Science Of Reading
What Is The Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading is a large body of research that helps us understand how children learn to read. Drawing on findings from education, psychology, linguistics and neuroscience, it identifies the skills and teaching approaches that are most effective in supporting literacy development. In Scoil Carmel, we are using this research to inform and strengthen our literacy teaching. We continue to build on established good practice while reflecting on and developing our approach to meet the needs of all learners so every child can become a confident, capable and enthusiastic reader. We focus on helping children develop the building blocks of reading and writing. These include:
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Recognising and playing with the sounds in words
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Learning how letters and sounds work together
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Building vocabulary and understanding new words
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Developing confidence and fluency when reading
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Understanding and talking about what they read
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Strengthening speaking and listening skills
Over the past 2 years, in line with our School Self Evaluation (SSE) process, we have made some meaningful changes to support our alignment with the Science of Reading . They include:
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Structured Literacy approach: Children are taught the relationships between sounds and letters, how to blend sounds to read words and how to use these skills in both reading and writing in a multi-sensory way. Learning is carefully sequenced with the Heggerty and Jolly Phonics programmes, with new skills building on previously taught knowledge, allowing children to practise and apply their learning with confidence. By providing clear instruction and regular opportunities for practice, we support all children in becoming confident and successful readers and writers.
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Decodable Books: We have increased the use of decodable books, which allow children to practise reading words that contain the letter-sound patterns they have already learned. This helps to build confidence, accuracy and independence and allows children to read books at a level suited to their ability.
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Heart Word Method: We use this method to teach high-frequency words previously thought of as 'tricky words'. Children learn which parts of a word can be sounded out and which parts need to be remembered "by heart", helping them to read and spell common words more successfully.
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Writing: To strengthen the connection between reading and writing, we are placing a greater emphasis on dictation activities, where children listen to and write sounds, words and sentences they have learned. Alongside this, children are given regular opportunities for free writing, encouraging them to apply their growing literacy skills creatively and independently.
Children continue to learn through a combination of direct teaching, stories, play and multisensory sensory approaches, discussion and meaningful reading and writing activities. Our aim is to help every child develop strong literacy skills while also fostering a love of books, language and learning. By combining proven teaching practices with the latest research, we strive to give all children the best possible start on their reading journey.
How Can Parents Help at Home?
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Read to/ with your child every day
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Talk about books and stories together
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Encourage your child to sound out unfamiliar words
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Praise effort as well as accuracy
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Play word, rhyme, and sound games
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Let your child see you reading and writing in everyday life
Remember: learning to read is a journey. Every child develops at their own pace and regular practice, encouragement and enjoyment of books all help build confident readers. If you have any concerns about your child's progress, don't hesitate to speak with your child's class teacher.