--- title: Understanding The Science of Reading description: In this post, we talk about what the science of reading is and how it enables students to succeed not only in reading, but in all areas of learning. image: https://www.halifaxlearning.com/hubfs/HFX%20Learning%20-%20Brand%20Graphics%202-08.jpg --- [![HFX\_LEARNING\_LOGO\_WEB](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/hubfs/NEW_SITE_IMAGES/HFX_LEARNING_LOGO_WEB.png)](https://www.halifaxlearning.com) - [HOME](https://www.halifaxlearning.com) - EDUCATORS - [TEACHER TRAINING](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/structured-literacy-teacher-training) - [STRUCTURED LITERACY MICRO COURSES](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/courses) - [PROVEN RESULTS & CASE STUDIES](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/case_studies) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/teacher-testimonials) - [FAQS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/teacher_faqs) - STUDENTS & FAMILIES - [READING SKILLS ASSESSMENT](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/reading_skills_assessment) - [RESEARCH HUB & IN-PERSON READING CLINICS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/halifax_clinic) - [ONLINE LEARNING](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/online_learning) - [SUMMER LEARNING 2027](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/summer-camp-registration) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/testimonials) - [FAQS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/student_faqs) - ACTIVE RESEARCH - [RESEARCH & CONFERENCES](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/research) - [BLOG](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog) - FUNDING & RESOURCES - [RESOURCES](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/resources) - [ABOUT & CONTACT](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/contact) - [LEADERSHIP TEAM](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/the_company) - [READING EXPERTS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/the_team) [FREE ASSESSMENT](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/reading_skills_assessment) Phonological Skills # Understanding The Science of Reading In this post, we talk about what the science of reading is and how it enables students to succeed not only in reading, but in all areas of learning. [Halifax Learning](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/author/halifax-learning) Nov 4, 2021 --- Halifax Learning embraces the Science of Reading. It’s a term often used when discussing remedial reading programs, but many parents we talk to aren’t entirely clear on what it means.  ![HFX Learning - Brand Graphics 2-08](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HFX%20Learning%20-%20Brand%20Graphics%202-08.jpg?width=1920&name=HFX%20Learning%20-%20Brand%20Graphics%202-08.jpg) We know that being a proficient reader has a huge impact on a child’s entire education. In this post, we want to talk about what the science of reading is and how it enables students to succeed not only in reading but in all areas of learning. ## **What is The Science of Reading?** As the name implies, the science of reading is based on methods and statistical analyses drawn from the work of experts in education, special education, psychology, neurology, literacy, and more. Over 20 years in the making, their evidence-based body of knowledge has helped uncover the deficiencies in traditional observation-based methods.  The conclusive research of the science of reading gives educators the information they need to gain a deeper understanding of how children learn to read, what skills are involved, and which parts of the brain are responsible for reading development. From the research, experts have been able to develop a best practices approach for teaching foundational literacy skills often called “structured literacy.” By helping educators understand the cognitive processes essential for reading proficiency, the science of reading helps prevent many reading difficulties in young [students who are most at-risk](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/dealing-with-dyslexia-kierans-story). And studies have shown that for students in higher grades, intensive phonemic awareness and decoding training coupled with opportunities for repeated practice with reading controlled text has been highly effective.  ## **How Science of Reading Differs From Traditional Reading Instruction** Conventional reading instruction emphasizes whole world memorization, which can impede a student’s progress. Phonics empowers students by increasing their reading power. Here’s how it works. Reading development can be divided into three stages: letters and sounds, phonic decoding, and orthographic or spelling mapping. When a child memorizes 10 words, they generally can read those 10 words well. However, if the child learns the sounds of 10 letters, they can read: - 350 three-sound words - Over 4,300 four-sound words - 21,650 five-sound words As learning to read is a complex neurological process, it only makes sense to use evidence-based methods to support all readers. ## **Are Phonics and Science of Reading the Same Thing?** [The science](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/theres-a-science-to-it-but-readings-not-rocket-science) shows that systematic, explicit phonics instruction is the foundation for successful reading. Yet while phonics, which is about decoding words, is a critical component in early reading education, other techniques are used by educators to keep students focused and energized as they master challenging skills. The science of reading also: - Incorporates connecting phonics to spelling instruction. - Recognizes the importance of language and reading comprehension. - Focuses on building vocabulary and background knowledge. - Helps students develop comprehension skills. So, while phonics is certainly an essential element in the science of reading, it’s not the whole thing, in fact, ​​ efficient reading instruction includes: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and reading comprehension - all working together. ## **How Halifax Learning Can Help** Halifax Learning is committed to transforming students’ lives through the power of reading. Halifax Learning's delivery of the [SpellRead Program](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/theprogram) is a fully integrated approach based on specific skill mastery that uses language-based reading and writing activities to help children, particularly those who struggle with reading, improve their reading skills. To learn more about the science of reading and how Halifax Learning can help support your child’s learning needs, [reach out to us today](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/contactus). [Phonological Skills](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/topic/phonological-skills) [Evidence-Based Education](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/topic/evidence-based-education) [The Science Of Reading](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/topic/the-science-of-reading) ## Similar posts Phonological Skills ### [What is phonics?](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/what-is-phonics) Halifax Learning May 30, 2018 National Literacy ### [Understanding Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 in Learning to Read](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/understanding-tier-1-tier-2-and-tier-3-in-learning-to-read) Halifax Learning Jun 17, 2025 Book Suggestions ### [Reading Recommendations for All Ages | From Woozles Bookstore](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog/septemberreadingrecommendations) Megan Brooks Sep 24, 2018 ### Subscribe to our blog - don't miss the latest on literacy. ### Halifax Learning Blog ![HFX\_LEARNING\_LOGO\_FOOTER\_WHITE](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/hubfs/NEW_SITE_IMAGES/HFX_LEARNING_LOGO_FOOTER_WHITE.png) ##### **Phone: [902-453-4113](tel:902-453-4113)** ##### **[2891 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3L 2V9](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2891+Oxford+St,+Halifax,+NS+B3L+2V9/@44.6527934,-63.6095136,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x4b5a219d11f36413:0xe441ae9c58282eff!8m2!3d44.6527896!4d-63.6073249)** ### ABOUT - [THE COMPANY](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/the_company) - [THE TEAM](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/the_team) - [CONTACT](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/contact) ### FOR STUDENTS - [READING SKILLS ASSESSMENT](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/reading_skills_assessment) - [RESEARCH HUB & IN-PERSON READING CLINICS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/halifax_clinic) - [ONLINE LEARNING](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/online_learning) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/testimonials) - [FAQS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/student_faqs) ### FOR EDUCATORS - [TEACHER TRAINING](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/teacher_training) - [MICRO COURSES](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/courses) - [CASE STUDIES](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/case_studies) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/teacher-testimonials) - [FAQS](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/teacher_faqs) ### RESEARCH - [BLOG](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/blog) - [RESEARCH](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/research) - [CONFERENCES](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/resources) - [NEWSLETTER](https://www.halifaxlearning.com/newsletter_signup) © 2026 Halifax Learning [Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme](https://www.kalungi.com/atlas-hubspot-theme-for-b2b-saas-software)