The Simple View of Reading

Teaching reading is a job for an expert. Contrary to the popular theory that learning to read is natural and easy, it is a complex linguistic achievement.​​​​​

For many children, learning to read and reading to learn requires effort and incremental skill development. Moreover, teaching reading requires considerable knowledge and skill acquired over several years through focused study and supervised practice.

Teaching the Simple View of Reading involves focusing on both word recognition and language comprehension, as both are crucial for developing reading proficiency. Here are some strategies to address each component:

1. Word Recognition (Decoding):

   
   

   • Phonemic Awareness: Teach students to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds in words. Use activities like rhyming, segmenting, and blending sounds.

   • Phonics Instruction: Provide explicit instruction on the relationships between letters and sounds. Use phonics games and activities to reinforce sound-letter correspondences.

   • Sight Words: Encourage memorization of high-frequency words that do not follow regular phonetic patterns. Flashcards and word walls can be helpful tools.

   • Fluency Practice: Engage students in repeated reading of texts to improve speed, accuracy, and expression. Use strategies like choral reading or paired reading.

     
     

2. Language Comprehension:

   
   

   • Vocabulary Building: Introduce new words in context and use them in various activities. Encourage discussion and use of new vocabulary in writing and speaking.

   • Background Knowledge: Help students build knowledge about the world through reading diverse texts, watching educational videos, and engaging in discussions.

   • Comprehension Strategies: Teach students how to make predictions, visualize, summarize, and ask questions while they read. Use graphic organizers to help them organize their thoughts.

   • Discussion and Engagement: Foster conversations about texts to deepen understanding and promote critical thinking. Ask open-ended questions and encourage students to share their interpretations.

     
     

Educators can help students develop a more holistic approach to reading that aligns with the Simple View of Reading framework by incorporating activities and lessons that target BOTH decoding and comprehension skills.