What Is Structured Literacy? A Parent’s Guide
If your child struggles with reading, you may have heard the term structured literacy. But what does it actually mean, and why do specialists recommend it for students who are below grade level or have dyslexia? At Literacy Tree, we help parents understand how structured literacy builds the foundational skills children need to become confident readers.
What Structured Literacy Is
Structured literacy is an evidence-based approach to reading instruction that is:
Explicit: Every skill is taught directly and clearly.
Systematic: Skills are taught in a logical sequence.
Cumulative: Each lesson builds on previously mastered skills.
Multisensory: Students engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways to strengthen learning.
It focuses on teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Who Benefits from Structured Literacy
Structured literacy is particularly effective for:
Students reading below grade level
Children with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences
Students needing targeted intervention in phonics or decoding
It ensures that struggling readers receive instruction tailored to their needs.
How Literacy Tree Uses Structured Literacy
At Literacy Tree, our certified specialists integrate structured literacy with Orton-Gillingham-informed practices. This combination allows us to:
Assess each child’s reading strengths and gaps
Create individualized lesson plans
Track progress with measurable outcomes
Conclusion
Understanding structured literacy is the first step in helping your child succeed in reading. By using research-backed methods with trained reading specialists, students can gain the skills and confidence to read independently.
Learn more about our Structured Literacy Tutoring and schedule a consultation today.
