Understanding the Science of Reading: A Practical Guide for Middle School ELA Teachers

The science of reading has become a hot topic in education, with many teachers being asked to incorporate its principles into their instruction. But what exactly is the science of reading? And how can teachers apply it in a way that feels practical and manageable?

Today, we’ll break down the foundational components of reading, introduce the concept of the reading rope, and provide an engaging classroom activity to help students build essential background knowledge.

What Is the Science of Reading?

The science of reading isn’t a program or a new educational trend—it’s an entire field of research focused on how people learn to read. This body of research examines how our brains process language and identifies the most effective methods for teaching reading to all students.

One of the most useful models within this field is the Reading Rope, developed by Dr. Hollis Scarborough in the 1990s. This visual model illustrates the different skills necessary for proficient reading and consists of two main components:

1. Language Comprehension: Includes background knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge. 

2. Word Recognition: Encompasses phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition.

These two components intertwine like the strands of a rope, working together to build strong reading comprehension. Understanding and strengthening these skills can transform students into more confident, capable readers.

Why Background Knowledge Matters in Reading

One of the key components of language comprehension is background knowledge—the information students already have about a topic before reading about it. This knowledge helps them make sense of what they read, infer meaning, understand vocabulary in context, and relate new information to their existing experiences.

Without sufficient background knowledge, students may struggle to grasp the meaning of a text, even if they can decode the words. When planning a novel unit, consider these four questions to identify the background knowledge your students may need:

Time period: What historical events or social norms should students understand?
Setting: What geographical or environmental details will help students visualize the story?
Culture: What cultural values or traditions might be unfamiliar to your students?
Themes and Ideas: What key concepts or big ideas will students need to grasp the novel's deeper meaning? 

Engaging Activity: Building Background Knowledge with Infographics

To help students develop background knowledge before diving into a novel, try this engaging and collaborative infographic activity. Infographics are visual representations of information that make complex topics easier to understand at a glance.

Step 1: Gather Background Information

Before starting a new novel, collect three to four short texts that provide relevant background knowledge. For example, if you're teaching The Watsons Go to Birmingham, you could include:

• An article about the Civil Rights Movement
• A text on Birmingham, Alabama in the 1960s
• A piece on popular music from that era
• A short overview of the Great Migration

Step 2: Assign a Jigsaw Reading Activity

Divide students into small groups and assign each member a different text to read. After reading, each student summarizes their text for the group.

Step 3: Create Infographics

After discussing their readings, students collaborate to create an infographic that visually represents key information from all the texts. Infographics should include:

• A timeline of important events
• Three essential facts related to the novel’s setting or themes
• A glossary of key terms

To support students, show them examples of infographics or provide a structured template. If needed, differentiate the activity by offering sentence starters or adjusting text complexity.

Step 4: Share and Reflect

Students present their infographics using a document camera or in a gallery walk where peers can view and discuss their work. This sharing process reinforces learning and encourages deeper discussion about the novel’s context.

Final Thoughts

The science of reading provides valuable insights into effective literacy instruction, and incorporating its principles doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By focusing on practical strategies—like building background knowledge through engaging activities—teachers can empower their students to become stronger, more confident readers.

If you'd like to hear more about this topic, check out our podcast Teaching Middle School ELA! 

Navigating the Science of Reading Part 1