Common Reading Myths
1. “Learning to read is a natural process”
Many parents think reading will happen naturally, similar to how children learn to speak. However, learning to read is not an automatic process—it requires structured, explicit instruction. Children need guidance to connect sounds to written letters, ensuring they can read fluently and accurately.
2. “Phonics isn’t necessary”
Phonics is essential for decoding words, especially for children who struggle with reading. The most effective methods focus on building sound awareness first, and then connecting those sounds to letters, ensuring every child develops the critical phonics skills needed for confident reading.
3. “Strong oral language skills mean my child will read easily”
Oral language skills are important, but they don’t directly lead to reading proficiency. Children also need strong phonemic awareness and decoding abilities to understand how sounds form words. These are key steps in becoming proficient readers.
4. “Children will catch up on their own”
Hoping that children will eventually catch up on their own is a risky approach. Early intervention, with structured and multi-sensory methods, helps children progress quickly before falling further behind.
5. “Reading faster means reading better”
Reading speed doesn’t necessarily indicate skill. What’s more important is accuracy and comprehension. By focusing on understanding each word and its meaning, children gradually improve their fluency without sacrificing comprehension.
6. “Good readers guess words from context”
Some methods encourage guessing based on context or pictures, but this approach can limit a child’s ability to read new or unfamiliar words. Teaching children to decode words based on sounds and patterns ensures they can read confidently without guessing.
7. “Explicit instruction kills the joy of reading”
Structured teaching actually builds confidence in children, making reading easier and more enjoyable. When children see their progress, they feel empowered and are more likely to develop a love for reading.
8. “If my child hates reading, they’ll never enjoy it”
Children often dislike reading because they struggle with it. A multi-sensory, engaging approach can help overcome these struggles by building confidence through small, steady successes, making reading fun again.
9. “Older methods of teaching reading were more effective”
Older methods often relied heavily on memorization and teaching skills in isolation. Modern, research-backed methods focus on sound-based learning, integrating reading and writing tasks to help children learn more efficiently.
10. “You need spelling rules, phonics rules, syllable rules”
While rules can help, they can also overwhelm children. Instead, focusing on common sound patterns simplifies the learning process and makes reading and spelling more intuitive.
11. “Reading skills should be taught in isolation”
Teaching reading in isolation can delay progress. Children learn best when reading, spelling, writing, and vocabulary are taught together in a multi-sensory environment, making connections between each skill.
12. “Pictures help children learn to read”
Pictures can be useful, but relying on them too much can hinder decoding skills. Teaching children to decode words independently allows them to become stronger readers who can tackle more complex texts.
13. “English is too complex”
While English can be complicated, breaking it down into manageable sound patterns and tendencies helps simplify the learning process, making it easier for children to master reading and spelling.
14. “Orton-Gillingham is the best method for dyslexia”
Though Orton-Gillingham is a respected method, it’s not the only approach that works for dyslexia. Some methods offer a more intuitive, integrated approach, using patterns and real-time feedback to help dyslexic learners progress faster and with fewer rules.
15. “Online tutoring isn’t 1-on-1 and isn’t effective”
Online tutoring can be just as effective as in-person sessions, especially when it’s personalized and interactive. With real-time feedback and a tailored approach, children get the attention and support they need to succeed, even in an online environment.