At Grow As You Go, we are passionate about helping children become confident, fluent readers by grounding our instruction in the science of reading. This research-backed approach ensures that every child develops strong decoding skills, a solid foundation for orthographic mapping, and the tools needed for long-term reading success. Here are five ways we incorporate the science of reading principles into our scaffolding system to teach our children to read:

1. Chunking Groups of Letters for Mastery
One of the key strategies we use is chunking groups of letters at a time to ensure mastery of letter-sound relationships. Similar to how schools in England structure phonics instruction, we focus on small, manageable groups of letters, giving children the opportunity to deeply learn and practice each sound. This approach prevents overwhelm and builds confidence as students solidify their foundational knowledge before moving forward.
For example, instead of introducing the entire alphabet at once, we might start with a group like "s, a, t, p, i, and n" and provide ample practice with these sounds. Once children can demonstrate mastery, we add new letters, gradually expanding their repertoire while reinforcing what they’ve already learned.
2. Scaffolding Opportunities for Concept Mastery
We believe in meeting children where they are and giving them various opportunities to grasp concepts before introducing new ones. Our scaffolding system provides a structured, step-by-step approach that builds on previous knowledge. This might include:
Repetition of letter-sound activities to reinforce memory.
Gradual introduction of blending and segmenting skills.
Interactive games and activities that engage children in practicing what they’ve learned.
By providing these repeated, supportive experiences, children gain confidence and mastery at their own pace, ensuring they establish a solid foundation for growth.
3. Emphasizing Decoding Skills
Decoding—the ability to sound out words using letter-sound knowledge—is at the heart of our teaching. Unlike methods that rely on memorization or guessing based on pictures or context, we prioritize helping children become secure readers who can independently decode unfamiliar words.
Through systematic phonics instruction, we teach children to recognize and blend sounds, empowering them to approach reading with confidence. This emphasis on decoding helps prevent common pitfalls like guessing words based on the first letter or relying on visual cues, setting the stage for true reading comprehension.
4. Building a Foundation for Orthographic Mapping
Orthographic mapping is the process by which words become instantly recognizable, allowing for fluent reading. At Grow As You Go, we prioritize building this foundation by:
Teaching children to connect sounds to written letters.
Encouraging repeated exposure and modeling through simple words.
Supporting the transition from decoding to automatic word recognition through mastery.
By focusing on orthographic mapping, we help children develop the mental pathways needed for fluent reading, freeing up cognitive resources for understanding and enjoying the text. Once the child can gain these fluencies, they are better able to comprehend what they are reading and that is where the fun happens, when our children are able to enjoy the stories themselves!

5. Creating Confident, Independent Readers
Everything we do at Grow As You Go is designed to create confident, independent readers who love learning. By combining structured phonics instruction, ample practice opportunities, and a clear focus on decoding and orthographic mapping, we give children the tools they need to succeed.
Our goal is not just to teach children to read but to help them develop a lifelong love of reading. By fostering mastery at every step, we empower them to approach reading with curiosity, resilience, and joy.
Why the Science of Reading Matters
The science of reading principles provides a clear roadmap for teaching children to read effectively. By grounding our instruction in these principles, we ensure that every child builds a strong, unshakable foundation for reading success. With Grow As You Go, parents and teachers can feel confident that they are giving children the best possible start on their literacy journey.
Ready to help your child grow as they go? Join us in making reading an adventure filled with discovery, mastery, and joy! Need more help? Join our Parent Plan that walks you through daily modules that walk you through this learning journey with ease!
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