Dyslexic Positive Libraries Initiative

We Believe in Evidence-Based, Science of Reading (SoR)-Aligned Literacy Instruction. The Dyslexic Positive Libraries. An older child and teacher read together.

We Believe in SoR Literacy

—

by

susanwhitehead
in

“We believe in evidence-based, Science of Reading (SoR)-Aligned literacy instruction.” -The Dyslexic Positive Libraries Initiative Team

Terms Used

  • Science of Reading (SoR)
  • Structured Literacy
  • Structured Phonics
  • Evidence-based Literacy
  • Science-based Literacy

What is Structured Literacy Instruction?

Structured Literacy, as defined by The Reading League, is a comprehensive approach to literacy instruction that emphasizes the structure of language, including phonology, sound-symbol associations, syllables, morphology, and syntax/semantics. It focuses on explicit, systematic, cumulative, and
diagnostic teaching of foundational reading skills, benefiting all learners, especially those with dyslexia.

Key Components of Structured Literacy:

  • Phonology: Understanding the sound structure of spoken language, including phonemes, syllables, and phonological awareness.
  • Sound-Symbol Associations: Learning the relationships between sounds and letters (phonics).
  • Syllables: Understanding syllable structure and patterns in words.
  • Morphology: Studying word parts (morphemes) and their meanings.
  • Syntax: Understanding sentence structure and grammar.
  • Semantics: Understanding word and sentence meaning (vocabulary).

Principles of Structured Literacy Instruction:

  • Explicit: Directly teaching the skills and concepts needed for reading.
  • Systematic: Presenting skills in a logical order, building upon previously learned concepts.
  • Cumulative: Reviewing and reinforcing previously taught material as new concepts are introduced.
  • Diagnostic: Assessing student progress and tailoring instruction to individual needs.
  • Multisensory: Engaging learners through visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses.
  • Diagnostic Teaching: Utilizing ongoing assessments (formal and informal) to inform instruction and meet individual student needs.

Benefits of Structured Literacy

  • Improved Decoding and Encoding: Students learn to break down words into sounds and letters (decode) and build words from sounds and letters (encode).
  • Enhanced Fluency: With strong decoding skills, students can read more fluently.
  • Increased Comprehension: Understanding the meaning of what is read.
  • Support for Students with Dyslexia: Structured literacy is particularly helpful for students with dyslexia, who may struggle with the complexities of the English language.
  • Overall Literacy Development: Structured literacy provides a strong foundation for all aspects of literacy, including reading, writing, and oral language

DPLI Phonics Scope & Sequence

Libraries can help children learn to read by building decodable book collections, which are organized by a phonics scope and sequence. Discredited methods should be weeded or repurposed (examples: leveled books, ready readers, sight words, Fountas & Pinnell, five finger rule, etc.). Below is a 6 category phonics scope and sequence that we use at the DPLI.

  • Primer (CVC single syllable)
  • Upper Elementary (CVC, VCE single & two syllables, r-controlled vowel syllables, VV and inflective suffix)
  • Early middle grades (CVC, VCE single & two syllables, r-controlled vowel syllables VV syllables and lesson common spelling patterns such as alk, ought, igh suffix and changes to the word base and CLe syllable type)
  • Upper Middle Grades (CVC, VCE single & two syllables, r-controlled vowel syllables VV syllables and lesson common spelling patterns such as alk, ough, igh suffix and changes to the word base, prefix and stable final syllables -ture, etc)
  • High School & Adult (CVC, VCE single & two syllables, r-controlled vowel syllables VV syllables and lesson common spelling patterns such as alk, ought, igh, study of roots to read and spell words with medial vowel, diverse vowel stress up to 6 syllables)

DPLI Book Lists (Recommended & Weed)

Create a Literacy Nook for Your Library

Woman sorting through piles of binders, boxes, art supplies, and assorted materials.
Literacy Specialist Emily Carley sorts discredited “literacy learning” materials.
Piles of books, binders, stickers. A box labeled "Scholastic Book Fairs," book cover of Children & Books, and a guide called "Start Us Reading, Keep Us Reading."
Materials that can be repurposed will be donated to libraries.
A month calendar with daily literacy activities.
To participate in these activities, a child would *already* need to be able to read and write.
Boxes of tote bags with binders and books. A cover says "Help America Read."
Piles of materials to sort. Much will need to be recycled.

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