Support the 5 Pillars of Early Literacy AND Knowledge Building with Foundations A-Z
Drawing on decades of scientific research, the National Reading Panel has identified five components or “pillars” essential for early literacy instruction. Explore each pillar to discover how the resources in Foundations A-Z align with these five essential components, as well as contribute to knowledge building.
5 Pillars of Literacy
The Foundations A-Z lesson plans teach these core literacy components together - skills are not taught in isolation.
Modified from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2000). Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction. Report of the National Reading Panel. (00-4769). https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pubs/nrp/Documents/report.pdf
Pillar 1: Phonemic Awareness{berry}
Phonemic awareness involves focusing on and manipulating individual phonemes in spoken words, as skilled readers effortlessly manipulate word sounds.
Pillar 2: Phonics{orange}
Phonics explores the systematic correlation between the sound(s)(phonemes) in words we hear and the letter(s)(graphemes) that represent them.
Pillar 3: Fluency{gold}
Fluency refers to the capacity to read accurately, with appropriate rate and expression. If students struggle to recognize words accurately and effortlessly, it can hinder their fluency, negatively impacting reading comprehension.
Pillar 4: Vocabulary{purple}
Vocabulary encompasses the words necessary for effective communication, including both oral (speaking and listening) and written (reading and writing) forms. Vocabulary development is crucial for text comprehension, as understanding improves when readers are familiar with most words they encounter.
Pillar 5: Comprehension{light-blue}
Comprehension refers to the process of understanding and interpreting what one reads. The skills required for reading comprehension to occur are complex and varied.
Knowledge Building{navy}
Knowledge building is the process of developing and deepening students’ understanding of key concepts and ideas. This involves engaging students in active exploration, discussion, and reflection of texts to construct new knowledge and make meaningful connections with prior learning.