Reading researcher Hollis Scarborough pictured skilled reading as a rope — many separate strands, each strengthening over years, twisting together into one strong cord. It's one of the most useful mental models for understanding why reading involves so much more than phonics alone.
Strand 1: Word recognition (becomes automatic)
This is the strand phonics instruction builds most directly — see our phonological awareness activities and orthographic mapping explanation for how these specific pieces develop.
Strand 2: Language comprehension (becomes increasingly strategic)
Why both strands need attention
A child can be strong in every word-recognition strand and still struggle with reading comprehension if the language-comprehension strands are thin — this is exactly the profile explained by the Simple View of Reading (decoding × comprehension).
What this means practically at home
Keep both strands active: phonics practice for word recognition, plus read-alouds, conversation, and exposure to new vocabulary and ideas for language comprehension. Neither strand alone builds a strong reader — the rope needs every strand contributing.
Not sure where to start?
Build a free personalised phonics practice plan for your child — pick a start date and pace, we schedule the rest.