Reading Researcher Finds Fluency Can Unlock Phonics for Struggling Readers
New observations suggest some children learn to read in reverse — gaining phonics skills only after fluency develops
It was as if these children were learning to read in reverse,” Glavach said. “Fluency came first, and phonics followed.”
CLOVERDALE CA 95425, CA, UNITED STATES, August 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- New observations from Matthew Glavach, Ph.D., founder of StrugglingReaders.com, suggest that some struggling readers—including many with dyslexia—may learn to read in reverse. Instead of mastering phonics first, these children appear to unlock phonics only after developing fluency with connected text.— Matthew Glavach, Ph.D.
Phonics can support reading, but isolating speech sounds is difficult for many struggling readers, often leading to frustration and stalled progress. Glavach shifted instruction to repeated oral reading using enjoyable books and phrase‑cued fluency techniques. As fluency increased, students began recognizing words automatically and approaching new words with confidence.
“It was as if these children were learning to read in reverse,” Glavach said. “Fluency came first, and phonics followed.”
This approach does not replace phonics—it prepares children to succeed with phonics.
Schools and families report rapid gains, including over 1.5 years of growth in six months for students previously scoring below the 35th percentile.
Matthew Glavach
Glavach & Associates, StrugglingReaders.com
+1 707-894-5047
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