HOOKED ON PHONICS

Phonics instruction

• helps children learn the relationships between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language.

Phonics instruction is important because

• It leads to an understanding of the alphabetic principle— the systematic and predictable relationships between written letters and spoken sounds.

Programs of phonics instruction are effective

• when they are systematic—the plan of instruction includes a carefully selected set of letter-sound relationships that are organized into a logical sequence.

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• when they are explicit—the programs provide teachers with precise directions for theteaching of these relationships.

Effective phonics programs provide

• ample opportunities for children to apply what they are learning about letters and sounds to the reading of words, sentences, and stories.

Systematic and explicit phonics instruction

• significantly improves children’s word recognition, spelling, and reading comprehension.
• is most effective when it begins in kindergarten or first grade.