Core Components of Reading: Introduction

Type:
  Course
Authors:
Mariah Pospisil, MEd, Education Specialist Clear Credential, Mild/Moderate; Deirdre Marsh-Girardi, Ed.D.; Tami Wilson; Christine Baeta; Robin Irey, Ph.D.; and Katherine Stehr
Developed by:
UC|CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning
Series:
Core Components of Reading
 
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Overview

This comprehensive series presents the essential components of early literacy development, including Oral Language, Phonological Awareness, Decoding, Vocabulary, Fluency, Reading Comprehension, and Spelling. Each course is thoughtfully designed to examine language and literacy development from multiple perspectives, focusing on effective, research-based teaching strategies. Leveraging current research with practical strategies, this series will help educators understand not just what to teach, but how to reach the diversity of learners in their classrooms. 

Learning objectives

  • Develop deep understanding of each foundational domain of reading
  • Learn about current research and neuroscientific perspectives on literacy development
  • Explore evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions
  • Understand how to support diverse learners, including multilingual students
  • Make connections between assessment, instruction, and intervention
  • Build confidence in implementing effective literacy instruction

Related items

Oral Language

In this module, learners will be able to understand the role of oral language in communication, learning, and social interaction. Upon completion, learners will be able to explain how oral language skills underpin reading comprehension & written expression. Finally, they will be able to recognize the critical role of oral language development for multilingual and English language learners, emphasizing equitable access to literacy. 

 Course
  Added on 4/17/2025
Phonological Awareness

In this module, learners will explore the foundational concept of phonological awareness and its critical role in early literacy development. They will examine the developmental progression of phonological skills, gaining a deeper understanding of how these skills support decoding abilities.  Additionally, the module will highlight the importance of phonological awareness as a strong predictor of later reading success, emphasizing its essential role in fostering literacy.

 Course
  Added on 5/1/2025
Decoding

In this module, learners will gain foundational knowledge of decoding and its critical role in developing reading fluency. The learners will examine the developmental progression of decoding skills, recognizing the relationship between letters and their corresponding sounds.  Additionally, this module will examine instructional strategies for decoding as a key skill for learning to read.

 Course
  Added on 5/1/2025
Fluency

This module is designed to deepen your understanding of reading fluency, its integral components, and its pivotal role in reading comprehension. Reading fluency is a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction, bridging the gap between decoding words and understanding their meaning. Fostering fluency in students is essential for building their confidence and ensuring long-term academic success.

 Course
  Added on 5/1/2025
Vocabulary

In this module, learners will understand the foundations of vocabulary development and its critical role in literacy. Upon completion, learners will be able to explain vocabulary from both neuroscientific and educational perspectives and trace its developmental progression. They will recognize effective instructional strategies for vocabulary enhancement, with special attention to supporting multilingual and multidialectal learners. Finally, they will understand connections to universal screening and identify clear next steps for continued professional learning.

 Course
  Added on 5/1/2025
Reading Comprehension

This module will provide foundational knowledge about the domain of reading comprehension, introduce key terms, explain the importance of these skills from a neuroscientific and an educational perspective, and outline the developmental progression of reading comprehension skills. We will introduce instructional strategies related to reading comprehension, focusing on how to support all students, including multilingual and multidialectal learners. Finally, we will make connections to universal screening and provide suggested next steps for your learning.

 Course
  Added on 5/1/2025
Spelling

Spelling and decoding are highly related skills, as both require an ability to apply phoneme-grapheme, or sound-letter, relationships. Through this module, you will gain foundational knowledge about the domain of spelling, introducing key terms, explaining the importance of these skills from a neuroscientific and an educational perspective, and outlining the developmental progression of spelling skills. You will also learn instructional strategies related to spelling, focusing on how to support all students, including multilingual and multidialectal learners.

 Course
  Added on 5/1/2025
Added on 8/18/2025   ·   Last updated on 8/18/2025