#33: Don’t Panic! How To Integrate The Science Of Reading Without Starting From Scratch
joyful teaching meets brain-friendly practices
Is all the buzz about the “science of reading” making you wonder if it’s just another trend that’ll leave you reinventing everything you’ve worked so hard to create? I hear you. But let me ease your mind: the science of reading isn’t about tossing out everything you’ve been doing. Actually, it’s the opposite. It’s about building on your hard-earned teaching expertise and making small, intentional changes that lead to big wins for your students.
It’s possible to align your current routines with the science of reading—without losing the creativity and joy that make teaching so special.
Decades of research, not a new trend
First, let’s clear up a common misconception:the science of reading isn’t some shiny, new trend. It’s the result of decades of research about how the brain learns to read. And here’s the best part—many of the strategies you’re already using fit perfectly with this research.
I’ve heard from so many veteran teachers saying, “I’ve been teaching phonics for years—why is this suddenly such a big deal?” Here’s the thing: it’s always been a big deal. Foundational skills like phonics and phonemic awareness have always been essential. What’s different now is that the research behind these strategies is finally being highlighted and shared with teachers (the ones actually doing the teaching!), giving all of us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and refine.
So let me reassure you: you’re not being asked to start from scratch. ChatGPT
Let me put your mind at ease: you’re not starting over from square one. It’s about building on the amazing foundation you’ve already created and giving it a little extra polish to make an even greater impact on your students. Think of it like taking something good and leveling it up to extraordinary. You’ve got this!
Small tweaks, Big Impact
The beauty of the science of reading is that it doesn’t require an overhaul. Instead, it’s about fine-tuning what already works and making small adjustments to ensure every minute in your classroom is as impactful as possible.
Here are some easy ways to make your current routines brain-friendly:
- Small Groups With a Purpose: Are you already meeting with small reading groups? Great! The science of reading supports that. But instead of grouping by general reading levels, try organizing students by the specific skills they need. For example, if a group is struggling with blends like “st” in stop, focus on that. Play blending games, practice reading “st” words, and include spelling activities for reinforcement. These skill-specific lessons can help your students make faster progress and grow their confidence as readers.
- Maximize Read-Alouds: Read-aloud time is magical—and it’s also a fantastic opportunity to incorporate the science of reading. Use this time to introduce rich vocabulary words your students might not encounter elsewhere. Pause during the story to ask questions like, “Why do you think the character did that?” or “Have you ever felt the same way?” These moments deepen comprehension and critical thinking while keeping the joy of storytelling front and center.
- Guided Reading With Intentional Texts: Leveled readers often get the job done, but swapping them out for decodable texts can make a huge difference for students. Decodable books are designed to reinforce the phonics skills you’re teaching. For instance, if you’re focusing on the “st” blend, choose a decodable book filled with “st” words. This small change helps bridge the gap between instruction and independent reading, building confidence and fluency.
- Transform the Writing Block: Writing is another area where small shifts can pay off. Before your students start writing, give them a few minutes to talk through their ideas. Speaking helps them organize their thoughts and add detail to their writing. You can also use writing time to reinforce phonics skills. If a student asks how to spell a word, guide them to sound it out. This approach strengthens the connection between reading and writing, helping students become stronger readers and writers.
Start small and build Momentum
I get it—new strategies can feel overwhelming. That’s why I encourage you to start small. Pick one area to focus on this week. Maybe it’s swapping out leveled readers for decodables or adding a quick phonological awareness warm-up to your morning routine. By starting with one change, you can see its impact and build momentum for future science of reading swaps.
evolution, not revolution
The science of reading isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about evolving as educators to ensure we’re using the most effective, research-backed strategies to help our students succeed.
One of our Science of Reading Formula members, Mrs. Lewis, shared her story with me recently. After 25 years of teaching, she revamped her reading centers by adding sound walls and replacing flashcards with hands-on sound maps. The results? Her struggling readers started making big gains in just a few weeks. It’s proof that even small changes can lead to powerful results.
You’ve spent years honing your craft. The science of reading gives you an opportunity to take everything you know and fine-tune it.
finding joy in the process
Aligning with the science of reading isn’t about losing the joy of teaching—it’s about amplifying it. When we use strategies that work, we see our students thrive, and that’s what makes teaching so rewarding. These brain-friendly practices make instruction simpler and more effective, creating an environment where students feel confident and excited about learning.
IN THIS EPISODE, we’ll talk about…
- How to identify and keep the practices that align with research.
- Strategies to make for small, impactful tweaks to your instruction.
- How to build your confidence and help every student thrive.
Next Steps
Take a moment to reflect on your current routines. What’s working well? Where could you make one small tweak to align more closely with the science of reading? Choose one area to focus on this week and watch how it transforms your teaching.
If you’re ready for more support, consider joining our Science of Reading Formula membership. It’s packed with THOUSANDS of print-and-go tools, resources, and strategies that make incorportating the science of reading simple and enjoyable. Together, we can take your teaching to the next level and help your students reach their full potential. Now that’s a win-win!
You’ve got this—one step at a time.
LINKS
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
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