Skip to content The science of reading is more than a buzzword—it’s a research-backed approach that transforms how we teach children to read. For elementary educators and administrators, aligning instruction with these principles can dramatically improve literacy outcomes for all learners.
At the heart of a strong science of reading curriculum is explicit, systematic instruction that helps students master essential reading skills step by step.
Key Components of a Science of Reading-Aligned Program
A well-rounded curriculum grounded in the science of reading should focus on five essential components:
- Phonemic awareness – Understanding and manipulating individual sounds in spoken words
- Phonics – Connecting sounds to letters to decode written words
- Fluency – Reading with accuracy, speed, and expression
- Vocabulary – Learning the meaning of words and how to use them
- Comprehension – Understanding and interpreting what is read
Effective programs deliver these skills in a carefully sequenced and interconnected way. This builds strong reading foundations and supports long-term literacy growth.
Why Phonics Instruction Must Be Systematic and Explicit
Phonics isn’t just important—it’s foundational. The science of reading shows that students need direct, structured lessons that teach sound-letter relationships clearly and sequentially.
An effective science of reading phonics program introduces concepts step by step. It moves from individual sounds (phonemes) to blending those sounds into words. Students build confidence as they learn to decode with accuracy.
Essential Skills’ Super Phonics series follows this model closely. It includes hundreds of auditory, visual, and tactile activities that teach phonics in a clear, structured format—making it easier for young learners to absorb and apply their skills.
Using Intervention Tools to Support Struggling Readers
Even with a strong core program, some students will need extra support. That’s where targeted intervention plays a key role.
The best science of reading intervention programs:
- Focus on specific skill gaps
- Provide repeated, scaffolded practice
- Offer immediate feedback
- Use data to inform instruction
Essential Skills programs include built-in pretests and tracking tools that help educators identify and support struggling readers. This allows for focused, effective remediation—without overwhelming teachers or students.
When intervention is aligned with classroom instruction, students make faster gains and feel more confident in their abilities.
Resources to Build a Science of Reading Curriculum
Teachers need practical tools that bring the science of reading to life. Look for science of reading resources that support daily instruction and reinforce learning through multiple modes.
Helpful resources may include:
- Interactive digital activities
- Decodable readers
- Sound walls and anchor charts
- Printable phoneme-grapheme maps
- Auditory support for ELLs and emerging readers
Essential Skills programs combine these elements into a user-friendly platform. They support the core components of a science of reading program while providing the flexibility to meet diverse classroom needs.
The software also features Spanish language support—ideal for English language learners and bilingual classrooms.
Conclusion: Align Instruction With What Works
Building a classroom rooted in science of reading principles doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means making intentional choices about what and how you teach.
With the right tools and instructional strategies, teachers can deliver a powerful, evidence-based science of reading curriculum that helps all students succeed.
Essential Skills provides comprehensive programs designed by teachers, for teachers—trusted in schools for over 25 years. From systematic phonics instruction to progress monitoring and auditory support, our tools align with everything that works best in reading instruction.
Explore our research-based science of reading curriculum today and help every learner take the next step in their reading journey.