Dr. Hollis Scarborough created the Reading Rope to help visualize many skills students need to become proficient readers. The Reading Rope illustrates how each of the five pillars of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension)— interact and develop over time to build reading proficiency. [6 ]
The language comprehension and word recognition skills required to become a fluent reader are represented as individual threads. As these threads become increasingly strategic and automatic, they combine to form a strong rope —representing a skilled reader.
The Strands of the Reading Rope Explained
Language Comprehension: Background Knowledge, Vocabulary, Language Structures, Verbal Reasoning and Literacy Knowledge
| Background Knowledge is any prior information and/or experiences an individual brings to a topic—including factual knowledge, vocabulary, and conceptual understanding. It is crucial for making connections between text and a reader’s existing knowledge. Tip: Educators can enhance background knowledge by linking new information to familiar concepts. |
| Vocabulary is essential for understanding and using language effectively. Tip: Teachers can enhance vocabulary through direct instruction and rich contextual usage. |
| Language Structures involve grammar, semantics, and syntax—lkey for constructing and understanding sentences. Tip: Use grammar games and sentence-building activities to reinforce these concepts. |
| Verbal Reasoning is the ability to analyze text, understand figurative language, and draw conclusions—critical for higher-level comprehension. Tip: Try strategies like problem-solving discussions and critical thinking exercises. |
| Literacy Knowledge refers to understanding text structures, print concepts, and genres—essential for navigating different types of texts. Tip: Build this knowledge by exploring a range of texts and their purposes. |
Word Recognition: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness, Decoding and Sight Recognition
| Phonological and Phonemic Awareness refers to recognizing and manipulating the sounds in spoken words. Tip: Use activities like rhyming games and segmenting sounds to develop this skill. |
| Decoding is the ability to apply knowledge of letter-sound relationships to read words. Tip:Use systematic and explicit phonics instruction, and provide frequent opportunities to practice. |
| Sight Recognition is the quick and automatic recognition of familiar words, which supports reading fluency. Tip: Build this skill through repeated exposure to high-frequency words. |
Click here to watch as short video produced by the ETFO that explains Hollis Scarborough’s Reading Rope