What is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is an instructional approach of teaching reading and spelling based on the extensive research of the Science of Reading. In Structured Literacy, the structure of language is broken down into 6 elements: Phonology, Sound-Symbol Association, Syllables, Morphology, Syntax, and Semantics. These literacy components are taught through explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic instruction.
At Educational Pathways Academy, a school for dyslexia in Southwest Florida, we utilize the structured literacy instructional approach of Orton-Gillingham in our Comprehensive Approach to Learning. We do this because the evidence-based methods of Structured Literacy are highly effective in building the foundational skills needed to become a proficient reader. This literacy approach is vital for the educational success of students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and is helpful in increasing comprehension and fluency skills in all students.
Elements of Structured Literacy
Phonology: the study of sounds in oral language. Phonological Awareness is a set of skills that help students to identify and manipulate units of spoken sounds.
Sound-Symbol Association: how to map sounds (phenomes) with letters.
Syllables: knowing the six syllable types and how to divide them.
Morphology: the study of word forms such as prefixes, suffixes and base words.
Syntax: understanding the arrangement of words determined by grammar and sentence structure.
Semantics: understanding the meaning of words.
Principles of Structured Literacy
Explicit Instruction
In Structured Literacy, students are taught reading and spelling through explicit or direct instruction. Lessons are teacher-led with teachers fully explaining literacy concepts and skills. Teachers walk students through each lesson step-by-step and give them clear explanations and instructions. They model key skills, give students many opportunities for guided practice and offer affirming corrective feedback throughout the lessons. Teachers communicate clear and achievable learning goals and continually check for student understanding as they work towards achieving these goals.
Systematic & Cumulative Lessons
Teachers thoughtfully and purposefully plan out each lesson in a systematic and cumulative manner. They break down and organize literacy lessons into smaller, more manageable components. In Structured Literacy, instruction is given in logical order, from simple to more complex with each lesson building upon the other. When new concepts and skills are introduced, students possess the knowledge and skills needed to master them.
Diagnostic Teaching
Teaching methods in Structured Literacy are also diagnostic. Teachers continually interact with students throughout the learning process and perform formal and informal assessments. They are able to ensure that students are mastering each literacy concept before moving on to the next lesson. Through diagnostic teaching, teachers are aware of each student’s capabilities and are able to adapt their lessons to meet the students’ needs.
Educational Pathways Academy is a private Christian school in Southwest, Florida that specializes in the academic, social and emotional development of students with language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
Learn more about our Comprehensive Approach to Learning that effectively addresses the needs of students with learning differences.