#65 Beyond Phonics: The New Science of Reading Comprehension and What It Means for Dyslexic Students
Description
Your dyslexic child can finally decode words, but are they still struggling to understand what they read? Have you taught the phonics, but you’re now wondering where is the comprehension? For decades, reading instruction focused almost exclusively on decoding, but the latest research is forcing a massive shift. In this episode, we dive into the Simple View of Reading and explain why decoding is only half the equation.
Today, you’ll discover the true foundation of comprehension: knowledge!
The good news is that many dyslexic students possess strong reasoning and listening abilities, meaning they are perfectly positioned to build this crucial background knowledge when we provide them with the right access. Understanding this research empowers you to ask better questions and ensure your child's learning plan is truly comprehensive. By focusing on both systematic decoding and rich content exposure, we can help them bridge the gap and become the knowledgeable, confident readers they are meant to be.
Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia!
My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered.
Topics Covered:
- How the massive research shift in reading instruction is here and why we need to stop focusing only on phonics [1:37 ]
- Decoding isn’t enough and the reasons that comprehension requires more than just sounding out words [2:21 ]
- Why building background knowledge is the new foundation for literacy [2:59 ]
- A look at how science and social studies topics are now key for struggling readers [3:17 ]
- What to understand about prosody and why fluency is not just speed [4:53 ]
- How your child needs both systematic phonics and rich content exposure to truly thrive at reading [6:25 ]
- The red flags to watch for with reading interventions and what you can do to identify gaps in instruction that are holding your child back from knowledge [6:48 ]
- The action plan and immediate steps to take to ensure your dyslexic child accesses grade-level material [8:31 ]
Key Takeaways:
- Reading comprehension requires knowledge, not just skills and decoding ability is only half the battle.
- Use listening to build the knowledge base.
- Fluency is about expression, not just speed: true reading fluency involves prosody.
Links & Resources Mentioned:
The Simple View of Reading (Formula)
When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com or a DM on Instagram.
I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect:
United States
