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Introducing
The Literacy Tree
Our Literacy Tree visually captures the Science of Reading as a vibrant, growing tree, with deep roots in Phonological Awareness forming the strong foundation for all literacy skills. Sturdy branches of Vocabulary, Language Structures, Background Knowledge, and Self-Regulation extend upward, bearing fruit like Phonics and Fluency, while lush leaves of Reading Comprehension crown the canopy, nourished by the warmth of Reading Motivation from the sun.
This holistic representation aligns with research-backed models like Scarborough's Reading Rope, emphasising interconnected components from word recognition to language comprehension, and is brought to life through our playful, multi-sensory resources (see our online shop) to empower educators and parents in fostering confident readers.
The Teacher
Under the Literacy Tree is a caring and knowledgeable Teacher, holding the Key to Reading Success. The teacher will unlock reading success for struggling readers when equipped and trained to face all teaching challenges with confidence.
The Sun
Warm sun rays shine down, igniting Reading Motivation and a genuine love for books, stories, and learning - fuelling the Literacy Tree’s ongoing growth.
Yellow Tree Reading provides inspiration and delight, not only through our fun and exciting games, but also by providing a vibrant community for teachers to stay inspired and motivated.
Learning Environment
Reading flourishes within a safe, colourful, and supportive Learning Environment, rich in language and life experiences, where Background Knowledge is continuously built and connected to new learning - an essential ingredient for reading development.
Roots
Phonological and Phonemic Awareness, along with Phonics and Decoding, form the foundation and Roots of skilled reading by building a child's ability to connect spoken language to print.
Trunk
Flowing upward through the sturdy Trunk of Reading Fluency, automatic word recognition begins to free the mind for meaning.
Branches
From the trunk extend strong Branches of Vocabulary, Language Structures, and Literacy Knowledge, supporting a deeper understanding of how language works - its patterns, syntax, and forms across different texts and genres.
Leaves
As the branches reach outward, the canopy fills with Leaves of Reading Comprehension, strengthened by Higher Cognitive Processes such as reasoning, inference, and critical thinking, alongside growing Morphological Awareness, which helps readers unlock meaning within words themselves.
The Reader
At the heart of the tree stands the Reader, developing essential Self-regulation and Executive Functioning Skills - the ability to focus, plan, persist, and manage the cognitive demands of reading with confidence.
“What a teacher writes on the chalkboard of life,
can never be erased ...”
Henry Adams