The Matthew Effect in Reading and How to Combat It

Before I became a reading specialist, I'd been teaching 2nd grade and 3rd grade for 12 years. I had never heard of the "Matthew Effect" but boy was I experiencing it. I just didn't know that it had a fancy name.

When I interviewed for the reading specialist position, one of the (obvious) questions they asked was, "Why do you want to be a reading specialist?" This was a question I didn't have to prepare for because I knew it deep in my soul.

I explained that I'd been teaching 3rd grade for several years and that the amount of kids struggling with reading was immense. By the time they got to me in third grade, it was extremely difficult to remediate. I wanted to be able to impact kids at an earlier age, when they were just starting their journeys as readers.

Little did I know that what I was experiencing was called the Matthew Effect. If you've never heard of this before, it can be summarized by the adage, "The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer." So how does this apply to reading and what can we do to combat it?

The Matthew Effect in Reading

In the world of education, the Matthew Effect exists. Coined from a verse in the Gospel of Matthew, "For to all those who have, more will be given," this concept suggests that those who start with an advantage tend to accumulate more benefits over time, while those who start with a disadvantage struggle to catch up.

In the context of reading, the Matthew Effect is evident in many ways. Children who are exposed to books and literacy activities from an early age often develop stronger reading skills compared to their peers who lack such exposure. This initial advantage sets them on a trajectory where they continue to excel in reading, leading to better comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and overall academic achievement.

The Matthew Effect highlights the importance of addressing literacy disparities early in a child's development. Without intervention, children who start behind their peers in reading skills may fall further behind over time, leading to academic challenges and reduced opportunities in adulthood.

Factors Contributing to the Matthew Effect

1. Access to Books: Homes with a rich variety of books create an environment where reading is not only encouraged but becomes a natural part of daily life. Children from homes rich in books have more opportunities to engage with different genres, styles, and levels of complexity in reading materials.

2. Parental Involvement: Parents who read to their children and discuss books with them foster a positive attitude towards reading. They also provide crucial support in decoding words, understanding meanings, and expanding vocabulary.

3. Educational Resources: Schools that prioritize literacy education, implement effective reading programs, and provide training for teachers can significantly enhance students' reading skills. Early interventions and targeted support for struggling readers are also essential to mitigate the effects of reading difficulties.

How to Combat The Matthew Effect

1. Early Intervention Programs: Implementing reading interventions in preschool and early elementary years can help identify and support struggling readers before gaps widen.

2. Equitable Access: Ensuring that all children have access to high-quality books and literacy resources, both at home and in educational settings, is crucial for leveling the playing field.

3. Teacher Training: Providing teachers with professional development opportunities focused on literacy instruction and differentiated teaching strategies can improve outcomes for all students, particularly those at risk of falling behind.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing the Matthew Effect in reading is pivotal for fostering equal opportunities in education. By prioritizing early literacy, implementing early intervention programs, and supporting educators, we can empower every child to develop strong reading skills and achieve their full potential. Breaking the cycle of disadvantage starts with acknowledging the impact of early advantage and taking proactive steps to ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a proficient and confident reader.