Big Ideas in Reading

There are Five Essential Components of Effective Reading Instruction from the National Reading Panel Report:

1. Phonemic Awareness
    Words are made up of sounds. Being able to hear, identify, say and change these sounds will help              
    you read and spell words. Phonemic awareness can be done in the dark.

2. Phonics
    Words are made up of letters that represent (stand for) sounds. Knowing these sounds and their
     spelling patterns will help you read and spell words.

3. Fluency
    Reading should sound like talking, not too fast and not too slow. If you read smoothly, correctly
    and use expression it will help you understand what you read.

4. Vocabulary 
    Words and groups of words (phrases) have meanings. Understanding what a word means will help
    you say (pronounce) the word, use the word when speaking and writing, and understand it when
    you hear and read it. You can use strategies to help figure out what words mean.

5. Comprehension
    Understanding what someone reads to you or what you read yourself is the main goal of reading.
    Using strategies and skills and thinking and talking about your reading will help you build
    understanding.