Tgcf iqqf dqqmu.
Can you read the above sentence? Do you want to spend time to figure it out?
I think I should just teach you the code.
That’s what phonics is all about. It’s teaching kids the code of our written language. Some youngsters can figure it out on their own. Most people cannot, at least not without employing a cache of inefficient methods. (such as memorizing whole words.)
After teaching reading and other subjects for 19 years in the regular education classroom, my realization has been that educators should avoid establishing a camp in the phonics vs. balanced literacy debate. To me, the obvious answer is both. Sure, you have to teach kids the code. Sure, you have to instill a love of language, words, and reading. One does not necessarily preclude the other. Do both!
Furthermore, phonics can be fun. Take, for example, the computer game approach. Students can use software with engaging graphics that takes them step-by-step through all the rules of phonics, while they practice reading and writing words. With this method of instruction, students proceed at their own pace, so there is no risk of stultifying more linguistically-inclined children.
Without software, experienced teachers can differentiate phonics instruction by tailoring games, worksheets, and activities to individual students’ needs, based on test data.
In addition, a daily vocabulary lesson, highly engaging subject matter, a variety of reading activities, flexible small group work, and teachers’ enthusiasm, as well as personal relationships with students, also matter a great deal.
In summary, when teaching reading, do everything you can as well as you can.
If you’d like to know the code for reading the first line of this letter, it is: each letter has the sound of the letter that’s two letters before it. Example: t=r
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