As a professor, my favorite courses to teach are in the area of literacy, reading and writing development. I share the Simple View of Reading with my students to show the importance of teaching both decoding and language comprehension skills. As literacy champions, you play a crucial role in shaping young minds and fostering a love for reading. This post will dive into a theory that can guide your approach to teaching reading effectively – the Simple View of Reading.
What is the Simple View of Reading?
The Simple View of Reading is a theory that helps us understand the two fundamental components essential for reading comprehension: decoding and language comprehension. Developed by researchers Gough and Tunmer in the 1980s, this theory simplifies the complex process of reading by breaking it down into these two key elements. This theory constitutes a crucial area of study within the realm of the science of reading.
Decoding
Decoding involves the ability to convert written words into spoken language. It’s like unlocking the code of letters and sounds. When children learn to decode, they can translate the squiggles on a page into meaningful words. Phonics, phonemic awareness, and fluency are all part of the decoding process.
As teachers, you can support decoding skills through activities such as phonics games, reading aloud, and practicing sight words. Building a strong foundation in decoding is like giving your students the keys to unlock the world of written language.
Language Comprehension
Language comprehension is the ability to understand the meaning of words, sentences, and entire texts. It involves vocabulary, grammar, and background knowledge. When students comprehend language well, they can make sense of what they read, connecting it to their existing knowledge and experiences.
Encourage language comprehension by fostering a language-rich environment in your classroom. Engage in discussions, introduce new vocabulary, and provide opportunities for students to express their thoughts verbally and in writing. By building strong language comprehension skills, you’re helping your students grasp the deeper meaning behind the words on the page.
The Simple View of Reading Formula
Reading Comprehension = Decoding × Language Comprehension
Understanding the formula is like having a magic key to unlock the door to reading success. It highlights that both decoding and language comprehension are essential. A student may be proficient in one area but struggle in the other, impacting overall reading comprehension, While these two skills can be taught separately, a reader needs to be strong in both areas to ensure strong reading comprehension. It also tells us that when older students are having difficulties with reading comprehension, we need to go back to decoding skills as well as language comprehension skills.
Practical Classroom Strategies
1. Teach Both Skills Separately and Intentionally :
Provide a balanced approach to reading instruction, incorporating both decoding and language comprehension activities. This ensures that students develop proficiency in both components.
2. Individualized Support:
Identify the specific needs of each student. Some may require more support in decoding, while others may need help enhancing their language comprehension. Tailor your teaching strategies accordingly.
3. Engage in Meaningful Discussions:
Foster a love for language by engaging students in meaningful discussions. Encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions, connecting their spoken language skills to their reading comprehension abilities.
Use multisensory activities to reinforce decoding skills. Incorporate games, songs, and hands-on activities to make learning to read a fun and interactive experience.
In the journey of unlocking literacy, the Simple View of Reading theory provides a valuable roadmap. By focusing on developing both decoding and language comprehension skills, you empower your students to become confident and proficient readers. Remember, you hold the key to opening the door to a world of knowledge and imagination for your students – happy reading!
– Jeanne
