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Foundations of Literacy Digital Reference Tool

Overview of Phonics

Phonics is 

 

Reading Rockets and the National Institute for Literacy can be a helpful resource for The Basics of phonics instruction. They talk about systematic and explicit instruction, different approaches to phonics instruction, and how phonics is only PART of a good reading program.

 

What's the Difference Between PHONEMIC AWARENESS and PHONICS?

It can be very confusing to differentiate between so many words that begin with the /ph/ sound! This graphic should help.

Encoding vs. Decoding

It can be confusing to distinguish the 2 main types of phonics - decoding and encoding. These visuals should help make the difference clear.

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The ability to decode is CRITICAL for reading! This graphic by Amplify CKLA demonstrates what it feels like to try to read when you don't yet know or are learning the code. Can you read it?

To view the full document (Science of Reading: A Primer, Part One), visit this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjVcR83nAYk

Dr. Louisa Moats explains the relationship between spelling and what they understand about word structure, speech sounds, and how letters are used to represent words. She addresses the importance of nonsense words for helping students learn word structure.

 

Big Ideas About Phonics from Research and Theory

According to NRP findings:

  • Phonics instruction should be explicit and systematic.
  • Kindergarten and first graders benefit the most from phonics instruction, and its effect seems to decrease in the upper grades.
  • There are still questions about how intense phonics instruction should be, and if there is a such thing as "too much phonics."
  • Phonics instruction is particularly helpful for students who are struggling with reading and students for whom poverty is an issue.
  • Phonics is ONE part of effective reading instruction.

Best Practices for Phonics