What is explicit instruction in reading?

Explicit instruction in reading refers to a teaching method that involves clearly and systematically teaching reading skills, ensuring that students understand what is expected of them. This approach is highly structured and often involves direct teaching, where the instructor models specific skills, provides guided practice, and offers feedback.

By using explicit instruction, teachers break down complex reading skills into manageable parts, provide clear examples, and use a step-by-step approach to help students build their understanding and competencies in reading. This method is particularly effective for teaching foundational skills, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies, as it allows for immediate correction of misunderstandings and reinforces learning through practice.

The other options focus on different teaching methods that do not emphasize the direct, systematic teaching style characteristic of explicit instruction. Games, self-discovery, and discussion-based learning can be useful components of a balanced literacy program but do not provide the same level of direct guidance and clarity in teaching reading skills as explicit instruction does.