And the best way to teach reading is...

 And the best way to teach reading is ….

 

Every decade or so another “right way to teach reading” happens.  Once the latest "right way" is anointed, all children must be taught that way.  Whole cabals rise up with special training, certificates and renewals.  One cannot use the method unless one has been to the mecca for training and been blessed as being able to use the method.  And, of course, whatever the method is, it is research based.

Throughout all of this time, the “right” methods have had dramatically varying approaches.  From strict, scripted phonics based methods to loosely organized approaches around a child’s everyday experiences.  With every method there has been a 3^rd reading group, the kids who just don’t get it.  We all know who they are regardless of which euphemism is used for the name of the group.  

There are some commonalities upon which we all agree.   Children need a good basis in reading.  It is the foundation not just for the rest of their learning but also for how they feel about themselves as learners.  Reading is a skill that the vast majority of children will not learn on their own.  They need some sort of structured program.  A strong literacy program requires that the child learn to decode the printed symbol into a sound AND having done that acquire meaning from those sounds.  Any approach that emphasizes one area over the other will fail both the children and the purpose of learning to read.  

The vast majority of educators believe that children need some basic phonics instruction.  But experience and research that is independent of special interests have not identified any particular kind of phonics instruction other than there should be some.

Children come into our schools with a wide variety of backgrounds.  Some of those backgrounds deliver children who are ripe for instruction with a background of having done some “reading”.  Other kids are at the other end of the spectrum but they, too, need to be taught to read in a method that works for them.

The fact is there is NO method that works best nor is appropriate for all children.  If we really want research based reading instruction for our schools, this is what research and researchers over and over agree on. The best reading method for every child is one taught by a knowledgeable  and skilled teacher regardless of the method. The best way to teach reading is with a very good teacher.