Join us as we explore how Letterland links to key aspects of research on early literacy.
In this post, we take a closer look at the Science of Reading and identify ways our curriculum aligns with the research.
What is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading informs educators of the best practices to use when teaching students how to read and write. The findings suggest using scientific-based methodologies and specific types of instruction, to ensure students become proficient readers.
What are the different types of instruction?
Direct and explicit instruction
Research shows teachers achieve better results in the classroom when they teach using direction instruction. This is where lessons are structured around a series of smaller incremental learning tasks, ensuring students are introduced to concepts gradually and teachers provided with the opportunity to regularly assess their students’ developing skills.
Letterland’s teaching units are broken down into bite size chunks, making it easier for students to establish connections when learning new concepts.
Each scripted lesson sets out clear teaching objectives and a defined sequence of steps for students to follow. Every learning concept is explicitly stated in the Teacher’s Guides and modeled by the teacher before being put into practice by the students.
Students’ progress is measured through regular formative assessments, helping to guide classroom instruction.
Sequential and cumulative instruction
Cumulative learning is the gradual development of knowledge and skills which improve over time.
Letterland’s spiraling curriculum runs from Pre-K through Grade 3 and is designed to be taught to fidelity.
Letterland's Scope and Sequence ensure students’ literacy skills develop as concepts are taught, practiced, reviewed, and applied through the grade levels.
Every Letterland lesson is based on concepts previously learned in the classroom. By reviewing each step of the way, students can practice previously acquired skills before going on to learn new concepts.
Systematic and targeted instruction
Research shows that if a lesson is carefully designed to build in complexity, a student’s ability to comprehend what they are reading grows.
Letterland’s curriculum works across three tiers, and our teaching units are designed in a logical sequence ensuring that there are no missing gaps in a student’s learning journey.
Tier I is core instruction, used to teach literacy skills to all students. Tier II is delivered to students who require small-group support on a short-term basis, and Tier III is designed for students who require intensive, specialized instruction longer term.
Consistency is maintained across all tiers of instruction due to the multisensory instructional practices being used.
Key teaching routines and Letterland’s Tricks and Strategies progress through the grade levels, creating a familiar way for concepts to be introduced in the classroom. This enables students to focus on developing their skills and helps to build their confidence.
Our classroom instruction follows an ‘I Do, We Do, You Do' format. Having a teacher model a concept before student practice helps to develop mastery.