Powerful Components of a Structured Literacy Approach: Effective Strategies for Boosting K-2 Reading

BY MELISSA GLENN, CERTIFIED EDUCATOR AND READING SPECIALIST

Inside: Discover how to implement a structured literacy approach in your classroom with essential literacy strategies that can transform your students’ reading success. This guide covers everything you need to know about structured literacy and how to effectively use it to boost reading outcomes.

You know that feeling when you discover your favorite teaching strategy might not be all it’s cracked up to be?

That was me with balanced literacy. For years, I was all in. Guided reading groups, reading workshop, the whole nine yards. I even convinced my principal to invest in Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study (because clearly, my enthusiasm wasn’t enough – and I needed to spread my love for balanced literacy).

Fast forward to today, and suddenly, everyone’s talking about “structured literacy” and the “science of reading.”

Talk about a plot twist!

If you’re feeling a bit lost in this new chapter of literacy instruction, don’t worry – you’re not the only one. We share a common goal. Let’s talk about how we can use this new approach to help our students become the most confident, capable readers.

It’s time to explore structured literacy.

Colorful magnetic letters spelling out "literacy" on a white background.

Structured literacy is an evidence-based reading method. It explicitly teaches the structure of language. It has the potential to transform reading instruction and improve outcomes for all learners, especially those who struggle. In this post, we’ll explore the key parts of structured literacy. We’ll also discuss how to apply them in your K-2 classroom to improve reading skills.

What is Structured Literacy?

Structured literacy is a teaching method for reading. It is based on decades of research about how our brains learn to read. Unlike balanced literacy, which often relies on guessing strategies and sight word memorization, structured literacy focuses on explicitly teaching the structure of language, including phonology, orthography, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

This approach aligns closely with the Science of Reading, which includes research from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics. This body of evidence consistently shows that explicit, systematic instruction in foundational reading skills is the best, most effective way to teach children to read.

The Importance of Structured Literacy for K-2 Students

Build the BEST Foundation for Reading Success

The early years of schooling are critical for developing strong reading skills. Structured literacy provides K-2 students with a solid foundation in phonemic awareness and phonics. This is essential for decoding words accurately and fluently. By explicitly teaching these skills, we can set our students up for long-term reading success.

Meet Students Where They Are

One of the strengths of structured literacy is its ability to meet the needs of diverse learners. Whether a student is struggling with dyslexia, has language-based learning difficulties, or is an English language learner, the explicit and systematic nature of this approach helps ensure that all students receive the support they need.

Stop Reading Difficulties in their Tracks

Research has shown that early intervention is critical to preventing long-term reading difficulties. By implementing structured literacy approaches in K-2 classrooms, we can identify and address potential reading problems as quickly as possible, reducing the need for intensive remediation in later grades.

A teacher sitting with a young girl as she reads a book, demonstrating focused reading instruction.

The Five Essential Components of Structured Literacy

1. Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. In order for a child to read successfully, they must have strong phonemic awareness. In a structured literacy classroom, you’ll engage students in activities such as:

  • Segmenting words into individual sounds.
  • Blending individual sounds to form words.
  • Manipulating sounds by adding, deleting, or substituting phonemes.

For example, you might guide students in changing the first sound in “cat” to make new words, like “bat” or “mat.”

2. Phonics

Phonics instruction teaches the relationship between sounds and their written representations (letters or letter combinations). In structured literacy, phonics is taught:

  • Explicitly: Directly explaining sound-symbol relationships.
  • Systematically: Following a logical sequence from simple to complex.
  • Cumulatively: Building new learning on previously mastered skills.

A typical phonics lesson might involve teaching students that the letter “a” represents the /æ/ sound in words like “cat” and “hat” and then providing opportunities to practice reading and writing words with this sound-symbol correspondence.

A literacy activity mat titled "Word Sleuths at Work" with letter cards, showing a fun way to build words.

3. Fluency

Fluency is the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. Structured literacy approaches develop fluency through:

  • Repeated reading of decodable texts.
  • Timed reading activities.
  • Partner reading.
  • Modeling of fluent reading.

4. Vocabulary

Vocabulary instruction in structured literacy goes beyond simple definitions. It includes:

  • Explicit teaching of word meanings.
  • Exploring word relationships and multiple meanings.
  • Analyzing word parts (prefixes, suffixes, and roots).
  • Encouraging the use of new vocabulary in speaking and writing.
 A young boy sitting at a desk, listening to an audiobook while reading along with a book.

5. Comprehension

While decoding skills are crucial, the ultimate goal of reading is comprehension. Structured literacy approaches teach comprehension strategies explicitly, such as:

  • Activating prior knowledge.
  • Making predictions.
  • Asking questions while reading.
  • Summarizing.
  • Visualizing.

Key Features of a Structured Literacy Approach

Explicit Instruction

In structured literacy classrooms, skills and concepts are taught directly. Teachers clearly explain and model each element, rather than expecting students to infer or discover on their own. (This is the opposite of the Constructivist approach).

A teacher engaging with students, holding up alphabet cards during a structured literacy lesson.

Systematic and Cumulative Approach

Skills are taught in a logical order, with each new skill building upon previously learned ones. This ensures that students have a solid foundation before they move on to more complex concepts.

Diagnostic Teaching

Teachers regularly assess students’ progress and adjust instruction based on individual needs. This responsive approach ensures that all students are appropriately challenged and supported.

