Build reading skills
Learners first need the ability to read and recognise words; secondly, they need the ability to make sense of words and texts.
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Phonics in your reading programme
Phonics in your reading programme
Increasing the amount of explicit phonics instruction in small-reading group time leads to better outcomes.
Effective instruction includes:
- explicitly teaching phonics
- integrating that teaching into the reading programme through using decodable texts.
Recommendations for teaching beginning readers are outlined by Massey University researchers on pages 23–37.
Source: Massey University early literacy research project (opens in a new tab/window)
Using decodable readers
Using decodable readers
Decodable texts support young readers to read a word by matching letters and sounds throughout the word rather than looking at the first letter and the accompanying picture and “guessing” what the word is.
![11800 [Using-a-decodable-reader.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Using-a-decodable-reader__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Orthographic mapping
Orthographic mapping
Orthographic mapping involves forming letter–sound connections to combine the spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of specific words into memory.
The video provides a multi-sensory example. Read the video description for detail.
No captions or transcript
Reading to an adult
Reading to an adult
Many children whose confidence in reading is beginning to flourish can benefit greatly from regular reading to a sympathetic and trusted adult listener. Putting in the ‘reading miles’ at this stage can boost their pace and enjoyment of reading considerably.
Action plans for teaching
Action plans for teaching
Using the simple view of reading, create an action plan for teaching reading based on students’ needs.
![11801 [NZC-Scenario-05-Ready-to-Read-01-James.jpg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/NZC-Scenario-05-Ready-to-Read-01-James__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.jpg)
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Useful resources
Useful resources
About dyslexia – Supporting literacy in the classroom
Read time: 137 min
This booklet contains strategies for using a phonological approach to teaching reading and writing in the junior school, strategies for using a multi-sensory approach in the classroom, and accommodations and modifications teachers can make to support students with dyslexia.
Download PDF (3.3 MB)
Classroom strategies
Reading Rockets library has effective, research-based classroom strategies to help build and strengthen literacy skills in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
Publisher: WETA Public Broadcasting
Reading and the brain: Strategies for decoding, fluency, and comprehension
Read time: 16 min
Descriptions of difficulties learners may have, with specific classroom strategies on downloadable PDFs for differing levels.
Publisher: Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Support early literacy development through a structured literacy approach”:
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Current page Build reading skills
Return to the guide “Dyslexia and learning”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Dyslexia and learning
Understand:
- Understanding dyslexia
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Understanding dyslexia and literacy acquisitionShow suggestions for Understanding dyslexia and literacy acquisition
Strategies for action:
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Develop a schoolwide approachShow suggestions for Develop a schoolwide approach
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Identify student needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify student needs and how to provide support
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Support early literacy development through a structured literacy approachShow suggestions for Support early literacy development through a structured literacy approach
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Helpful classroom strategies in years 1–8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies in years 1–8
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Helpful classroom strategies in years 9–13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies in years 9–13
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Supporting literacy and numeracy in NCEAShow suggestions for Supporting literacy and numeracy in NCEA
