First and foremost, Structured Literacy Instruction is systematic and direct. Structured Literacy starts from the very beginning of reading skills with decoding strategies and builds upon those skills as readers learn. What is the beginning when it comes to reading? Phonemes, the smallest sounds in language, are learned both expressively and receptively to build a foundation for reading. Structured literacy then builds to sound to symbol, syllables, and then extends to the sentence and paragraph levels as well as comprehension and writing skills. The belief is, without these foundational skills, if students are exposed too often to more difficult texts, they may resort to other compensatory strategies that may not benefit them in the long term.
Direct, explicit instruction is a strength of Structured Literacy as well. Readers are specifically taught reading rules like two vowels together or how to break words into syllables. Direct teaching of concepts is a touchstone and instruction does not assume readers will work out these concepts on their own. This includes multi-sensory teaching which research has supported as helpful especially for students with dyslexia.
Lastly, Structured Literacy Instruction moves with assessment. Continuous diagnostic observation and measurement ensures that students are met where they are. In order to move confidently through such organized, specifically designed instruction, teachers must know when students are ready. Student readiness is important to all aspects of learning.
Structured literacy is the umbrella; the programs underneath it differ in important ways. For how we choose among them, read: Finding the Right Program or Curriculum for Your Learner.
