Developing strong literacy requires a blend of seven core skills that work together to create meaning. Decoding is the fundamental ability to sound out written words. Fluency allows for reading with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. Vocabulary is essential for understanding the specific meanings of words in context. Sentence structure and cohesion help readers understand how ideas are linked grammatically. Reasoning and background knowledge allow the reader to fill in gaps and make logical inferences that are not explicitly stated. Working memory helps the reader hold onto the beginning of a sentence by the time they reach the end. Lastly, Attention is required to stay focused on the text long enough to process and synthesize the information being presented.