Multisensory Learning

Structured literacy incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways to enhance learning and memory. For example, students might trace letters in sand while saying their sounds aloud.

A well-organized classroom workspace with colorful stationery and literacy tools on display.

A Structured Literacy Approach in the K-2 Classroom

Creating an Engaging Learning Environment

Set up your classroom to support structured literacy by:

  • Displaying a sound wall instead of a traditional word wall.
  • Creating a designated area for small group instruction.
  • Providing manipulatives for hands-on learning (letter tiles, sound boxes, etc.).

Incorporating Daily Routines for Each Component

Establish a consistent daily schedule that includes:

  • Phonemic awareness warm-ups.
  • Explicit phonics lessons.
  • Fluency practice with decodable texts.
  • Vocabulary instruction.
  • Comprehension activities.
Baskets filled with various picture books neatly organized in a classroom setting.

Using Assessment to Guide Instruction

Regularly assess students’ skills in each component of structured literacy. Use this data to form flexible small groups and tailor instruction to meet individual needs.

Differentiating Instruction Based on Student Needs

While structured literacy follows a systematic approach, it’s essential to differentiate instruction based on students’ individual needs. This might involve:

  • Providing additional practice for struggling readers.
  • Offering more challenging texts for advanced readers.
  • Using a variety of instructional methods to accommodate different learning styles.
A group of students sitting on a bench outside, reading books together in a relaxed setting.

Structured Literacy vs. Balanced Literacy

While balanced literacy has been popular in many schools, research has consistently shown that structured literacy is more effective, especially for struggling readers. Here’s a brief comparison:

Balanced Literacy:

  • Relies heavily on context clues and guessing strategies.
  • Often uses leveled texts that may be too difficult for students to decode.
  • Teaches sight words as whole units to be memorized.
  • May not provide enough explicit phonics instruction.

Structured Literacy:

  • Focuses on systematic phonics instruction.
  • Uses decodable texts that align with taught phonics patterns.
  • Teaches high-frequency words by analyzing their sound-spelling patterns.
  • Provides explicit instruction in all areas of reading.
A teacher leading a group of students in a hands-on, interactive literacy activity.

Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Structured Literacy

While the benefits of structured literacy are clear, transitioning to this approach can present some challenges:

  1. Time constraints: Implementing a new approach takes time. Start small by incorporating one or two elements at a time.
  2. Limited resources: Look for free online resources or consider investing in comprehensive materials like my Science of Reading Literacy Centers bundle.
  3. Resistance to change: Share the research supporting this approach with colleagues and administrators to build support.

Tips for Getting Started with Structured Literacy

  1. Assess your current practices: Take an honest look at your current teaching methods. Which aspects align with structured literacy, and which might need adjustment?
  2. Incorporate structured literacy activities gradually: Start by adding one or two components to your existing routine, then build from there.
  3. Seek out professional development opportunities: Look for books, workshops, webinars, or courses focused on this approach and the science of reading.
Teacher typing on a laptop surrounded by colorful school supplies, preparing structured literacy activities for the classroom.

Resources for Implementing Structured Literacy

If you’re committed to using this approach, my Science of Reading Literacy Centers + Phonics Worksheets bundle offers an awesome solution. This resource includes 35 sets of literacy centers, totaling 245+ engaging phonics activities. It covers phonics skills from short vowels to silent letters and provides full-color and black & white options, clear instructions, answer keys, and recording sheets. It’s aligned with first-grade phonics standards and Science of Reading principles and also includes no prep materials for when you’re short on time.

These resources can help streamline the implementation of structured literacy in your classroom, allowing you to focus on what matters most: helping your students become confident, skilled readers.

Want to see how it works? Download a free sample today.

Structured literacy word mapping activity for early readers, featuring a mapping mysteries mat with a brush picture and letters.

From Plot Twist to Page-Turner- Embrace Structured Literacy

Remember that plot twist we talked about at the beginning?

Think of structured literacy as an exciting new chapter in our teaching journey.

It’s not just about following the latest educational trend – it’s about giving our students the best possible chance at reading success.

By focusing on explicit, systematic instruction in the essential components of reading, we can help all of our students, including those who struggle, develop strong foundational skills. Just as we once enthusiastically embraced balanced literacy, we can now channel that same passion into this approach, knowing that we’re using evidence-based practices to truly make a difference.

Know better, do better, right?

Remember, every child has the potential to become a skilled reader. With structured literacy, we can unlock that potential and set our students on the path to lifelong learning and success.

It’s time to write a new story in our classrooms – one where every student becomes a confident, capable reader.

Ready to get started with structured literacy? Download your free sample of my Science of Reading Literacy Centers + Phonics Worksheets bundle today and take the first step towards transforming your reading instruction!

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Melissa Glenn

I’m a teacher, a certified Reading Specialist, and the author behind "Real Life in the Classroom". I love to create classroom resources and share ideas to help real teachers in real classrooms easily plan and implement instruction that they can feel great about.

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Hi, I'm Melissa!

I’m Melissa Glenn of Real Life in the Classroom. I live in New Jersey with my husband, Tom, our two children, and our dog, Klaus. I taught first grade for 12 years and I also have a certificate in Reading Specialization. I love spending time with my family, all things tech, [online] shopping, and new books!