The terms reading skill and reading strategy are central to how we conceptualize and teach reading. Despite their importance and widespread use, the terms are not consistently used or understood. This article examines the current and historical uses of the terms, defines them, and describes their differences, similarities, and relationships. Implications for teaching reading skills and strategies are discussed.

University of Maryland, College Park

University of California, Berkeley

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Philosophy

Psychology

Linguistics

Cognitive psychology

Reading (process)

The Reading Teacher

Clarifying Differences Between Reading Skills and Reading Strategies