The Simple View of Reading
What is it?
As we discuss the Simple View of Reading (SVR), it is important to keep in mind that the ultimate goal of reading is reading comprehension – we read to learn. The SVR is a science-backed theory that explains how people read by breaking down reading into two basic components: the ability to fluently and accurately read words: recognizing and derive meaning from print (decoding) and language comprehension: the ability to derive meaning from language (vocabulary, background knowledge and syntax). The SVR formula states that when a student is a strong decoder and has strong language comprehension, they will also have high reading comprehension.
Decoding (D) x Language Comprehension (LC) = Reading Comprehension (RC)
Neither is sufficient on its own.
How do we use it?
If your child is behind in reading, three questions to consider are: is it a decoding problem? Is it a language comprehension problem? Or could it be both?
The specific reading interventions provided to a child depends on the answers to the above questions. Dyslexic students tend to have strong comprehension skills when text is read aloud to them, and have a weakness in decoding. In this case, a student would benefit from Structured Literacy therapy to train the brain to decode the English language. If a student is a strong decoder, but not strong in reading comprehension, then interventions would focus on the skills needed to comprehend oral language such as speech processing, knowing the meaning of words, and understanding the grammatical structures that words form. It is possible for children to need support in both areas of decoding and language comprehension.
Now that we’ve broken down the Simple View of Reading, how can you use it to support your child’s reading success? Contact us today to talk about your specific concerns or questions!