Beginning Reading Instruction: Application of Theory and Research to Practice

Learning theories are important as beginning reading teachers strive to meet the diverse needs of many kinds of learners. This article explores the learning principles of three theoretical experts (a) Jean Piaget, (b) Lev Vygotsky, and (c) Maria Montessori. The paper demonstrates the application of these experts’ theories related to constructivism and pragmatism educational philosophies, and the process of teaching young children to read. It is concluded, decades of relevant learning theory and beginning reading research exist. It is now time for application of theory and research, bridging what we know into our classroom practice.