Let's Untangle the Reading Riddle

A battle—one that has raged for generations, with each side claiming their way is the best. This battle is not fought with swords or guns. It is fought with letters and sounds. It's called the science of reading debate, and it's a hot topic in education. In the last 200 years, arguments over how to teach reading have been as contentious as political debates. So many methods, so many theories. Nowadays, this debate has become a polarizing battleground—one that's hard to ignore. Recently, two families from Massachusetts launched a law suit they claim has never been done before. It all started when they wanted to make publishers and authors of literacy lessons provide families with free curriculum because they believe that the reading curriculums do not teach children about phonics. For a long time, people have been pushing for laws that force schools to use specific methods of teaching reading. This is the science of reading movement, and it’s everywhere—40 states and even the District of Columbia have made these laws. These laws have been made to fit all students into a one-size-fits-all model. The problem is that most of these laws are now focusing on one approach to reading, with phonics as the key. Over the years, people have searched for a simple and easy way to teach reading. Teachers, students, and families have been promised that if we follow certain rules, our reading scores will soar. But reading is far from simple.That's the problem with this reading movement. It says, “Hey, let's do this one way and it will work for everyone. ”The lawmakers are now pushing schools to have reading programs that use only one approach to teaching reading which can limit the way children learn. This movement wants teachers to follow a strict script. Scripted lessons tell teachers what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. There is no room for teachers to use their own judgment. Also there is a push to remove storybooks from classrooms because they are not helpful as they are not making reading better. This is a real shame as story books can inspire and motivate children to read. The movement is leading to some serious problems. It's making teachers feel powerless at a time when many are already leaving the job. It's creating a new group of readers who can read okay, but who can't think critically about what they read or find joy in reading. These laws are not based on a clear agreement in the science of reading. There is no “one size fits all” teaching method. Reading is a complex process. Children learn to read in different ways and at different speeds. They bring their unique background, culture, and language skills into the mix, which makes the reading process extremely personalized. It is important for schools to teach phonics, but it is also critical to focus on comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. Teaching reading is more than just teaching phonics. This is a critical look at what the science of reading movement is about.