How Phonics Instruction Supports Comprehension
Many of us hear the words “science of reading” and automatically assume it’s just about phonics. While phonics is an essential part of learning to read - it’s not the only thing. Let’s take a look at how phonics is related to another very important aspect of reading: comprehension
The Research
The National Reading Panel identifies five main components of literacy:
Phonological awareness
Phonics
Fluency
Comprehension
Vocabulary
Although not all are created equal (we must focus on one depending on student needs), these all work together to create a skilled reader.
The Simple View of Reading
The formula takes the five components and simplifies them into two main categories:
Word recognition (decoding) x language comprehension = reading comprehension
Backed by research, the Simple View of Reading demonstrates that a child cannot attain comprehension skills without word recognition and language comprehension skills.
Proves that phonics skills and comprehension are closely linked - you cannot be skilled in one (comprehension) without being skilled in the other (phonics).
Scarborough’s Reading Rope
A “zoomed-in” look at the Simple View of Reading.
In this visual, the reading rope has two main categories of the Simple View of Reading and within those categories lies the many threads (five components) that make a good reader
Word recognition: phonics, decoding, etc.
Language comprehension: vocabulary, fluency, background knowledge, etc.
Good reading must have the five components of literacy: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
The Link
The Link Between Phonics and Comprehension
Comprehension and phonics are closely linked.
When we see a struggling reader in the upper grades, we often assume it’s a comprehension issue. But so often, it’s actually a phonics issue.
When students are spending the majority of their reading time decoding words, their brain isn’t free to comprehend what’s being read. They’re simply working too hard at sounding out the words.
We must free up brain space in order for students to comprehend what they’re reading. And how do we do that? By explicit phonics instruction so they can become better decoders.
How Teachers Can Help
Focus on phonics!
We must provide direct, explicit, systematic, and consistent phonics instruction to our students - no matter if they’re in upper elementary as struggling reader or just beginning their reading journey in kindergarten.
Decoding promotes fluency and fluency promotes comprehension. When students become fluent, their brains have room to comprehend what’s being read. This in turn improves their vocabulary as well.
We cannot allow students to guess the words by looking at pictures on the page and surrounding words. It’s essential to equip them with the necessary decoding skills so that they can sound out these words.
For students who are not yet fluent but want to build their comprehension skills, teachers can give the gift of rich language and experiences by:
Hosting read-aloud: model good fluency by pausing, using inflection, and pacing yourself. Show students what good reading sounds like.
Having conversations: talking about stories you read together strengthens vocabulary and background knowledge.
Additional Resources & References:
Resources:
Mystery Words Phonics Activity
Phonemic Awareness Activities (Blending & Segmenting CVC)
Blog Posts:
