The Science of Reading - What actually is it?

Imagine the power to read—a skill that seems like second nature to some of us. But did you know that there's a whole world of science dedicated to understanding how reading works? In this blog post, we'll explore what the science of reading is in simple terms and why it's so important.

The science of reading is like a detective story that combines knowledge from different fields, such as psychology, linguistics, brain science, and education. Its main mission? To uncover how reading happens in our brains, how we learn it, and how we can teach it better.

The science of reading has been studied extensively over the past five decades. One revelation from this science is that reading isn't something we're born knowing how to do. It's a skill we have to learn. Kids don't just magically pick it up by being around books; they need clear lessons and guidance.

A key player in this story is something called "phonological awareness." It's the ability to recognise and play around with the sounds in words. Think of it as the building block for reading. When kids have strong phonological awareness, they're better at figuring out words.

Another important discovery is the value of something called "phonics." Phonics is a teaching method that connects letters to their sounds. It's like having a secret code to unlock words. When kids learn phonics, they can read more accurately.

The brain also plays a starring role in this detective story. Imagine looking inside your head while you read. Different parts of your brain light up like a busy city. Reading is a complex job for your brain, and many areas work together to make it happen.

So why is the science of reading important to take into consideration when we are teaching kids to read? The science of reading tells us that reading is a skill we can teach and improve, not something you either "get" or don't. Early and effective reading instruction can help kids read better, faster.

But there's more to it than just reading well. Reading opens doors to knowledge, sparks imagination, and helps us grow as individuals. By understanding the science of reading, we can make sure that more people have the chance to explore this incredible world.

In short, the science of reading is like a treasure map. It guides us in teaching and learning this essential skill, making sure that more people can access the wonders hidden within the pages of books. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or perhaps you found reading difficult yourself because you were taught using methods that didn't align with the science of reading, knowing about the science of reading now can make a world of difference when we are looking to understand how we actually learn to read with success and confidence.