Why Automaticity is an Essential in Learning

Automaticity is a term that is frequently used when talking about phonics instruction and developing fluency. In Phonics First and Structures, our goal is for students to master skills to the point of automaticity. We use the Three Part Drill to help build automaticity and we emphasize that automaticity develops through constant practice and repetition. We stress that students need automaticity to become fluent readers.

But what does automaticity really mean?

Automaticity Basics

A way to explain automaticity is to use the analogy of driving somewhere you’ve been to many times. Can you remember a time you arrived at work and couldn’t even recall how you got there?  You don’t remember buckling your seatbelt or turning the ignition, but somehow you’re there (and you hope you stopped at the red lights!). That’s automaticity. You’ve done something so many times that it becomes automatic and you go on autopilot.

The actual definition of automaticity:

Automaticity is the ability to do things without occupying the mind with the low-level details required, allowing it to become an automatic response pattern or habit. It is usually the result of learning, repetition, and practice.

Why Automaticity is Important in Learning

Students need to be able to decode words in a text without conscious effort in order to read fluently and gain meaning from what they read. Comprehension is the ultimate goal of reading. Automaticity allows the student to attend to the meaning of what they are reading because they are freed from focusing all their effort and attention on decoding.

The brain is a powerhouse, capable of doing many things simultaneously. However, while reading, if the brain is occupied with decoding, it cannot focus well on comprehension. Once decoding becomes automatic, however, it no longer occupies the mind and the mind is free to focus on comprehension. This is our goal for all our students, regardless of age.

To return to the driving analogy, think back to when you were first learning to drive. Do you remember finding it hard to even listen to what the teacher (or your parent or older sibling) was telling you as she was teaching you to drive? You were probably so focused on the details of what pedal you were pushing and keeping the car straight without running into another car, etc. that you could not bear to listen to your teacher. Now that you’ve (hopefully) developed automaticity in the basics of driving, you are able to drive and carry on a conversation simultaneously without even thinking about it. You’ve become automatic in this skill!

Automaticity & Reading Comprehension

When readers achieve automaticity, they can recognize words quickly and effortlessly, which sets the building blocks for understanding and analyzing text. This fluency allows them to make connections, infer meanings, and retain information more effectively. In contrast, readers who struggle with word recognition often expend so much effort on decoding that comprehension is difficult. As a result, developing automaticity in reading is crucial for students to become proficient readers who can understand and engage with texts.

Challenges to Developing Automaticity

Developing automaticity can be challenging for some learners due to various factors, including limited practice, lack of engagement, and learning difficulties. One common challenge is insufficient exposure to reading materials, which can hinder the repeated practice needed for automaticity. 

Additionally, children who are not engaged or motivated to read may struggle to develop fluency. Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, can also impact the development of automaticity, making it harder for some students to recognize words quickly and accurately. 

To overcome these challenges, it is important to provide opportunities for practice, create engaging and relevant reading experiences, and offer targeted support for students with learning difficulties. Some strategies for getting over this hurdle are listed below.

Strategies for Teaching Automaticity

To help children develop automaticity in reading, parents and teachers can implement a variety of strategies and activities:

1. Repeated Reading: Encourage children to read the same text multiple times. Repeated reading helps reinforce word recognition and fluency. 
2. Sight Word Practice: Use flashcards and word walls to practice sight words. Instant recognition of these words can boost reading fluency. 
3. Engaging Reading Materials: Provide books and reading materials that interest the child. When children are engaged with the content, they are more motivated to read and practice. 
4. Paired Reading: Pair children with a reading buddy or have them read aloud with an adult. This practice can improve fluency and provide immediate feedback. 
5. Interactive Games: Incorporate multisensory activities that focus on word recognition and reading skills. Games can make learning fun and reinforce automaticity.

In conclusion, automaticity is not just a word we use because it sounds impressive; automaticity carries true meaning as an essential process for gaining fluency and comprehension.

Written by Brainspring

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