Marie Clay

Marie Clay was a renowned psychologist and educator who made significant contributions to understanding how children learn to read. She developed assessment tools, such as the Observation Survey, to evaluate young children's reading and writing abilities, helping educators identify their strengths and challenges early on. Clay emphasized the importance of observing children's natural reading behaviors and emphasizing pre-reading skills. Her work laid the foundation for early literacy instruction, promoting tailored teaching strategies that support children's individual learning progress. Her research has profoundly influenced literacy education worldwide, ensuring that children receive targeted support to become confident, capable readers.