General Literacy Resources

• The Science of Reading - Parent Article
• How the Science of Reading helps kids learn to read

Phonological Awareness
The ability to hear and play with the sounds in spoken language. For example, noticing that cat and hat rhyme, clapping out syllables in a word, or hearing the beginning sound in sun. It’s all about listening to sounds, not looking at letters.

Phonics
The connection between letters and sounds. Children use phonics when they “sound out” words by matching letters (or groups of letters) to the sounds they make. For example, knowing that the letter m makes the /m/ sound in man.

Fluency
The ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. A fluent reader doesn’t need to stop and sound out most words; reading sounds more like natural speaking.

Vocabulary
The words a child understands and uses. A strong vocabulary helps children make sense of what they read and express their own ideas clearly.

Comprehension
The ability to understand and make meaning from what is read. Good comprehension means not just reading the words, but also thinking about the story, asking questions, and making connections.