The Brain and Reading

The brain and reading can actually be very complex. There is no specific place in the brain that we use to read. Reading involves multiple processes that tap into different regions of the brain. Effective reading instruction should prioritize explicit, systematic phonics instruction, coupled with a strong emphasis on phonemic awareness, fluency development, and comprehension strategies.

When teaching reading, I will explicitly teach phonics rules, incorporate activities to build phonemic awareness, practice fluency through repeated readings, and model comprehension strategies like making predictions, asking questions, and summarizing. I will also differentiate instruction by providing targeted interventions for students who need additional support, such as small group phonics lessons or specific decoding activities.

By providing repeated phonics instruction and fluency practice, struggling readers can build the necessary decoding skills. This will improve academic success and build confidence in struggling readers!