Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard the expression “reading is rocket science.” In recent years, researchers have come out saying that "reading is rocket science," meaning it is a complex neural process (and it is!). We’ve heard this expression used both for reading and for teaching reading.

We're going to share a potentially unpopular opinion...

Teaching reading IS NOT rocket science.

Here's the problem with this expression…

First, the idea that teaching reading is rocket science keeps us as educators stuck.

It's difficult to show up and do the work required to create a massive impact for our students when we're worried that we might miss something and one miscalculation in our process could blow up the entire thing (the reality is that missing things is just part of the process).

2. The Science of Reading is every bit as much an art as it is a science.

There is a ton of research that guides us (check that out here!) in knowing what our instruction should generally look like - but that doesn't mean we have to throw out everything that is working and adopt an entirely new process every time a new article comes out.

The real question is…

…what is working for you? What isn't? Let's figure out how to enhance what is working using the science and think about how we can use the science to transform what isn't working in our existing instruction.

This is a messy and often CREATIVE process - and the result is beautiful (or it isn't and we rework it).

When we use the expression "teaching reading is rocket science," it perpetuates the idea that effective instruction will always be out of reach or that it is a super specific formulaic process that will fall apart and be detrimental to our students if we do one thing "wrong." It takes away the craft that is teaching.

"Reading is rocket science" is forcing many of us to believe that our instruction must follow a formulaic "rocket-science-like" process. But we have to change this trajectory - we have to step away from the idea that reading is rocket science and that the formula comes from the powers that be.

At the end of the day - you know your class, you know your students. YOU are the power that is.

Now, as we've mentioned before, there is a general framework we want to use to build our instruction to support the cognitive processes in the brain. You can read more about that >>>here<<<. It just doesn't have to be rocket science - let's keep it simple!

1. Literacy develops by building skills related to phonology (sound structure of words), orthography (visual structure of letters, patterns, and words), semantics (meaning, vocabulary, and context), and then focusing on executive functioning skills. If we think about how each skill we teach is hitting on each of these skills we're good.

2. We must recognize that every student has a different set of skills that come naturally to them and skills they need to develop. Therefore, if we can either identify what each student needs (in 1:1 and small group instruction) or make sure our lessons are hitting on skills that will develop phonology, orthography, semantics, and executive functioning development we're good!

3. We must give ourselves and our students grace. This isn't a perfect formula - what works for one student may not work for the next. What works one day may not work the next. It's not an exact science - it's an art form and the more creative we can be the better.

So, to reiterate - teaching reading IS NOT rocket science. We aren't going to blow up a rocket ship if we choose to deviate from a strict plan. We aren't going to "ruin" our kids. Use your craft, use your creativity, and have fun in the process. Now, we aren't saying to throw all research to the wind (we want to make sure we follow evidence-backed principles), but don't let it take the art out of teaching, or make you rigid in your approach. Instead, be your own researcher! Use your data to determine what is working and what isn't in your instruction with your specific kids.

For a more in-depth look at how to use the research to build a framework (that allows you to remain flexible and use your craft), download our SOR Blueprint >>here.<<

Grab Your Copy of the SOR Blueprint Here