What is required in instruction to effectively teach reading?

Systematic and explicit instruction is essential for effectively teaching reading because it provides a structured and clear framework for learning. This approach ensures that students receive direct teaching of reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension strategies.

By using systematic and explicit methods, educators can carefully sequence instruction, allowing students to build on their understanding progressively. This means that concepts are introduced in a logical order, and students receive ample opportunities for practice and reinforcement. Explicit instruction involves clear modeling of skills and strategies, where teachers demonstrate how to perform a task, followed by guided practice with feedback. This clarity helps students understand precisely what is expected, which is particularly beneficial for struggling readers who may need more support.

In contrast, other methods like random and implicit, flexible and subjective, or casual and spontaneous teaching do not provide the same level of structure or clarity. These approaches may lead to gaps in students’ understanding and skills, as they lack the consistency and systematic progression that are critical for effective reading instruction.