How Does the Science of Reading Support Struggling and Beginning Readers?

What Is the Science of Reading?

The Science of Reading is a large body of research from fields such as education, psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics that explains how children learn to read.

It focuses on understanding:

• How the brain learns to process written language
• Which skills children need to become readers
• How reading instruction can best support different learners

To learn more about evidence-based literacy instruction, explore What Do Parents Need to Know About the Science of Reading?.

Why Is the Science of Reading Important for Beginning Readers?

Beginning readers need to build a strong foundation before they can read complex texts independently.

Early literacy skills include:

• Recognizing letters
• Understanding letter sounds
• Blending sounds together
• Decoding words
• Building vocabulary
• Understanding stories

The Science of Reading emphasizes that children need direct instruction and practice with these foundational skills.

For example, instead of simply memorizing a word, children learn how to use sounds and spelling patterns to figure out unfamiliar words.

This gives children strategies they can use throughout their reading journey.

How Does Phonics Support Struggling Readers?

Phonics is one of the key components of effective reading instruction. It teaches children the relationship between letters and sounds.

For struggling readers, phonics instruction provides a structured way to understand how words work.

Children learn:

• Individual letter sounds
• Common spelling patterns
• How to blend sounds
• How to break words apart

Learn more about the role of phonics in literacy development in Why Is Phonics Instruction Essential for Developing Strong Readers?.

Builds Strong Decoding Skills

Decoding is the ability to use knowledge of letters and sounds to read unfamiliar words.

For beginning readers, decoding is a critical skill because it allows them to read words they have never seen before.

For example, when children understand phonics patterns, they can apply their knowledge to new words instead of needing to memorize every word individually.

Decoding practice helps children:

• Read more accurately
• Become more independent
• Develop confidence
• Build stronger word recognition

Supports Reading Confidence

Many struggling readers experience frustration because reading feels difficult. When children repeatedly encounter words they cannot read, they may begin avoiding reading activities or believing they are not capable readers.

The Science of Reading supports confidence by providing structured instruction that helps children experience success.

When children learn strategies and practice skills at the right level, they begin to recognize their progress.

They learn:

• “I know how to solve this word.”
• “I can use my reading strategies.”
• “I am becoming a better reader.”

Confidence encourages children to continue practicing.

Provides Structured Literacy Support

Structured literacy is an approach aligned with the Science of Reading that teaches reading skills in a clear, organized sequence.

It focuses on:

• Explicit instruction
• Systematic skill development
• Connecting sounds and letters
• Practicing skills until they become automatic

Learn more about structured literacy in What Is Structured Literacy and Why Does It Matter?.

Uses Decodable Texts for Meaningful Practice

Children need opportunities to apply the skills they learn. Decodable texts allow children to practice reading words using the phonics patterns they have been taught.

Unlike texts where children may rely on guessing, decodable passages encourage children to use decoding strategies.

Decodable texts help children:

• Practice phonics skills
• Improve reading accuracy
• Develop fluency
• Build independence

For more information about how these texts support early readers, read Why Do Decodable Texts Matter for Early Reading Development?.

Supports Personalized Reading Instruction

Not every struggling reader faces the same challenge. Some children need additional phonics practice, while others need support with fluency, vocabulary, or comprehension.

Literacy Leap uses assessment-based learning to understand each child’s reading abilities and provide personalized reading practice.

Children receive:

• Targeted literacy activities
• Personalized decodable passages
• Skill-based practice
• Progress tracking for families

This helps children practice skills at the right level while allowing parents to better understand their child’s development.

How Parents Can Support Science of Reading at Home

Parents can reinforce evidence-based reading instruction through simple daily activities.

Try:

• Reading aloud together
• Practicing phonics patterns
• Encouraging children to sound out unfamiliar words
• Discussing stories
• Celebrating progress

For more ideas, explore How Can I Build a Consistent Reading Practice Into My Child’s Daily Routine?.

Help Your Child Build Strong Reading Skills

The Science of Reading helps beginning and struggling readers by providing a clear understanding of how children learn to read and what support they need to succeed.

If you want to support your child with personalized reading practice, sign up for a free Literacy Leap account today. Literacy Leap helps children strengthen essential reading skills through personalized activities, decodable passages, and progress tracking.

With the right instruction and consistent support, every child can continue growing as a reader.