At Storyshares, we’re passionate about harnessing Science of Reading-based methods to shape effective adolescent literacy interventions. But we also believe just as strongly in the art of reading—the element that brings reading instruction to life and truly engages students. In fact, the science and art of reading are two sides of the same coin, both essential for real student growth.
What is the “Art of Reading”?
The art of reading goes hand-in-hand with the science. While the science of reading focuses on evidence-based practices like phonics, decoding, and fluency, the art brings in student engagement and motivation. When adolescents—especially striving readers—have opportunities for creative expression, cultural connection, and choice, reading becomes meaningful. Allowing students to select their own books, participate in rich discussions, and interact with diverse texts empowers them to take ownership of their learning and find joy in reading.
Why a Holistic Approach Matters
The most effective classrooms skillfully blend the science and art of reading. When explicit skills instruction—like phonics drills, orthographic mapping, and fluency checks—is integrated with rich, engaging practices such as literature circles, student-led discussions, and collaborative projects, students make extraordinary progress. This holistic approach not only boosts reading proficiency, but it also sparks a lasting love of reading that continues to drive motivation and growth.
This is particularly transformative for older striving readers, who too often experience boredom, frustration, or the sense that reading just isn’t for them. In adolescent reading intervention, we frequently focus heavily on the “science” and overlook the power of the “art.” Yet it’s often the creative, human side of reading instruction that reignites curiosity and opens the door for reluctant readers.
By weaving in these more nuanced, artistic approaches, we make students feel seen, included, and engaged in their own learning journeys. When targeted, evidence-based instruction is paired with meaningful, student-centered engagement, striving readers can achieve remarkable gains—in both skills and confidence—in surprisingly short period of time.
Real-World Implementation
Take Ms. Bennett, a 7th-grade reading interventionist, as an example of this holistic approach in action:
- Science of reading: Ms. Bennett starts with targeted, systematic fluency drills—using repeated readings, timed practice, and modeled expression to build on fluency and decoding skills.
- Art of reading: Afterward, she moves students into literature circles, letting them select from a range of culturally diverse, high-interest texts. Students take on roles such as discussion leader or illustrator, building social-emotional skills and deepening their understanding and enjoyment of what they’re reading.
It’s not a matter of science versus art, or bottom-up versus top-down. Together, these approaches form a comprehensive framework that helps students decode with accuracy and grow into lifelong, enthusiastic readers.
If you’d like to discover more about Storyshares and how we can support your literacy goals, explore our Pathway to Literacy or contact us with any questions.
Interested in digging deeper into how science and art combine in the classroom? Check out this research paper for more insights!