Phonics Reading Programs

Phonics Reading Programs: A Sound Reading Approach

Though there has been debate over phonics reading programs versus word recognition programs for years, studies indicate that phonics reading programs work well. In the 1960s, Jeanne Chall undertook what has become an influential study of phonics reading programs. She found that children who were taught phonics do somewhat better at reading.

The importance of learning sounds, learning what sounds go with what letters or groups of letters, and figuring out how to put these sounds together are all integral steps in learning to recognize and spell words. Phonics is usually begun with children ages five or six; however, many children are ready much earlier.

Through phonics reading programs students learn rules and patterns and gain an important strategy for recognizing unfamiliar words. However, phonics should not be a separate activity, but rather part of an organized and well-planned reading curriculum. Integrated with other activities, including reading literature, formal discussion, and using reading strategies, phonics reading programs give students a good foundation.

Children also discover that rules learned in phonics do not apply to every word - that particular letters or combinations of letters may not always be pronounced the same way. Teachers have to teach sight words to students. Since these words, e.g., could, who, were, you, don't follow phonics rules, they have to be studied and memorized. Sometimes teachers also emphasize high frequency words - it, he, she, them - because this helps increase a student's fluency.

You can use phonics reading programs at home with a young child. Children love to make and hear sounds so it seems natural to teach phonics. Many books have been published on using phonics reading programs with young children, including The Between the Lions® Book for Parents by Linda K. Rath and Louise Kennedy. You can also find information at Phonics.com and PBS Parents.

Browse school supply stores for books, kits, charts, and other materials to help you teach phonics and check local libraries for video tapes like "Ready for Phonics" and other audio-visual materials. Watch your child's programming to see different approaches to teaching letter sounds.

Commercially produced kits and programs may also be a good way to start. Hooked on Phonics is the most popular of these.