Why Structured Literacy Works: A Complete Guide for Parents in Calgary

The Reading Science Parents Need to Know

More Calgary parents are hearing the term structured literacy—from teachers, psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, and reading specialists. But what exactly does structured literacy mean? And why is it considered the gold standard for supporting children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other reading difficulties?

If your child is struggling with reading, writing, spelling, or comprehension, structured literacy may be the approach that finally gives them the tools they need to thrive. Unlike traditional reading methods, structured literacy is explicit, systematic, and grounded in decades of scientific research known as the Science of Reading.

This comprehensive guide explains why structured literacy works, who it helps, and why programs like DOBI Reading Program in Calgary rely on it to support the diverse learning needs of children.

What Is Structured Literacy? (Clear Definition for Parents)

Structured literacy is an evidence-based approach to reading instruction that teaches the structure of language in a direct, systematic way. It focuses on building strong foundational skills, including:

• phonological awareness (hearing sounds)

• phonics (connecting letters to sounds)

• decoding (sounding out words)

• encoding (spelling)

• morphology (word parts + meanings)

• syntax (sentence structure)

• semantics (meaning & vocabulary)

Structured literacy is endorsed by:

• The International Dyslexia Association (IDA)

• The National Reading Panel

• Learning disability associations

• Thousands of reading researchers worldwide

It is the #1 recommended approach for dyslexia tutoring, and it benefits ALL learners—not only those with diagnoses.

Why Traditional Reading Methods Often Fail Struggling Readers

Many school reading programs rely on balanced literacy or leveled readers. These approaches often encourage:

• guessing words from pictures

• memorizing sight words

• using context clues instead of decoding

While some children succeed with these methods, many do not—especially dyslexic learners.

Children who struggle in reading need a structured, predictable method—not guessing strategies.

The 6 Core Reasons Structured Literacy Works (Backed by Research)

1. It Teaches Reading in a Logical Sequence

Structured literacy lessons build skills step-by-step:

1. identify sounds

2. connect sounds to letters

3. blend letters into words

4. read words in controlled text

5. apply skills to real reading

This sequence ensures that children master one skill before moving on to the next.

For Calgary families searching for dyslexia tutoring, this is one of the biggest advantages: no guessing, no overwhelm, no gaps.

2. It Is Explicit — Nothing Is Left to Chance

In structured literacy:

• rules are taught directly

• patterns are modeled

• strategies are explained

• practice is purposeful

Students don’t have to “figure out” reading on their own.

This explicit instruction is especially powerful for:

• dyslexia

• ADHD

• autism

• developmental language disorders

• English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners

3. It Uses Multisensory Techniques That Boost Memory

Structured literacy is often taught using multisensory instruction, where children engage:

• visual learning (seeing letters)

• auditory learning (hearing sounds)

• kinesthetic learning (moving their bodies)

• tactile learning (writing, tracing, hands-on activities)

This combination strengthens neural pathways and makes reading skills “stick.”

Multisensory methods are WHY structured literacy works so well for children with learning differences.It’s also why Calgary families often search for:

• multisensory reading intervention Calgary

• multisensory tutoring Calgary

• reading intervention NW Calgary

4. It Supports Decoding AND Comprehension

Many parents assume reading problems only involve sounding out words, but structured literacy addresses more than decoding.

It helps with:

• vocabulary

• sentence understanding

• reading fluency

• comprehension

• writing

• spelling

By strengthening foundational skills first, comprehension improves naturally.

5. It Helps Children Build Confidence and Reduce Anxiety

Children who struggle with reading often feel:

• embarrassed

• ashamed

• anxious

• “not as smart as others"

These feelings can linger for years.

Structured literacy provides clear, predictable instruction that helps students experience success quickly. That early success builds confidence, motivation, and a willingness to keep trying.

Many parents tell us that after starting structured literacy tutoring, their child becomes:

• more eager to read

• more confident in school

• less overwhelmed by homework

Confidence is a powerful side effect of evidence-based reading intervention.

6. It Is Designed for Long-Term Success — Not Quick Fixes

Structured literacy builds lifelong reading and writing skills.It is not a "hack" or a short-term intervention.

It helps students develop:

• strong decoding

• accurate spelling

• clear writing

• improved comprehension

• academic resilience

These skills last into adulthood.

Structured Literacy vs. Orton-Gillingham: What’s the Difference?

Many parents searching for Calgary dyslexia tutoring also come across the term Orton-Gillingham (OG).

Here’s the difference:

Orton-Gillingham

A specific, multisensory, structured approach designed for dyslexia.

Structured Literacy

An umbrella term that includes OG and similar evidence-based frameworks.

DOBI’s Method

DOBI Reading Program uses structured literacy principles and integrates multisensory OG-inspired techniques, providing the best of both worlds for Calgary learners.

Who Benefits Most From Structured Literacy?

Structured literacy is effective for all learners, but it is especially powerful for children who have:

• dyslexia

• ADHD

• autism

• auditory processing challenges

• working memory weaknesses

• English language learning needs

• general reading struggles

• writing/spelling difficulties

This approach supports how the brain naturally learns to read.

Why Calgary Parents Are Choosing Structured Literacy Tutoring

More Calgary families are turning to structured literacy because:

• classroom methods are not always aligned with reading science

• dyslexia support in schools is inconsistent

• parents want individualized instruction

• structured literacy is proven effective

• early intervention changes long-term outcomes

The demand for structured literacy tutoring in Calgary is growing because parents are seeing real, measurable progress in their children.

How DOBI Reading Program Uses Structured Literacy to Help Your Child Succeed

At DOBI Reading Program, we specialize in:

• one-on-one structured literacy tutoring

• multisensory reading intervention

• dyslexia and learning disability support

• improving reading, writing, and spelling

• building confidence and independence

Our Calgary center at 200 Country Hills Landing NW, Unit 202 is designed to provide a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe to learn at their own pace.

Each lesson is tailored to your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and learning style.