Decoding vs. Encoding: Understanding the Building Blocks of Reading
Reading is not just about recognising letters on a page; it's about uncovering the layers of language that lie beneath the surface. For parents, understanding the nuances of reading instruction can be the key to supporting their child’s development as a reader and writer. In this blog, I explain the concepts of decoding and encoding, shedding light on how structured literacy approaches can empower children to become confident readers and writers.
Decoding: Breaking the Code
Decoding is the process of translating written words into spoken language by applying knowledge of phonics - the relationship between letters and sounds. It's about breaking the code of language to pronounce words correctly. Through explicit instruction and practice, children learn to identify individual phonemes (the smallest units of sound in language) and link them to corresponding graphemes (the written symbols representing those sounds). With systematic instruction in phonics, syllable division patterns, and syllable types, children gain the skills needed to tackle increasingly complex words with confidence.
Encoding: Building Words from Sounds
On the flip side, encoding is the process of spelling words by breaking them down into their individual phonemes. It's about understanding the rules and patterns of language to accurately represent spoken words in written form. Through explicit instruction in phonological awareness, orthography, morphology, and etymology, children learn to construct words using sound-symbol correspondences. By mastering spelling patterns and rules, children develop the ability to spell words accurately and express themselves effectively in writing.
The Interplay of Decoding and Encoding
Decoding and encoding are two sides of the same coin - they work hand in hand to build the foundation of literacy. As children develop proficiency in decoding, they become better spellers, and as they refine their encoding skills, their reading comprehension improves. Structured literacy approaches emphasise the reciprocal relationship between decoding and encoding, providing children with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of written language.
Practical Applications at Home
Incorporating decoding and encoding strategies into home learning can have a profound impact on children's reading and writing abilities.
When reading with your child encourage them to decode unknown vocabulary, rather than guess. This may involve isolating the sounds of each letter and then blending them together or perhaps looking at syllables. You can even model this for the child too.
The same goes for spelling and writing. Rather than telling your child how to spell it or to take a guess, encourage them to sound it out. If they get it wrong, look at the specific sound and help them to hear the difference between what they wrote and what the correct sound is.
I hope this explanation of decoding and encoding has provided valuable insights into the building blocks of reading and writing. If you have any questions or would like further guidance, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Alternatively, if you're interested in personalised structured literacy tuition, CLICK HERE to find out more about how I can support your child's literacy journey.
