies

Reading comprehension involves understanding and interpreting text. Instruction in this area might focus on:

Teaching summarization techniques
Asking and answering questions about the text
Making connections to personal experiences or other texts

Benefits of a Structured Literacy Block

Implementing a structured literacy block can yield significant benefits for students, including:

Increased Reading Achievement

By providing explicit and systematic instruction, students can build a solid foundation in reading skills, leading to improved reading achievement.

Support for Diverse Learners

Structured literacy is particularly effective for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia. This approach ensures that all students have access to the tools they need to succeed in reading.

Engagement and Motivation

Interactive and varied activities within the structured literacy block can help to keep students engaged and motivated to learn. When students are actively participating, they are more likely to retain information and develop a love for reading.

Consistency and Predictability

A structured approach provides consistency and predictability in literacy instruction, which can be comforting for students. Knowing what to expect each day helps students to focus on learning.

Conclusion

A structured literacy block is an essential component of effective reading instruction, particularly for struggling readers. By incorporating phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, fluency practice, and comprehension strategies, educators can create a comprehensive literacy program that supports all learners. Investing time and resources in structured literacy can lead to lasting improvements in students’ reading skills and overall academic success.