How Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading Work Together
- Mrs. Wyatt's Wise Owl Teacher Creations
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Science of Reading and Structured Literacy: Why You Can't Talk About One Without the Other
If you're diving into the Science of Reading, you've likely heard about Structured Literacy too. While they're not the same thing, they’re closely connected—and understanding both is essential for effective reading instruction.
What Is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading refers to a large body of research from brain science, cognitive psychology, and education. This research explains how children learn to read—and what kind of instruction works best. It tells us that reading is not a natural process like speaking. Most children need to be explicitly taught how to connect sounds and letters, how to read words, and how to make meaning from text. As explained by Louisa Moats in What Science Offers Teachers of Reading (Reading Rockets, 1999), reading instruction must be informed by scientific research—not just intuition.
What Is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is the type of instruction that follows the Science of Reading.
It’s a teaching approach that is:
Explicit – concepts are clearly taught, not left to chance
Systematic – skills are taught in a planned, logical order
Cumulative – each new skill builds on the last
Diagnostic – teachers monitor student progress and adjust as needed
Multisensory – instruction includes visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning
It builds decoding skills systematically, helping students connect sounds to letters and read unfamiliar words independently. Structured Literacy emphasizes systematic phonics, where students are taught sound-letter patterns in a clear, logical sequence. Structured Literacy focuses on the key components identified by the Science of Reading: phonology (sounds), phonics (sound-letter relationships), fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Through explicit instruction in reading, teachers guide students step by step, ensuring no skills are assumed or overlooked.
Structured Literacy isn’t just an educational trend—it’s a research-based approach grounded in how students learn language. The International Dyslexia Association explains that Structured Literacy explicitly teaches the foundational elements of reading, including phonology, syllable types, morphology, and syntax, all in a systematic and cumulative way (IDA, What is Structured Literacy?).
How Do They Work Together?
Think of it this way:
The Science of Reading is the why.
Structured Literacy is the how.
The Science of Reading gives us the research and understanding of how reading develops in the brain. Structured Literacy takes that science and turns it into effective, classroom-ready explicit instruction in reading.
They are not competing ideas—they’re partners. Structured Literacy applies the Science of Reading to make sure every child, including those with dyslexia and reading challenges, gets the kind of instruction they need to succeed.
This approach provides dyslexia-friendly instruction while supporting all readers, not just those with diagnosed learning differences.
Why Does It Matter?
Many traditional reading approaches—like whole language or “balanced literacy”—don’t align with what the Science of Reading tells us. These methods often rely on memorizing words or using pictures and sentence clues to guess.
Structured Literacy, on the other hand, gives students explicit instruction in reading and the tools to actually decode words, understand language, and grow as confident readers. Structured Literacy is an evidence-based reading instruction approach that ensures all students, including those with reading challenges, get the support they need. That’s why so many educators, specialists, and parents are turning to Structured Literacy and Science of Reading practices.
When we align our teaching with what the research tells us—and deliver it using Structured Literacy practices—we empower students with the tools they need to become confident, capable readers. That’s the power of combining the Science of Reading with effective instruction.
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