Literacy and Language

Structured Literacy

Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading and writing that is beneficial for all learners but is necessary for those with dyslexia. Structured Literacy is characterized by what is taught as well as how it is taught. 

What is taught: 

• Phonology – The sound structure of spoken words that involves phonemic awareness skills such as blending and segmenting sounds. 
• Sound-symbol association – The alphabetic principle that sounds are represented by letters or a combination of letters and vice versa. 
• Syllables/Morphology – Studying bases, prefixes and suffixes support individuals to decode (read), spell and understand the meaning of complex words. 
• Syntax – The patterns that helps us know the order and function of words in a sentence and includes grammar, sentence structure and other mechanics of language. 
• Semantics – Focuses on meaning at the word, sentence, paragraph and text levels. 

How it is taught: 

• Systematic and cumulative – Concepts are taught in the logical order of language by starting with the easiest and most basic and then moving methodically to more difficult and complex. Each step is based on the material previously taught and is flexible enough to meet the individual where they are at. 
• Explicit – Direct teaching of concepts without assuming that the individual has inferred anything. Prompt, specific and emotionally-sound feedback is given to guide this. 
• Diagnostic – All instruction meets the individual where they are at based on careful and continuous assessment. Automaticity is the goal so that individuals do not have to use as much cognitive (thinking) power when reading and spelling/writing.  

At Beyond Words, we believe it is important that individuals are given the step-by-step knowledge and guided practice they need to achieve success in reading and writing in order to thrive in our literacy-based world. 

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