Unit 1: Exploring and Understanding the science of reading.
Unit Overview
This unit focuses on allowing participants to explore the science of reading. They will learn to understand what the science of reading is and what is not. In addition, participants will have different resources and tools that will allow them to develop a deeper understanding of the science of reading. In this unit, the participant will participate in various activities such as discussion, note-taking, quiz, reading, writing, etc.
Unit Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, participants will:
- Understand what the science of reading is and what it is not. Explain what the science of reading is using their own words.
- Learn to develop a deeper understanding of the science of reading by watching videos and reading articles.
- Identify the difference between the science of reading and balanced literacy. Participate in activities by answering questions.
Unit Lessons
This unit includes the following lessons:
Unit 1 Lesson 1: What is the Science of Reading?
Unit 1 - Lesson 2: The Science of Reading vs Balanced Literacy.
Unit 1 Lesson 1: What is the Science of Reading?
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, participants will be able to:
- Understand what the science of reading is and what it is not. Explain what the science of reading is using their own words.
- Learn to develop a deeper understanding of the science of reading by watching videos and reading articles.
- Participate in activities by answering questions.
Do Now (Pre- Lessons)
Before you begin lesson 1, make sure to answer the following question to activate prior knowledge. Use the Padlet platform to post your answer.
Padlet Link (https://padlet.com/mnunezalmonte03/discussion-topic-goes-here-y8ecpqpz1yo75iu 6) (To add your discussion click on the + to add your post).
Mini-Lecture Lesson 1
In today's lesson, you will learn to understand and explain what the science of reading is and what it is not.
Use a theme image that fits with your course (in edit model, click this image, click Edit , click Change image to upload a new image)
What is the science of reading? The science of reading is an entire body of research primarily focusing on how children learn to read. The study is based on different fields, such as developmental psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology. The research emphasizes evidence explaining how students learn to read, and at the same time provides educators with research-based evidence of strategies and methods to teach reading effectively for all students, especially ELLs, students with IEPs, and struggling readers through different skills, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
The science of reading is NOT a single curriculum, method, or approach. It is not an ideology or philosophy. Additionally, it is not a one-size-fits- all approach or a single component of instruction. It is not a phonics program for teachers to teach foundational skills to students. The science of reading is not specific curricular materials for teachers to use.
Video:
Watch this video to explore about what the science of reading is.
Reading Materials:
For this lesson, you can read the following article to deepen your understanding of what the science of reading is.
Reading Rockets: Science of Reading (https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/evidence-based-instruction/science-rea ding)
Reading Rockets: What is the Science of Reading? (https://www.readingrockets.org/blogs/shanahan-on-literacy/what-sci ence-reading)
Kids Read Now: "What the Science of Reading is NOT – For Elementary Educators" (https://kidsreadnow.org/what-the-sci ence-of-reading-is-not-for-elementary-educators/)
Unit 1 - Lesson 2: The Science of Reading vs Balanced Literacy
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, participants will be able to:
- Identify the difference between the science of reading and balanced literacy.
- Learn to develop a deeper understanding of the science of reading by watching videos and reading articles. Participate in activities by answering questions.
Do Now:
To begin lesson 2, complete the Google Form quiz to assess knowledge learned in lesson 1.
Google Form: Assess Background Knowledge- Lesson 2 (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1UrGmkdsFwHb7fvw3yo9p- fCRXVFj7CvWyCKfjIoQo3bImw/viewform?usp=dialog)
Mini- Lecture: Lesson 2
In today's lesson, you will learn to identify the differences between the science of reading and balanced literacy.
What is the difference between the science of reading and balanced literacy? The science of reading focuses on explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension. In contrast, balanced literacy focuses on having a different approach to teaching reading through guided, shared, and independent reading.
The balanced literacy primary method is memorizing. Students are encouraged to memorize "sight words" and practice reading at their independent levels. The science of reading encourages students to learn the phonic rules to decode words and use decodable texts to practice reading and fluency.
Video:
Watch this video to have a better understanding of the difference between the science of reading vs balanced literacy.
Reading Materials:
After watching the video, click on the link to read the article where you will continue to learn more about the difference between the science of reading and balanced literacy. Papanui Primary School created this website to provide information for educators. In this website, you will be able to see what is the focus and goals for both the science of reading and balanced literacy.
