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How Reading Works  /  How Do We Learn to Read?

HOW DO WE LEARN TO READ?

WHAT SKILLS DO WE NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL READERS?

There are specific reading skills, or domains, that a child needs to master in order to become a successful reader. They need to be able to decode written language (sound out familiar and unfamiliar words) and comprehend oral language (understand what words mean and how language works). 

A SIMPLE VIEW OF READING

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8 MAIN READING SKILLS

Scroll down to see a description of 8 main reading skills, and click on any of them to learn more about that skill and find resources and activities to support your child in developing that particular skill. 

AWARENESS OF WRITTEN WORDS AND LANGUAGE

Teachers Call This Skill:

PRINT AWARENESS

KNOWING THE ABCS

Teachers Call This Skill:

LETTER KNOWLEDGE

KNOWING SOUNDS IN SPOKEN LANGUAGE

Teachers Call This Skill:

PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS

KNOWING THE SOUNDS OF WRITTEN LETTERS

Teachers Call This Skill:

PHONICS

Teachers Call This Skill:

FLUENCY

KNOWING THE MOST COMMON WORDS

Teachers Call This Skill:

HIGH FREQUENCY WORDS

UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF WHAT'S READ

Teachers Call This Skill:

COMPREHENSION

KNOWING THE MEANING OF WORDS

Teachers Call This Skill:

VOCABULARY

BRAIN BUILDERS

AMPLIFY VIDEO SERIES

This animated video series breaks down what the brain does in order to read.

Join Minh on his journey as his babysitter Mara, helps him cultivate a love for reading and understanding the Science of Reading. Series includes 13 episodes you don't want miss!