What is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is an approach to reading instruction that teaches explicit word identification and decoding skills. Structured Literacy includes instruction within the following areas:
- Phonology
- Sound-Symbol Correspondences
- Syllables
- Morphology
- Syntax
- Semantics
Structured Literacy has three guiding principles:
1. Lessons are Systematic and Cumulative.
2. Instruction is Explicit.
3. Instruction and Assessments are Diagnostic.
Structured Literacy is beneficial to ALL students, and essential for those with reading disabilities and Dyslexia.
Learn More
For more information about Structured Literacy, please view the resource ”What is Structured Literacy?” published by the International Dyslexia Association.
How are Structured Literacy and Orton-Gillingham Similar?
Structured Literacy and Orton-Gillingham
Structured Literacy and Orton-Gillingham go hand-in-hand. Structured Literacy focuses on word reading and decoding instruction. Within both Structured Literacy Approaches and Orton-Gillingham there is a focus on phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, semantics, and syntax. Orton-Gillingham lessons can also include work on alphabet skills, handwriting, vocabulary, and comprehension.
The Structured Literacy approach is guided by three principles, that lessons are Systematic and Cummulative, Explicit, and Diagnostic. Orton-Gillingham has these same guiding principles, with additional principles in lessons being multisensory, language-based, personalized, direct, cognitive, emotionally sound, and with continuous feedback and positive reinforcement.
Orton-Gillingham Lessons, therefore, can be written with Structured Literacy overlaps and strategies in place. Orton-Gillingham strategies can extend a Structured Literacy lesson to be engaging, responsive, and personalized to each student.