What it is
Structured literacy is an explicit, systematic approach to teaching reading, grounded in the science of reading. It directly teaches the building blocks — phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension — in a logical sequence. Multisensory instruction (using sight, sound, touch, and movement together) is a hallmark, seen in approaches like Orton-Gillingham.
How it works
Structured literacy is:
- ExplicitSkills are taught directly, not left for students to discover
- Systematic & cumulativeA logical sequence, each skill building on the last
- MultisensoryEngaging multiple senses (e.g., tracing letters while saying sounds)
- DiagnosticTeaching responds to what each student needs
- Grounded in evidenceReflecting decades of reading research
Who it's for
Structured literacy benefits all beginning readers and is essential for students with dyslexia and others who struggle. It’s the approach most strongly supported by research for teaching foundational reading — see our Science of Reading and Dyslexia guides.
Why it matters
The evidence base is strong: explicit, systematic phonics-based instruction is the most reliable way to teach early reading, especially for struggling readers. It’s often contrasted with “whole language” or unstructured “balanced literacy” approaches.
How to choose
Good questions for any school:
- Ask how they actually teach“Walk me through a typical lesson” reveals more than the label
- Watch a class if you canSee whether the description matches the classroom
- Ask how reading is taughtLook for explicit, systematic phonics — not guessing from pictures/context
- Ask about struggling readersStructured literacy is essential for them
Frequently asked questions
- What is structured literacy?Explicit, systematic reading instruction grounded in the science of reading.
- What is Orton-Gillingham?A well-known multisensory, structured approach, especially for dyslexia.
- Who benefits?All beginning readers — and it’s essential for students with dyslexia.
Key facts
- CoreExplicit, systematic reading
- Rooted inThe science of reading
- HallmarkMultisensory (Orton-Gillingham)
- Vital forStruggling readers & dyslexia
Where to learn more
Learn more: