Ten Reasons To Teach Phonics

1. Phonics is an efficient way to teach reading.

~ There are only 43 common speech sounds (phonemes) in English and these are represented by by about 89 common spellings. Learning the phonics code produces the biggest learning bang for the smallest instructional buck.

2. Phonics works.

~ The swing away from "whole language" to phonics based instruction over the last 15 years vastly improved reading test scores on nationally normed tests.

3. Phonics is the fastest way to learn how to read.

~ Reading is not a developmentally acquired skill that naturally derives over time from lots of readings. Learning the code is the quickest way to learn how to read accurately and independently. Non-readers can independently read simple de-codable  text after minimal instruction.

4. Phonics makes pupils better spellers.

~ Because explicit phonics instruction teaches recognition, pronunciation and blending of the sound-spelling patterns, students are better equipped to apply those same patterns to spellings. 


5. Phonics requires less rote memorization.

~ Phonics makes use of prior knowledge ( the sound-spelling relationships) to apply to new learning.

6. Phonics works better for students with learning disabilities. 

~Students with auditory and visual processing challenges learn best from the structure of explicit phonemic awareness and phonemic instruction. 

7. Phonics works better for English-language learners.

~Phonics instruction relies on phonemic awareness and the connection of speech sounds to spellings. Phonics builds upon and adjust that connection, rather than  abandoning  reading instruction already gained in the primary language.

8. Phonics works better for remedial readers

~Effective diagnostic assessments can easily determine which phonics skills have been mastered and which have not. Gap-filling makes sense. Remedial readers have strengths to build upon- they dont need to start from scratch.

9. Phonics makes students smarter.

~ New research shows that phonics-based instruction can actually change brain activity, resulting in significant improvements in reading. 


10. Phonics learning builds self-esteem

~Because progress is so measurable, students can quickly see their improvement data, and most importantly in reading.

Why Teach Phonics?

Why do we need to teach phonics? It is estimated there are atleast a half million words in the English language. So, we have a choice when it comes to teaching reading: emphasize memorization or teach Phonics !
   When we emphasize memorization, we attempt  to teach children to read by repeatedly exposing them to as many words as possible. 'Seeing' words becomes the means by which they learn the words. This 'sight' approach means that a child's success will be largely due to his or her ability to memorize and recall words instantly.
   But, when we emphasize phonics, we provide a reading foundation for each child that is based on the letters and sounds of the alphabet. Once child learns the 26 letters with their 44 sounds and 70 common spellings, they have the tools they need to read words--any words--whether they have seen them or not.

Sight words or high frequency words

What are sight words? "Sight words" is a term that parents of early elementary students have most likely heard before, but not many people outside of the educational community know what sight words actually are. A simple sight words definition would be common words that a reader should recognize on sight. Sight words are also referred to as "high-frequency words" or "instant words."

Sight words are a group of common words with a high-frequency of use that readers must know on sight, instantly, and automatically in order to develop into an efficient and smooth reader. Some example sight words are a, is, the, of, and, that, in, you, I, and to.

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What is PHONICS ?

Hi there,  Phonics defines the relationship between written letters and spoken sounds. For instance, the knowledge that the letter “B” makes a “buh” sound is phonics.

As a year 1 English teacher, I find that my students are finding it hard to read in English, as they are not sure enough the correct pronunciation of the words. Unlike the English Language, Malay and Tamil languages have their own syllable sounding systems. I can see that my pupils have started reading fluently in Malay and Tamil but not in English. Since I started to teach reading through 'Phonics' I can differences in my pupils.

I don't deny that the English Language has weird sound systems but it is fun when you are into it!!!

Hello people!!

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