Improving early sound-awareness to help young children learn to read and spell
Optimizing early phonological awareness instruction to support reading and spelling acquisition
['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11193551
This project compares different early sound-awareness lessons for preschool and kindergarten children to help them become stronger readers and spellers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193551 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You and your child would take part in one of two classroom-based trials that compare three kinds of early sound-awareness instruction and a control condition. The lessons are matched for content or time and are delivered in preschool or kindergarten classrooms, with children randomly assigned to groups. Kids complete screening, pretest, midtest, posttest, and follow-up checks to track their sound skills, reading, and spelling over time. The team will look at which lesson types and which starting ages produce the best improvements, and whether some children benefit more than others.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Preschool- and kindergarten-aged children (roughly ages 3–6), especially those with weak phonological or phonemic awareness or at risk for reading difficulties, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Older children, teens, adults, or children whose reading is already well established or who cannot participate in classroom activities due to severe sensory or cognitive limitations are unlikely to benefit from joining this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help prevent reading difficulties by identifying the best early lessons to build the sound skills that lead to reading and spelling success.
How similar studies have performed: Decades of research show phonemic awareness training supports early reading, but the specific timing and mix of skills this project compares remain less tested, so the trials apply established ideas in a new way.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PIASTA, SHAYNE B. — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PIASTA, SHAYNE B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.