What Is the Science of Reading?A Plain-Language Guide for Parents and Teachers

If you've heard the term Science of Reading tossed around lately—on teacher blogs, homeschool forums, TikTok, or even the news—you’re not alone.

But what is it, really?
And how does it help children learn to read?

Let’s break it down in clear, simple terms—whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just someone who wants to help kids become confident readers. 📖✨

🧠 The Science of Reading = How the Brain Learns to Read

The Science of Reading (often shortened to SoR) isn’t a curriculum or a trend.

It’s a body of research from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, education, and linguistics that explains how humans actually learn to read.

Spoiler: we’re not born knowing how to do it. Reading is not natural—it's a skill that must be taught clearly, step by step.

🔤 What Does the Science Say?

Strong readers need to develop two big systems:

1. Word Recognition

This includes:

• Phonemic awareness (hearing and playing with sounds)

• Phonics (knowing which letters make which sounds)

• Decoding (sounding out words)

• Automatic recognition (reading words quickly and effortlessly)

2. Language Comprehension

This includes:

• Vocabulary knowledge

• Sentence structure

• Background knowledge

• Reasoning and understanding

Together, these form what’s called the Simple View of Reading:
Reading = Word Recognition × Language Comprehension

👉 Both are necessary.
👉 If one is weak, comprehension falls apart.

🧱 Structured Literacy: The Application of Science of Reading

So how do we teach reading using this science?

We use Structured Literacy—an approach that is:

• Explicit (we teach skills clearly and directly)

• Systematic (we teach skills in a logical order)

• Cumulative (we build on what kids already know)

• Diagnostic (we check for understanding and adjust)

Structured Literacy helps all kids—but especially those with dyslexia or reading difficulties. ❤️

🚫 So... What Isn’t the Science of Reading?

It’s not:

• Memorizing whole words

• Guessing from pictures

• Using leveled readers that skip phonics

• Assuming kids will “just figure it out”

These older methods often leave kids behind—especially those who don’t pick up reading easily.

🙋‍♀️ Why Does It Matter to You?

Whether you're:

• A homeschool parent

• A classroom teacher

• A tutor or reading aide

• A concerned caregiver

...understanding how reading really works helps you make smarter choices.

You can:

• Choose better materials

• Spot early warning signs

• Support struggling readers

• Avoid wasting time on ineffective strategies

💡 You don’t need a degree in neuroscience—just the right information.

✅ What Should You Look for in a Reading Program?

If it’s based on the Science of Reading, it will include:

• Decodable texts (not leveled readers)

• Explicit phonics instruction

• Phonemic awareness activities

• Vocabulary and background building

• Clear, consistent routines

If you’re using BrainySheets, you’re already on the right track. 🧠📘
Every resource is built around these principles—and designed to be easy to use, even if you’re new to reading instruction.

Final Thoughts

The Science of Reading is more than a buzzword—it’s a reliable, research-based path to literacy.

It gives parents and teachers a map.
It gives kids the tools they need to succeed.
And it gives struggling readers hope.

Start with one skill. One sound. One story.

And build from there. 🧱✨