Approaches to reading

A basic understanding of different reading approaches is essential before developing materials for teaching reading and writing.

The following four components are essential in any reading approach:

• Reading of whole stories (comprehension)
• Reading of parts of words (decoding)
• Formation of letters
• Creative writing

The reading approach you use will most likely influence what reading program you choose. Most reading programs are based on a specific underlying theory or approach to teaching reading.

The following modules will give you a summary of each approach.

Here are the major approaches to reading:

• analytic approach to reading
• eclectic approach to reading
• global approach to reading
• phonic approach to reading
• sight word approach to reading
• syllable approach to reading
• synthetic approach to reading

• Reading and learning research

• Fact module: Approaches to reading, by Ken Boothe (contributor), Martha A. Lane (contributor), and Leah B. Walter (contributor)
• In overview module: Reading and learning research, by Kenneth A. Boothe (contributor) and Leah B. Walter (contributor)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 September 1999

© 1999 SIL International