Integrating Structured Literacy in ELA Programs for Effective Reading Instruction
- mark boehme
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Reading difficulties affect many students, especially those with dyslexia. Traditional reading programs often miss the mark by not addressing the foundational skills needed for fluent reading. Structured Literacy offers a clear, systematic way to teach language that benefits all learners, particularly those who struggle. Schools like Harmon have successfully combined Structured Literacy with their English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum to create a powerful learning experience. This post explores why Structured Literacy matters and how its integration into ELA programs can improve reading outcomes.
What is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is a teaching approach that focuses on explicit, systematic instruction in the core components of language. These include phoneme awareness, decoding, spelling, and understanding language structure. Unlike less organized methods, Structured Literacy breaks down reading into clear, manageable parts and teaches them step-by-step.
This approach is especially effective for students with dyslexia and related reading difficulties because it directly targets the skills they find most challenging. Research shows that most students benefit from this method, not just those with diagnosed reading disorders. The clarity and consistency of Structured Literacy help all learners build a strong foundation in reading.
Why Integrate Structured Literacy into ELA Programs?
ELA programs traditionally cover a broad range of skills, including reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and speaking. While these are essential, many programs do not emphasize the foundational skills of phonics and decoding enough. Integrating Structured Literacy fills this gap by ensuring students master the basics before moving on to more complex tasks.
At Harmon School, the integration of Structured Literacy with the full ELA curriculum creates a seamless learning experience. Students receive explicit phonics instruction alongside reading and writing activities. This combination helps students apply phonics skills in real reading contexts, deepening their understanding and retention.
Benefits of Integration
Improved decoding skills
Students learn to break down words into sounds and patterns, making unfamiliar words easier to read.
Stronger spelling and writing
Understanding sound-letter relationships supports spelling accuracy and writing fluency.
Better reading comprehension
When decoding becomes automatic, students can focus more on meaning and understanding.
Support for diverse learners
Structured Literacy meets the needs of students with dyslexia and benefits all learners by providing clear, consistent instruction.
How Harmon School Implements Structured Literacy in ELA
Harmon School’s approach blends Structured Literacy with their existing ELA curriculum through several key strategies:
Daily phonics lessons
Students engage in short, focused lessons on phoneme awareness, letter-sound relationships, and decoding strategies.
Integrated reading practice
Phonics skills are reinforced through reading texts that align with the phonics patterns taught, allowing students to apply what they learn immediately.
Writing activities linked to phonics
Students practice spelling and writing words using the phonics rules they have learned, strengthening their language skills.
Ongoing assessment and support
Teachers regularly assess students’ progress and provide targeted support to address specific challenges.
This approach ensures that phonics instruction is not isolated but part of a comprehensive literacy program. Students see the connection between decoding, reading, and writing, which promotes deeper learning.
Practical Tips for Schools and Educators
Schools interested in integrating Structured Literacy into their ELA programs can consider the following steps:
Provide professional development
Teachers need training to understand Structured Literacy principles and how to apply them effectively.
Use evidence-based materials
Select phonics and literacy resources that follow a systematic, explicit approach.
Align curriculum components
Ensure phonics instruction connects with reading and writing activities for coherence.
Monitor student progress
Use assessments to identify areas where students need extra help and adjust instruction accordingly.
Engage families
Inform parents about Structured Literacy and ways they can support reading at home.
The Impact on Student Learning
When Structured Literacy is integrated into ELA programs, students develop stronger reading skills that support academic success across subjects. They gain confidence in decoding and spelling, which reduces frustration and builds motivation. For students with dyslexia, this approach can be life-changing, providing the tools they need to become independent readers.
Harmon School’s experience shows that combining Structured Literacy with a full ELA curriculum creates a balanced, effective program. This model can serve as a guide for other schools aiming to improve literacy instruction.