Effective Reading
Effective reading programs include phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. They should include a spelling component and multisensory reinforcement.
Language is a phonological code converted into print. Teaching the code of language to students is the solution of teaching effective reading. By learning the code and how to use it, students gain the necessary tools to decode (read) and encode (spell) words.
Teaching the sound-symbol connections, blending sounds into words for reading, segmenting words into sounds for spelling, and learning the basic rules will integrate reading and spelling instruction. When combined with multisensory practice, learning is cemented into long-term memory.
The basic blocks to reading is learning phonemic awareness which involves the sound system of the language. Students are taught the sound-letter representations, that sounds are blended together make words and that words can be separated into sounds.
Students begin instruction in a systematic approach with a emphasis on explicit phonics. Letter-sound connections for letters combinations are practiced in the context of word lists to help build mastery. The use of Manipulatives for controlled reading provide an opportunity to practice for the beginning reader who is mastering important skills. Students are encouraged to use the letters to decipher the sounds of each word.
An important component of reading programs is spelling. Spelling can be taught in sounds, patterns and rules to more complex elements.
Spelling is a multisensory activity involving three learning pathways, visual, auditory and kinesthetic tactile. Segmenting words into sounds,
phonemic awareness tasks help students break up each word into recognisable words and the sounds can be written in the correct sequence.
Using a segmenting strategy, learners assign one sound to each finger, and then spell the sequence of sounds to create a word. Segmenting words and sentences with the finger pressure sends a strong reinforcing signal to the brain. When the segmentation becomes fluid it can be done vocally, subsequently sub vocally, finally mentally.
When teaching a spelling component using a phonic approach, multisensory practice reinforces the learning into long term memory, cementing the skills required to read fluently, with good comprehension and to express the learning in writing.