Improving early phonological awareness to help children read and spell better

Optimizing early phonological awareness instruction to support reading and spelling acquisition

['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-10979654

This study is looking for ways to help young children, especially those from underserved communities, improve their reading skills by trying out different teaching methods that focus on sounds in words, so they can become better readers and spellers.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10979654 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing phonological awareness in young children, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, to prevent reading difficulties. It involves conducting two randomized controlled trials to test different intervention strategies aimed at improving phonemic awareness, which is crucial for reading and spelling skills. The trials will compare the effectiveness of various instructional approaches and assess how timing and target groups influence outcomes. By participating, children in preschool and kindergarten will receive tailored support to boost their literacy skills.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preschool and kindergarten children, especially those who are at risk for reading difficulties due to underdeveloped phonological awareness.

Not a fit: Children who are already proficient in reading and spelling skills may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective teaching methods that significantly improve reading and spelling abilities in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted phonological awareness interventions can effectively improve literacy outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.