Reading is one of the most important skills for academic success and it is a skill that doesn’t come naturally. It must be taught to children directly and explicitly. What is the best way to teach reading? The consensus has changed over the years, with various thoughts and opinions on the matter. However, the science of reading includes decades of research that has identified the most effective approach for teaching children to read, which includes five components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.