Decoding words letter by letter is a more effective method than memorizing whole words for teaching reading.
Parents and teachers should provide support and guidance to children who struggle with reading, encouraging them to seek help.
Deep dives
Learning to Read: Decoding Vs. Whole Word Method
The podcast episode discusses the different methods of teaching children how to read: decoding or sounding out words letter by letter, and the whole word method where children memorize whole words based on pictures. Research suggests that decoding is more effective in teaching reading. The episode highlights that many schools still use the whole word method, despite scientific evidence that decoding is the better approach. Kids who struggle with reading often feel frustrated and may dislike reading. It is important for children to ask for help and for parents and teachers to provide support and guidance. The episode emphasizes the significance of learning to read and how it can impact various aspects of life.
The Two Components of Reading: Language Comprehension and Decoding
To become a good reader, children need to understand two key components: language comprehension and decoding. Language comprehension refers to understanding what words mean, which can be developed through talking, listening, and exposure to books and podcasts. Decoding involves recognizing letters, associating them with sounds, and blending them to form words. Starting with simple words, children learn to decode gradually and transition to more complex words. Sounding out words letter by letter paired with word knowledge has been proven to be the best way to teach reading.
Challenges in Teaching Reading: Whole Word Method and Resistance to Change
The podcast touches on the challenges faced in teaching reading, particularly regarding the whole word method. This method, which emphasizes memorizing words and guessing based on pictures, became popular despite research indicating that decoding is more effective. Schools and educators often resist changing their approach, as they believe the whole word method enables quicker reading of whole words. However, research shows that this method hampers the decoding skills necessary for reading fluency. The episode highlights the importance of changing teaching methods based on scientific research.
Seeking Help and Overcoming Reading Challenges
The episode encourages children who struggle with reading to seek help and emphasizes that experiencing difficulty is not a reflection of intelligence or capability. It is vital for children to know that with the right support, they can improve their reading skills. Parents and teachers play a crucial role in identifying reading difficulties, providing assistance, and creating an environment where children feel comfortable asking for help. The episode also shares personal experiences of a student and her mother, illustrating the positive impact seeking help can have on a child's reading journey.
Reading is your one-way ticket to adventure! You can ride fire-breathing dragons, explore outer space, or even save the world – all within the pages of a book. But have you ever wondered how we learn to read? And why it can sometimes feel hard to do? Molly and co-host Anna talk to American Public Media reporter Emily Hanford, host of the podcast Sold a Story (https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/) about how some teaching techniques make it harder to learn how to read. Plus tips on how to become a rockstar reader and a brand-new Mystery Sound!
Listen to our episode about dyslexia here: https://www.brainson.org/episode/2019/08/20/what-is-dyslexia-and-how-do-our-brains-read
This episode was sponsored by:
Liquid I.V. (LiquidIV.com - Use code BRAINS at checkout to receive 20% off anything you order when you order.)
Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS - Terms and conditions apply. Cost per application pricing not available for everyone.)
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