Science of Reading
What the research really says about how children learn to read.
What Is the Science of Reading?
The science of reading is the large, converging body of research on how children learn to read — and what that evidence means for instruction. In practice, it points to explicit, systematic phonics inside a structured-literacy approach.
The guides below put that evidence to work, covering the structured-literacy practices and instructional routines that research consistently supports.
Should Preschoolers Learn Uppercase or Lowercase Letters First?
Parents working on letters with a preschooler often hit the same fork in the road. Uppercase letters are bigger and seem simpler to form. Lowercase…
Read articleSweet Phonics Review: A Closer Look at This Phonics App for Ages 3-8
A Decoding-Focused Phonics App for Young Learners Looking for honest, research-grounded reviews of literacy programs? Browse the expert program…
Read articleHow Much Reading Practice Is Too Much for Young Children?
Most parents worried about their child’s reading ask one question: Are we doing enough? Fewer stop to ask the opposite. But researchers, classroom…
Read articleWhat Kindergarten Teachers Wish Parents Knew About Early Literacy
Kindergarten teachers hear a version of the same story every September. Parents spent the summer drilling letter names, practicing counting, and…
Read articleReading Readiness vs School Readiness: What’s the Difference?
Parents hear both phrases in the run-up to kindergarten, often used as if they mean the same thing. They do not. A child can be ready for school…
Read articleWhen Should You Switch Reading Programs?
Every parent using a reading program eventually hits the same worry. Progress feels slow, the child seems bored, and a shinier option is always one…
Read articleReading Motivation For Kids Who Are Still Learning To Decode
Learning to decode is slow, effortful work, and it can wear down a child’s enthusiasm for reading long before the skill itself is solid. A child who…
Read articleIs Your Preschooler Ready To Learn Letter Sounds?
Many parents assume letter sounds are where reading instruction should start. There is actually a step that comes first, and it has nothing to do…
Read articleRed Flags In Popular Reading Curricula
Not every reading curriculum labeled “research-based” reflects current reading research. Some widely used programs still contain instructional…
Read articleFrequently asked questions
Where should I start with science of reading?
Start with the overview at the top, then use the topics list to jump to the area that matches your needs. Each topic links to a fuller guide.
Who are these science of reading pages for?
Both parents and teachers. The guidance is practical and jargon-free, with classroom and at-home applications throughout.
How often is this guidance updated?
We review our phonics guidance regularly against current reading research, so recommendations stay evidence-based.
Related Sections
Phonics 101
Core concepts, sequencing, and the instructional foundations behind effective phonics teaching.
Explore Phonics 101 →
Phonics Skills
Individual decoding skills from letter sounds and CVC words through vowel teams and syllable types.
Explore Skills →
Struggling Readers
Intervention, dyslexia-informed support, multilingual considerations, and progress monitoring.
Explore Support →