Why is practice and rehearsal key in structured literacy?

Practice and rehearsal are essential components of structured literacy because they play a critical role in reinforcing skill retention and mastery, which are fundamental for successful application in reading and writing. When students engage in repeated practice, they not only solidify their understanding of language concepts but also build automaticity with the skills they acquire, such as decoding, spelling, and comprehension strategies. This repeated exposure and application help students internalize the skills, making them more readily accessible when they encounter new texts or writing tasks.

Effective practice in structured literacy isn’t merely about drilling skills in isolation; it involves integrating these skills into meaningful reading and writing experiences. This approach allows students to transfer what they’ve learned to new contexts, ultimately enhancing their overall literacy development. By mastering these foundational skills through consistent practice, students become more confident and proficient in their literacy abilities, which is the goal of structured literacy instruction.