The purpose is to make a state of the art on reading and writing in Colombia. Therefore, a transit through the history of education in the country will be made; likewise, the political, social and cultural models are manifested in this analysis as a context that condition and regulate pedagogical practices. Similarly, in this evolution of conceptions and approaches to reading, it was necessary to consider the trends of the 21st century that go hand in hand with scientific advances. And to this extent, contributions from neuroscience and neuroeducation emerge which, by way of epistemological support, provide new elements on the approach to reading and writing. And this is manifested in a multisensory conception of reading and writing, a trend that has not officially permeated the school curriculum in Colombia.