How Teachers Can Apply Learning Theories to the Five Pillars of the Science of Reading

This brief provides an introduction to six learning theories and guidance on how they can be used to teach the pillars of the science of reading (SOR). Because SOR is rooted in a broad range of interdisciplinary research and covers several key competencies, classroom teachers may be overwhelmed and uncertain of how to best meet students’ needs. There is also a tendency to use instructional strategies and techniques that include student repetition and recognition of information. While these approaches can help students learn to read and write, teachers should consider using a range of learning theories to better align instruction with learning goals.