Structured Literacy is an evidence-based approach to reading instruction that explicitly and systematically teaches the structure of language, including phonology, sound-symbol relationships, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
What is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is a term coined by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) in 2016 to describe evidence-based instructional approaches aligned with the Science of Reading. It serves as an umbrella term for programs like Orton-Gillingham that teach students explicit and systematic strategies for decoding and spelling words. Structured Literacy integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing while emphasizing language structure. Instruction is explicit (directly taught with modeling), systematic (skills in logical sequence), cumulative (building on prior learning), diagnostic (responsive to student needs), and often multisensory (engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways).
Key Takeaways
- Addresses six elements: phonology, orthography, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics
- Grounded in decades of research known as the Science of Reading
- Beneficial for all students but essential for those with dyslexia
- Differs from balanced literacy by leaving nothing to chance through explicit instruction
- Popular programs include All About Reading, Logic of English, Barton, and PRIDE Reading
The Six Elements of Structured Literacy
Phonology focuses on the sound structure of spoken language, including phonemic awareness. Sound-symbol association (orthography) teaches how sounds connect to written symbols and spelling patterns. Syllables instruction covers the six syllable types in English for decoding longer words. Morphology addresses meaningful word parts: prefixes, suffixes, and roots that build vocabulary. Syntax teaches sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation for comprehension and writing. Semantics develops vocabulary knowledge and comprehension strategies. These elements work together as an integrated system rather than isolated skills.
Structured Literacy vs. Balanced Literacy
Why It Works for Struggling Readers
Dyslexia and most reading difficulties originate with phonological processing weaknesses. Structured Literacy directly targets these areas through intensive phonemic awareness instruction, which many struggling readers need. Unlike approaches that assume children will naturally infer reading concepts through exposure, Structured Literacy explicitly teaches everything. A 2014 study found students receiving Structured Literacy intervention showed gains nearly four times greater than students in Guided Reading groups. The IDA states that while Structured Literacy benefits all students, it is essential for those with dyslexia. Traditional approaches like balanced literacy are simply not effective for students with reading differences.
Homeschool Curriculum Options
All About Reading offers multisensory instruction with games and letter tiles, making it parent-friendly for younger children. Logic of English provides complete language arts including phonics, spelling, grammar, and handwriting. Barton Reading and Spelling is fully scripted for dyslexia intervention at home. PRIDE Reading Program won the 2023 Blue Ribbon Award and requires no parent training. All these programs are Orton-Gillingham-based, meaning they follow the multisensory, systematic, explicit approach proven effective by research.
The Bottom Line
Structured Literacy represents the practical application of decades of scientific research into how the brain learns to read. While developed with struggling readers in mind, the approach benefits all students by leaving nothing to chance. With 38 states now passing laws related to evidence-based reading instruction, the shift away from balanced literacy is accelerating. For homeschool families, the good news is that several excellent Orton-Gillingham-based programs make Structured Literacy accessible without specialized training. Whether your child is a beginning reader or struggling with decoding, this approach provides the explicit, systematic instruction that research shows works best.
