5 Big Ideas in Reading An interactive graphic displaying five core literacy skill areas: Comprehension, Fluency, Vocabulary, Phonics, and Phonemic Awareness. Click on each area to learn more. Comprehension Skill Area Comprehension Fluency Skill Area Fluency Vocabulary Skill Area Vocabulary Phonics Skill Area Phonics Phonemic Awareness Skill Area Phonemic Awareness

The Big Ideas in Beginning Reading is a research-based approach grounded in the Science of Reading.

Children need explicit and systematic instruction in the five essential components of reading. These components—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—work together to support skilled reading, with comprehension as the ultimate goal.

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Child smiling while reading book in class.

What is the Science of Reading?

The science of reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing.

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Our Mission 

The Big Ideas in Beginning Reading project was developed by researchers at the Center on Teaching & Learning with the objective of promoting free, effective, evidence-based reading instruction.

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Center on Teaching and Learning

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