A Simple View of Reading

Written By Jane Stout

Most people believe that reading involves two skill sets.

First is the ability to decode which involves phonological awareness (the ability to identify and manipulate the sounds of language) and graphemic awareness (the ability to identify letters in our language) and orthographic awareness (the ability to associate sounds to symbols, spelling). Fluency and automaticity are essential components of decoding.

The second is the ability to understand what is being read, that is reading comprehension. Reading comprehension involves an understanding of vocabulary and text structure, being able to recognize cause and effect, problem-solution, time-order sequence. This is known as semantics, which conveys the meaning of language.

However, there is an often neglected third skill essential to reading that is frequently overlooked and that is LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION. Knowledge and understanding of the syntax of language, the grammar, plays an important role in reading comprehension. Students with language-based learning difficulties often display a weakness in understanding the syntax of language.

Here is a wonderful video breaking down reading and reading disabilities in the simplest way:

Jane Stout