Why the Science of Reading Works
Why Teaching Reading with PowerPoint Slides Falls Short of the Science of Reading
Many educators turn to PowerPoint slides as a convenient way to present reading instruction. While slides can be visually engaging, they are not truly multi-sensory and do not align with the instructional practices recommended by the Science of Reading.
The Science of Reading emphasizes systematic, explicit instruction that engages multiple senses—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile—to help students develop strong reading skills. Effective reading instruction includes phonemic awareness activities, direct phonics instruction, and opportunities for students to blend, segment, and manipulate sounds through speaking, writing, and movement.
PowerPoint slides, however, primarily rely on passive visual input. Even if they include text and images, they do not provide the hands-on, interactive experiences necessary for effective learning. Reading instruction should involve students in physically engaging activities, such as tracing letters in sand, tapping out sounds, or manipulating letter tiles. Additionally, students need immediate feedback and guided practice, which static slides cannot provide.
While slides may serve as a supplementary tool, they should never replace research-based, multi-sensory instruction. To truly support reading development, educators must go beyond passive visual presentations and incorporate active, engaging strategies backed by the Science of Reading.
