Which reading model emphasizes a meaning-based approach rather than phonics?

The Top-Down Reading Model is centered around the idea that readers use their background knowledge, context, and expectations to make meaning of the text they encounter. In this model, comprehension is prioritized, and readers are encouraged to use clues from the overall structure of a text, such as headings, pictures, and themes, to predict and infer meanings. This contrasts with phonics-focused approaches, which emphasize the decoding of individual letters and sounds as the primary means for understanding written language.

In the Top-Down approach, reading is seen as an active process where the meaning derived from the text is constructed, rather than passively decoded letter by letter. This method is particularly beneficial for developing readers who may have strong contextual and linguistic knowledge but may struggle with the technical aspects of phonics. The focus on meaning allows students to engage with texts in a way that supports their overall language development and comprehension skills.