Decode Reading Resiliency:  Make Your Lesson Plans Pop

Have you explored the science of reading (SOR) yet? So what is the hoopla about the science behind reading? It’s about reading between the lines. The science of reading can provides you with invaluable tips to bring literacy magic and fairy dust to your classroom and integrate SOR into your lesson plans. Continue reading to understand how to help your students to develop the skills needed to build reading resiliency.

1. The Basics

Have you ever given some thought why some of your students grasp reading easily while other students struggle? The science of reading has solved the mysteries. Students struggling with reading is a pervasive problem. The science of reading emphasizes decoding skills, phonics, and phonemic awareness. Smith (2020) states, A solid foundation in the basics of reading is the key for students to become successful readers.

2. Embrace Multi-Sensory

The multi-sensory approach so important in implementing reading. You must incorporate multi-sensory techniques into your reading lessons. These strategies will engage various senses. This translates into making learning more effective. How can you make that happen? You need to align visual aids with phonics activities or incorporate tactile elements into your reading lesson. What does this do? This can help diverse learners understand in the way that they learn best. This is key for your students struggling with reading.

3. Language Approach

Have you heard of the whole language approach? There are studies you can read about that challenge its effectiveness compared to explicit phonics instruction. Individuals who believe in the science of reading, support a balanced approach. They feel that combining both whole language and phonics, offers a more comprehensive strategy to deliver to your students. According to Jones et al. (2021), this is to accommodate various learning styles of students.

4. Understand Dyslexia

How equip are you at identifying and supporting students with dyslexia? The science of reading provides some valuable insight into the neurological root of it. It is important for you to provide your students with effective intervention strategies. What is clear is early detection and tailored interventions is the key. These two measures can make a significant difference in the reading experience of students with dyslexia.

5. Nurture Reading

You have to foster a reading culture in your classroom. By nurturing reading, a literacy-rich environment can have a positive effect on reading outcomes. You can facilitate this by creating cozy reading corners, organize book clubs, literature circles, novel studies, and celebrate reading achievement for your students. Brown and Miller (2019) say, cultivating a love for reading can have just as much of an impact on your students as the instructional methods used in your classroom.

Final Thoughts

If you have not had a chance to dip into the science of reading waters then come on because now is the right time. You can gain valuable insights into the science of reading. Learn valuable tips and tricks that can ramp up the learning in your classroom. The science of reading can transform your teaching approach. It can also have an impact on the lives of your students so they get the most out of their learning experience. 


Tips To Try:


You can effectively build reading resiliency and support your students struggling with reading in developing their skills and confidence.


1. Implement Phonics and Decoding Strategies
  • Explicit Phonics Instruction: Teach phonics systematically and explicitly. Focus on the relationships between letters and sounds to help students decode unfamiliar words. Use multisensory approaches like using letter tiles, magnetic letters, or apps that reinforce phonics skills through visual, auditory, and tactile activities.
  • Practice with Decodable Texts: Provide students with decodable texts that are aligned with their current phonics skills. These texts allow students to apply their decoding knowledge in context, building their confidence and reading fluency. Gradually increase the complexity of the texts as their skills improve.
2. Focus on Vocabulary Development and Comprehension
  • Build Vocabulary Through Context and Repetition: Introduce new vocabulary in meaningful contexts and provide multiple exposures to the words. Use visual aids, word maps, and engaging activities to reinforce understanding. Encourage students to use new vocabulary in speaking and writing to solidify their grasp of the words.
  • Teach Comprehension Strategies: Incorporate explicit instruction in comprehension strategies such as summarizing, questioning, and predicting. Model these strategies during read-alouds and guide students in applying them independently. Use graphic organizers to help students organize their thoughts and understand story elements or main ideas.
3. Create a Supportive and Structured Reading Environment
  • Provide Targeted Interventions: Use data from assessments to identify specific reading difficulties and provide targeted interventions. Implement small-group instruction or one-on-one support to address individual needs. Utilize resources such as specialized reading programs or interventions that align with the science of reading principles.
  • Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating progress and effort rather than just achievement. Create a positive and supportive reading environment where students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes. Provide consistent praise and constructive feedback to build their resilience and motivation.