Many educators are concerned about measuring the effectiveness of literacy education. With reading scores fluctuating for decades, and educators struggling to find ways to offset reading and writing challenges post pandemic, many are turning to a literacy study, often referred to as “the science of reading,” for a fresh set of answers.
The early childhood education and medical researchers responsible for this study hope that the science of reading will help shape instructional practices in the classroom and improve literacy development for young children. With over 50 years of experience in early education, Kaplan shares that hope. However, we understand that “the science of reading” and its findings may be tricky to decode and put into practice.
In this article, we will explain the science of reading research, its impact on early childhood education, and an easy way to implement it in your instructional practice.
What is the science of reading?
According to the Reading League, the science of reading is a collection of scientifically based research that relates to how children best learn to read and write. This research was collected over multiple years by researchers in education, linguistics, neuroscience, and psychology. The science of reading is ever-evolving and may change based on what new research and academic evidence show with time.
The science of reading studies were conducted in various languages and in multiple countries to provide a well-rounded view of reading and writing practices around the world. While this research is not considered a one-size-fits-all approach to literacy education, it does show how efficient reading and writing skills develop, why some children struggle with these skills, and how educators can improve literacy in the classroom through proper assessment and teaching.
What impact does the science of reading have on early childhood education?
While some children can memorize words or use rote memorization to learn how to read at proficient levels, it is not always this easy for every child. The science of reading encourages literacy instruction that helps children develop five key skills: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
While each component is important, the science of reading notes that the continuous development of all these skills over time builds a solid foundation in early reading and writing. If any one of these skills is weak, literacy is diminished and could make it more difficult for children to read and write.
What instructional practices align with the science of reading?
The science of reading research outlines several examples of instructional practices that improve literacy development for young children, such as:
- Helping children identify phonemes in spoken words and how they link to letters, such as replacing the /c/ in the word “cat” to a /b/, changing the word “cat” to “bat”
- Building reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension by connecting spoken words to written text
- Improving knowledge and vocabulary by incorporating a daily read-aloud from a variety of complex books and stories
- Encouraging robust conversations to help children build their narrative and inferential language
How can you implement the science of reading in your instructional practice?
Reading and writing difficulties can have many causes, including a child’s inability to focus. Before you make any changes to your instructional practice, you will want to assess each child to discover any reading difficulties that need support. Once you clearly understand what each child needs from you, you can alter instructional practices so that all children can gain the fundamental skills needed to become proficient readers with time and practice.
Is the science of reading a new concept for you, or do you need more guidance on implementation? If so, Kaplan offers a variety of science of reading and literacy-specific professional learning opportunities that can support you.
Is there a pre-k curriculum that applies the science of reading research?
Yes! The Connect4Learning ® curriculum comprehensively incorporates the five fundamental components of literacy instruction throughout its daily lessons and activities. A daily “Welcome and Read Aloud” section of the curriculum also provides educators with tips to engage children in meaningful conversations that enhance reading literacy.
Here are some of the ways Connect4Learning ® helps children build their phonological awareness, phonics skills, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension:
Phonological Awareness
- Music, singing, and songs that highlight sound patterns
- Exposure to books featuring rhymes and alliteration that draw attention to sounds that are similar and different
- Interactive games that focus on sound manipulation and recognition
Phonics Skills
- Daily teacher demonstrations of proper sound production, helping children understand the physical aspects of specific sounds
- In return, children practice these sounds, reinforcing the connection between written letters and their spoken sounds
Fluency
- Revisiting keywords, which allows children to build familiarity and word recognition
- Explaining new words in an accessible and culturally relevant way so that children develop their vocabulary understanding
Vocabulary
- Involving children in multisensory word reinforcement activities that include props, visual aids, photographs, and physical movement to teach new words
- Activities that help children connect unfamiliar words with those they already know and use
Comprehension
- Encouraging thought-provoking conversations before, during, and after reading to help children deepen their comprehension
- Encouraging children to articulate their thoughts using their own vocabulary while playing and interacting with others
- Inviting children to relate to stories and books through their own firsthand experiences
The implementation of these activities and the daily read-alouds transform simple story time into enriching, robust, and comprehensive experiences. Not only that, but Connect4Learning ® also integrates the science of reading components into all classroom learning centers.
What now?
Best practices in early childhood education are constantly evolving. This article gave you more insight into the science of reading research and the changes you can make with your instructional practices to support literacy development in the 21st century.
If you are ready to find a curriculum that aligns with the science of reading and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between all learning domains, Connect4Learning ® may be what you need. You can learn more about this pre-k curriculum and how it supports child development by reading the article, The Complete Guide to the Connect4Learning® Pre-K Curriculum. 
