Unlocking Reading Success: A Journey Through Structured Literacy

Mā te kimi ka kite, Mā te kite ka mōhio, Mā te mōhio ka mārama

Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened

This blog post is intended to assist you, whether you are just beginning or already progressing in your Structured Literacy journey. As RTLB, some may already have experience with Structured Literacy, while others may not have started yet. No matter where you are in this process, this post offers practical insights to help you support teachers and schools in implementing Structured Literacy effectively. It is based on a rich kōrero between Ve and Corrinne from the NZ RTLB PLN Podcast team, Julie Nugent from RTLB Cluster 8, and Dr. Christine Braid from Massey University. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Julie and Christine for their valuable contributions and insights. If you haven't already heard our podcast covering this topic, head over to RTLB Realities, episode 15.

The Structured Literacy Approach: A Path to Reading Success

Structured Literacy is more than just a program—it's a comprehensive approach to teaching reading that is rooted in evidence-based practices. It equips students with the foundational skills they need to become proficient readers. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution, Structured Literacy is systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic, making it adaptable to meet the individual needs of each student. Here, we'll dive into the key principles and elements of Structured Literacy, explore what a typical session looks like, and discuss how educators can begin this transformative journey.

The Principles of Structured Literacy

At its core, Structured Literacy follows three guiding principles:

1. Systematic and Cumulative: Skills are introduced in a sequential order, and each new concept builds on previously learned material. This ensures that students have a solid foundation before moving on to more complex tasks.

2. Diagnostic: The approach is responsive to the needs of the learner. Teachers continuously assess students’ understanding to identify gaps and provide targeted instruction where it’s needed most.

3. Explicit Methodology: Instruction is direct and clear, with teachers breaking down concepts into manageable parts and making connections explicit for students.

   
   

The Elements of Structured Literacy

Structured Literacy focuses on several key elements that are essential for developing reading proficiency:

• Phonemic Awareness: The ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. This is a foundational skill that helps students understand how sounds and letters are connected.

• Phonological Awareness: This broader skill involves recognizing and manipulating spoken parts of words, such as syllables, onset-rime, and phonemes. Phonological and phonemic awareness are critical in preparing students for reading.

• Phonics: Phonics instruction in Structured Literacy is explicit, systematic, and follows a scope and sequence. Students learn the relationships between sounds and letters and how to apply this knowledge to read and spell words.

• Vocabulary, Fluency, and Comprehension: These elements are integrated into instruction to help students build a rich understanding of language, read with accuracy and speed, and develop the ability to understand what they read.

The Structured Literacy Session: A Step-by-Step Approach

A typical Structured Literacy session follows a structured format that ensures consistency and builds on the systematic nature of the approach. Here’s what you could expect in a session:

1. Review Previously Taught Concepts: Start with a structured review of sounds, rules, and skills that have already been taught to reinforce learning.

2. Introduce New Sound or Rule: Each session introduces a new concept, whether it's a sound, rule, or skill.

3. Practice at the Sound, Word, and Sentence Level: Once a new rule or sound is introduced, students practise applying it in different contexts—first at the sound level, then at the word level, and finally in sentences.

4. Phonological Awareness Activities: Engage students in activities that strengthen their ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language.

5. Spelling Practice and Sentence Dictation: Students practise spelling words and writing sentences that reinforce the new concepts they’ve learned.

6. Targeted Activities: Based on student assessments, layer in activities that address specific areas of need, providing additional support where it's most needed.

7. Use Assessment to Guide Next Steps: Every session ends with assessment—teachers use the data gathered to determine what to teach next and how to adjust instruction to meet student needs.

   
   

Starting Small: Structured Literacy in Schools

For Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) working with schools, starting small and building on what’s already happening is key. Introducing Structured Literacy doesn’t mean overhauling current practices all at once. Instead, teachers can begin by incorporating elements of the approach into their lessons, gradually expanding as they see the benefits. Whether it's introducing a more explicit phonics sequence or focusing on diagnostic assessments, every step forward is progress in the Structured Literacy journey.

A Journey of Time and Dedication

It’s important to remember that Structured Literacy is a journey. Developing the skills and habits necessary for effective reading instruction takes time. Patience and persistence are essential both for teachers and students. By following a systematic and cumulative approach, and being responsive to the needs of individual learners, educators can make a lasting impact on student outcomes.

In conclusion, Structured Literacy is an empowering, adaptable approach that helps students develop the skills they need to succeed as readers. It’s a method that recognises the importance of being explicit, organised, and responsive in instruction—giving every student the best chance to thrive.

Linking to the NZ RTLB PLN Kaupapa - Challenges to Connect, Inspire, and Uplift

The following are some practical ways to integrate the NZ RTLB Professional Learning Network's core values into your daily work.

1. Connect: Start discussions about Structured Literacy practices with your RTLB colleagues and schools. Share insights on how this approach can support all learners. How can you keep this conversation active and evolving in your mahi?

2. Inspire: Be a role model by promoting effective Structured Literacy practices. Share success stories and best practices that highlight the positive impact of this approach. How can you encourage your team to adopt the systematic, explicit instruction of Structured Literacy to support diverse learners?

3. Uplift: Celebrate the strengths and achievements of students benefiting from Structured Literacy. How can you create opportunities to highlight the progress and contributions made through this approach?

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