Structured literacy encompasses specific language structures that are crucial for reading and writing success. These components are foundational and interconnected.
Core Components of Structured Literacy
Here's a breakdown of the key elements, based on established research and practice:
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Phonology | The study of speech sounds (phonemes) and how they are organized in a language. | Understanding that "cat" has three sounds: /k/, /æ/, /t/ |
| Sound/Symbol Association (Phonics) | The relationship between sounds (phonemes) and the letters (graphemes) that represent them. | Knowing that the letter "c" can represent the /k/ sound. |
| Syllable Instruction | Understanding the different types of syllables and how they are structured. | Recognizing that the word "water" has two syllables: "wa" and "ter." |
| Orthography | The writing system of a language, including spelling rules and patterns. | Knowing that "ck" usually comes after a short vowel sound at the end of a one-syllable word. |
| Morphology | The study of word parts (morphemes) and how they contribute to word meaning. | Understanding that "unbreakable" consists of the prefix "un-," the root "break," and the suffix "-able." |
| Syntax | The rules that govern how words are combined to form sentences. | Knowing that a sentence typically has a subject and a verb. |
| Semantics | The meaning of words, phrases, and sentences. | Understanding that "happy" and "joyful" are synonyms. |
| Text Structure | Understanding how different types of texts are organized and structured (e.g., narrative, expository). | Recognizing the elements of a story (e.g., characters, setting, plot). |
These language structures include phonology (the speech sound system), sound/symbol associations, syllable structures, orthography (the writing system), syntax (the structure of sentences), morphology (the meaningful parts of words), semantics (word meaning and the relationship among words), and the organization of .... (Reference provided).
Why These Components Matter
A strong foundation in these components enables learners to decode words effectively, comprehend text, and express themselves clearly in writing. Structured literacy explicitly teaches these elements in a systematic and sequential manner.
