Overview
Reading is the key that unlocks knowledge and imagination but for many children, learning to read can feel like a frustrating puzzle. That’s where evidence-based reading instruction comes in because it offers an approach that is based on scientific research, not guesswork.
Australia’s Reading Problem
A recent report from the Grattan Institute (Feb 2024) determined that Australia has a very serious reading problem, with a third of our children unable to read proficiently. That is 1 in 3 Australian children can’t read well. And the reason most can’t read well is that they aren’t being taught well enough!
Thankfully many schools are moving to evidence-based instruction and the government is catching up and mandating structured phonics programs for early primary.
Why Is Evidence-based Practice A Good Thing?
Here’s why ditching the ineffective method of balanced literacy is a game-changer for young learners:
- Stronger Foundations: Reading isn’t magic – it’s a complex skill built on a strong understanding of language. Evidence-based programs like Sounds-Write focus on essential building blocks like phonemic awareness (understanding the sounds in words) and phonics (the link between sounds and letters). By mastering these fundamentals, children can decode new words with confidence, instead of struggling to recognise them by sight alone.
- Confident Decoding: Imagine being able to sound out any word you encounter, regardless of how unfamiliar it looks. Evidence-based instruction equips children with this valuable skill. They can tackle new texts without fear,,fostering a love for reading that goes beyond the comfort zone of familiar stories.
- Improved Fluency: Reading isn’t just about deciphering words – it’s about smoothly connecting them to create meaning. Evidence-based programs incorporate fluency practice, helping children read with proper pacing, expression, and accuracy. This not only enhances comprehension but also builds confidence in their own reading abilities
- Deeper Comprehension: The ultimate goal of reading is to understand what we read. Evidence-based instruction doesn’t stop at decoding; it emphasises strategies for comprehension. Children learn to ask questions, make connections, and analyse what they’re reading, fostering a deeper engagement with the text.
- A Brighter Future: Strong reading skills are the cornerstone of academic success. Research shows that children who struggle with reading in their early years are more likely to fall behind in other subjects. Evidence-based instruction helps prevent these challenges, setting children up for a brighter academic future.
By using a scientific approach to teaching reading and writing, we can unlock the potential of every child.
Ask your school today if they have moved to an Evidenced Based Approach.
