What is Reading? (A Simple View of Reading)

Image: R = D x C. Reading = Decoding x Comprehension

Reading is more than just recognizing letters and sounding out words. It requires two key skills:

1. Decoding – the ability to translate written symbols into spoken sounds. This is not an instinctive process; it must be taught systematically. Some languages have simpler decoding rules than others.

   
   

2. Language Comprehension – the ability to understand the meaning of words and sentences. Unlike decoding, comprehension develops naturally through exposure to spoken language.

   
   

Reading = Decoding X Comprehension is the Simple View formula presented by Philip B. Gough and William E. Tunmer in 1986 to represent this definition of "reading."

To truly read, you need both.

Image: Hands holding a book with the text: boo, doo, dee, loo

A Simple Thought Experiment

Imagine you’re in a foreign country, and someone hands you a sheet of paper with words written in Roman letters. You carefully pronounce them aloud:

"Boo, doo, dee, loo."

The people around you cheer—you said the words perfectly!

But did you read? Not really. While you decoded the text correctly, you have no idea what it means. Decoding alone isn’t enough—you need language comprehension.

Now, consider a native speaker listening to you. They instantly understand that the phrase means, "It's time for lunch!" However, when they look at the paper, they cannot recognize or pronounce the written words.

Can they read? No. They have language comprehension but lack decoding skills.

Finally, another native speaker picks up the sheet. They effortlessly recognize how to pronounce the words and understand their meaning: "It’s time for lunch!"

Can they read? Yes—because they have both decoding and comprehension.

The Key Takeaway

Reading isn’t just about sounding out words, nor is it just about understanding language. True literacy comes from mastering both skills—decoding and comprehension—working together.

The Robinson Reading System® harnesses the power of a linguistic approach to reading. It systematically teaches the 41 sounds of the English language along with their most common spellings (decoding), known as the Robinson Code, while incorporating instructional strategies to reinforce and ensure comprehension. This structured method was developed and patented by Dr. Robinson and is exclusively used with permission from the Robinson Reading System®.

January 2025 Book of the Month: "Night Cat" —A 'Tail' of Feline Adventures After Dark

Image: The Cover of Robinson Reading System's Night Cat. An illustrated black cat slinks in front of a navy background.

Anyone who shares a home with a cat knows the transformation that happens when the sun goes down—sudden bursts of energy, yowling, and playful sprints through the house. Night Cat invites readers to experience the nocturnal antics of an adorable and mischievous feline.

Image: Illustration from the book Night Cat

With engaging illustrations and rhythmic, repetitive words and sounds, this delightful book offers readers plenty of opportunities for practice and enjoyment. Robinson Reading Company is thrilled to feature the Robinson Reading System's Night Cat as its January 2025 Book of the Month!