There are two main schools of thought on how to teach reading: The Whole Language Approach and the Structured Literacy Approach. Scientists and philosophers have been arguing for centuries about how children learn. The age-old nature-vs-nurture debate pits those who believe we learn by virtue of our biology—or nature—against those who believe we learn through experience—or nurture.
Structured Literacy
Phonological Awareness
Being aware of syllables helps us learn new vocabulary, sound out words, and spell.
Reading is Not a Guessing Game: Putting Research Into Practice So Kids Can Read
What do you think happens when a child can’t figure out how to pronounce that word? Take a moment to recall a time when you struggled with an activity and couldn’t figure it out, then imagine having the added stress of being watched closely by your teacher, parent or friends while the pressure builds for you to “just get it.” We get anxious. We then try to avoid it altogether.
