Phonics—what is it?
As previously noted, the newly adopted B.E.S.T. Standards for ELA emphasize explicit, systematic phonics instruction as the foundation of literacy. Phonics instruction teaches children the relationships between the letters (graphemes) of written language and the individual sounds (phonemes) of spoken language. It teaches children to use these relationships to read and write words. The goal of phonics instruction is to help children learn and use the alphabetic principle – the understanding that there are systematic and predictable relationships between written letters and spoken sounds.
- Systematic and explicit phonics instruction is more effective than non-systematic (or no) phonics instruction. The hallmark of systematic phonics instruction is the direct teaching of a set of letter-sound relationships in a clearly defined sequence. The set includes the major sound/spelling relationships of both consonants and vowels.
- Systematic and explicit phonics instruction significantly improves kindergarten and first-grade children's word recognition and spelling.
- Systematic and explicit phonics instruction is effective for children from various social and economic levels. It helps children from various backgrounds make greater gains in reading than non-systematic (or no) phonics instruction.
- Systematic and explicit phonics instruction is particularly beneficial for children who are having difficulty learning to read and who are at risk for developing future reading problems.
- Systematic and explicit phonics instruction is most effective when introduced early. Instruction should start in kindergarten and first grade.
- Phonics instruction should not comprise the entire reading program for beginning readers. Children should also be solidifying their knowledge of the alphabet, engaging in phonemic awareness activities, and listening to stories and informational texts read aloud to them. They should also be reading texts and writing letters, words, messages, and stories.
- Phonics can be taught effectively to a whole class, small groups, or individual students.
Required Reading
Read a summary of the National Reading Panel Report on phonics in Put Reading First: The Research Building Blocks for Teaching Children to Read.
