I don’t think you can underestimate the complexity of the reading process. And I’m not just talking about sounding out words, word recognition, vocabulary, content area knowledge and fluency. The silent reading process compels readers to be totally focused. From first seeing the words in a book through to understanding it until its conclusion, they have to make sense out of it all. Reading is a multi-wired pathway with criss-crosses and interconnected tracks that need to be functioning and clear of ‘inner noise’ and the many distractions of the mind.
The following model isn’t taught in schools and should be addressed. It gives students who struggle, the reluctant and unmotivated, a framework to lead them through opaque inner landscapes of reading. Imaginary and real worlds connected to reading require the mental-emotional energy and ‘glue’ of awareness to put the pieces of reading’s puzzle back together.
The silent reading processes
What happens in the silent reading processes? What are its complications, challenges and pleasures? ‘Processes’ is used because silent reading involves diverse actions, routes, movements, progressions and engagements.
Steps for teaching students (Years 3 - 8) silent reading processes:
Step 1: The real, physical eyes see-and-read words from page with:
Step 2: The silent inner reading voice joining in simultaneously to see-read-speak the words silently from the page.