Help every student become a confident, capable reader

We often hear the term “science of reading,” but the body of research it refers to can seem dense and abstract. What does it mean, and how can you use it to inform your literacy instruction? Your Illustrated Guide to the Science of Reading brings to life this important research and guides teachers in applying it to develop readers. Written for elementary educators who want a clear, practical foundation for literacy instruction, this guide breaks down the research on how reading develops and what it means for how you teach.

Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey, joined by Margaret Vaughn, the Connally Family Distinguished Professor of Literacy Education at the University of Georgia, apply their beloved illustrated guide format to explain the core components of reading instruction, from phonemic awareness and phonics to vocabulary, comprehension, and beyond. Illustrations from Taryl Hansen make complex research accessible and memorable, helping you see not just what to teach, but why it matters.

This comprehensive resource includes:

• An illustrated overview of word recognition and language comprehension.
• Classroom spotlights and real-world examples showing how the science of reading comes to life across Grades K–5
• Practical guidance on background knowledge, morphological awareness, fluency, spelling, and verbal reasoning, with developmental progressions for each
• Sample instructional schedules that show how to integrate reading components across the school day
• ImmersionED simulations that invite you to apply your learning in realistic teaching scenarios and provide you with immediate feedback.

Every student deserves instruction grounded in what the research actually shows. This guide gives you the knowledge and tools to deliver it.