By now you have heard the words, “Science of Reading” (SoR) uttered a time or two. If you have ever asked yourself, “Just what is SoR, and what are some quick and easy ways to get it into practice in my classroom?”, then you are in the right spot! Check out our top ten Science of Reading quick wins you can apply in your classroom today!
First off, what is the Science of Reading? Basically, it is five decades of research that is now compiled showing exactly how students learn to read and write. It focuses on a structured literacy approach in these five components:
- Phonemic Awareness
- Phonics
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
Find out more here: Science of Reading Sample Literacy Block Schedule or here: Resources to Teach the Science of Reading Components.
Decodable Passages
Giving students texts that are truly decodable allows them to feel success while also working on targeted sound skills. Check out this success in action!
Sounds Game
This game from TikTok user @droppingknowledgewheidi is phenomenal…and free!
Hands On Orthographic Mapping
Try orthographic mapping with a hands on and memorable twist!
Orthographic Mapping Toothy Mat
Or check out this magical idea!
Use a Sound Wall
Gone are the days of traditional word walls. Now we know it is best practice to use a phonetic or sound wall. This matches words not to their initial sound, but focuses on explicit instruction of phonemes and provides decoding practice. Look how cute it is!
Sweet Syllable Types
Try teaching the six types of syllables in a tasty way students will definitely remember while also creating an anchor chart with the leftovers.
Hands On Literacy Interventions
Did you know you could provide targeted literacy interventions with playdoh? Or toy cars??
Hands-On Literacy Interventions
Leveled Readers Level Up
To truly use a SoR approach in your classroom, it is time to ditch those early leveled readers and switch to decodables. But what to do with all of the old leveled readers? TIkTok user @droppingknowledgewheid has a great idea!
Phonics Ladders
This is such a quick and easy way to target a phonics skill.
Heart Words
Teaching high frequency words can be tricking. But instead of expecting memorization of these words, try the heart words strategy.
And here are some easy to find heart words tools. This idea comes from Ms. Craft Kindergarten.
Pop Its
Who knew Pop Its could be such a versatile classroom tool??
Ready to simplify Science of Reading alignment? Join Team Lucky Little Learners member Katie to see how easy and engaging it can be.
Hopefully these tips help jumpstart your dive into the Science of Reading.
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Happy teaching!
This is awesome! I love how you incorporated games to make SoR fun!
I am a 5th grade teacher looking to find resources for SoR in upper grades. I’ve found that most resources focus on K-2. Do you have any recommendations for upper grades? Thanks in advance!
Hello Lindsey! Such a great question! Our content is focused mainly on K-3rd grades, so we recommend joining some science of reading for upper grades Facebook groups as a starting place for your search. Thank you!