Phonics is the understanding that letter symbols represent sounds, and that sounds can be blended together to make written words. It is also referred to as letter-sound correspondence, or sound-symbol correspondence, because children must understand that specific symbols (letters) match certain sounds . In order to decode, or “sound out” words when reading, children must acquire knowledge of the many different sounds that are represented by the English alphabet. There are 44 sounds that are represented by 26 letters and letter combinations.
Phonics should be taught in a fun, meaningful way, not as rote memorization or solely with worksheets. Literacy experts maintain that the best approach is to combine phonics with phonemic awareness so that allow children can apply their understanding of sound-symbol correspondence when decoding words.
The National Reading Panel found that systematic phonics instruction made a significant impact on children’s reading success. The Panel reported that when phonics instruction is done early before Grade 1, it helps prevent and remedy reading challenges in at-risk and struggling readers, thereby helping to improve reading comprehension and spelling in young readers.
If a child memorizes ten words, the child can read only ten words; but if a child learns the sounds of ten letters, the child will be able to read 350 three sound words, 4320 four sound words and 21,650 five sound words. – Dr. Martin Kozloff (2002)
Resources
Phonograms Sound Board plus downloadable games to practice phonograms
The 44 sounds of the English language and their spellings
Literacy Insight 