Reading intervention focuses on supporting struggling readers by providing targeted instruction to improve their reading skills. A core principle of effective reading intervention is focusing on the big ideas of reading. This means addressing the essential components of reading instruction in a structured and systematic way.
Key Principles for Reading Intervention
A successful reading intervention program incorporates several key principles. One fundamental principle is:
- Focus on the Big Ideas of Reading: This involves explicitly and systematically teaching the five essential components of reading.
The Five Essential Components of Reading Instruction
These components, when explicitly taught and practiced, form the bedrock of reading proficiency.
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Phonological Awareness | Understanding and manipulating the sounds of spoken language. | Identifying the individual sounds in the word "cat" (/k/, /æ/, /t/). |
| Alphabetic Principle | Understanding the relationship between letters and sounds (phonics) and using this knowledge to decode words. | Knowing that the letter "b" makes the /b/ sound and being able to blend it with other sounds to read words like "bat." |
| Fluency with Connected Text | Reading accurately, at an appropriate rate, and with expression. | Reading a passage smoothly and at a comfortable pace, paying attention to punctuation and intonation. |
| Vocabulary Development | Understanding the meaning of words and using them effectively in reading and writing. | Learning new words through context clues, direct instruction, and reading widely. |
| Comprehension | Understanding the meaning of what is read. | Answering questions about a story, summarizing the main ideas, and making inferences. |
By focusing on these core areas, reading intervention can provide struggling readers with the necessary skills and strategies to become successful and confident readers. It's important to remember that effective intervention is tailored to the individual needs of the student, utilizing ongoing assessment to monitor progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
