What is the science of reading? A practical guide for teachers

Science of reading checklist

• Teach blending and segmenting sounds daily, linked to letters.
• Follow a clear phonics scope and sequence with cumulative review.
• Include dictation so students spell by sound as well as read.
• Give beginners decodable texts that match the patterns taught.
• Have every student read connected text every day.
• Build fluency with repeated and guided oral reading.
• Read aloud rich books organized around knowledge-building topics.
• Teach vocabulary explicitly and model comprehension with think-alouds.
• Prompt students to the letters, not the picture, when they're stuck.
• Screen all students and give early, targeted help.

Try this today

1. Sound-to-letter dictation. Say three words with this week's pattern. Students say each word, tap the sounds, then write a letter or letter team for each sound. Check together by sound. Two minutes, and students practice the code in both directions.
2. A think-aloud read-aloud. During today's read-aloud, stop twice to say what's happening in your head: "I'm not sure why she left, so I'll reread." Then invite students to share their own thinking at the next stop.
3. Swap one prompt. When a student is stuck on a word, replace "look at the picture" with "look at all the letters; what sound does each make?" Then ask, "Does that make sense?" Notice how quickly students adopt the new habit.