Research-Based Reading Strategies

Read Naturally incorporates research findings in the designs of its intervention programs and then field-tests them to ensure that they are effective reading strategies that get results in real-world classrooms.

The Importance of Research and of Fluency

Research was the impetus for the creation of Read Naturally, Inc. In 1989, a reading teacher named Candyce Ihnot conducted a study in her classroom for her master's thesis. Candyce applied three research-based methods (teacher modeling, repeated reading, and progress monitoring) in a simple set of steps in an attempt to improve her students' reading fluency. Her approach proved to be effective (see the results or her original study) and became the basis for what would become known as the Read Naturally Strategy.

Why does the Read Naturally Strategy place so much emphasis on fluency, which the National Reading Panel defines as "the ability to recognize words easily, read with greater speed, accuracy, and expression"? Fluency is important because it is one of the essential components of reading, and studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between oral reading fluency and overall reading achievement.

 Learn more about fluency and its correlation with reading achievement

Research Basis of Our Intervention Programs

The methods, steps, and activities that are implemented in Read Naturally's intervention programs have a strong foundation in reading research. Knowing more about the research basis of each program can help you understand why the elements of the program are included and why the program is effective.

Program	Research Basis	For More Information
Read Naturally Live, Read Naturally Encore, Read Naturally GATE, and One Minute Reader	The Read Naturally Strategy combines three powerful methods that research indicates are effective ways to develop reading fluency—teacher modeling, repeated reading, and progress monitoring.	​ Learn more
Read Naturally Live—Español	Read Naturally Live—Español is a Spanish-language version of Read Naturally Live. Research has explored the contributions of an ELL student’s first language and literacy knowledge to English-language development and demonstrates the benefits of being bilingual.	​ Learn more
Take Aim at Vocabulary	Take Aim at Vocabulary teaches high-utility words and research-based strategies for developing vocabulary independently. Take Aim incorporates multiple research-based vocabulary teaching methods and learning principles.	​ Learn more
Word Warm-ups	Word Warm-ups applies research in phonics and decoding instruction, the power of goals and motivation, and the instructional components of effective interventions.	​ Learn more
Signs for Sounds	Signs for Sounds applies spelling instruction research in its dual approach to teaching spelling. It also incorporates research-based intervention strategies and instructional components.	​ Learn more
Funēmics	Funēmics is a fun, step-by-step, developmentally appropriate curriculum for teaching the foundational skills of phonemic awareness. The lessons incorporate research-based instructional components and intervention strategies.	​ Learn more
Splat-O-Nym	Splat-O-Nym is a fun iPad app that exposes students to thousands of words in 24 levels of increasing difficulty. Audio support and immediate feedback help students learn the pronunciation of unfamiliar words and enhance their acquisition of vocabulary.	​ Learn more