What is Phonics?

Phonics is the teaching of reading that stresses the acquisition of letter-sound correspondences and their use to reading and spelling. Generally, there is a planned, sequential set of elements that are taught explicitly and systematically.

The National Reading Panel report acknowledged that there are many different ways to teach phonics from learning to decode isolated words to using chunking and analogy strategies. The goal for any phonics program should be to apply the phonics instruction to reading.

What did the National Reading Panel find?

The National Reading Panel compared Phonics and No Phonics instruction and found strong evidence substantiating the impact of Phonics instruction. Most notably was the finding that all types of phonics approaches were significant:

• Synthetic (convert letters into sounds and blend)
• Analysis and blending (onsets, rimes, patterns)
• Miscellaneous phonics programs

Also, many delivery methods were equally significant such as tutoring, small group instruction, and whole class instruction. However, Phonics instruction was more effective when taught in the earlier grades such as K and 1^st.

What are the implications for reading instruction?

• Instruction in Phonics is BEST when it is coupled with application.
• There is a need for Phonemic Awareness instruction as well.
• Phonics instruction should be applied to both reading and writing.
• There should be an integration of Phonics instruction with other reading programs.

Want to know more?

Check out the actual report at www.nationalreadingpanel.org.

Related Readings * Suggested Resources * Activities

[Understanding SBRR] [The Consortium] [Phonemic Awareness] [Phonics] [Related Readings] [Suggested Resources] [Activities] [Fluency] [Vocabulary] [Comprehension]