There are two methods for teaching children to read; whole language and phonics. Whole language is a "whole - part" method of teaching children to read, while phonics is a "part - whole" reading method. These terms will be explained more fully in the article. The advantages and disadvantages of both of these methods have been debated for decades. School systems have switched from one method to another and back again countless times over the years. The debate continues. In the meantime, we as parents are still left asking the question, "What is the best way to teach my child to read?" My answer is an unequivocal combination of both methods, with a stronger emphasis on the phonics approach.
Phonics: The "part ? whole" reading method
In the phonics method, children are taught how to "sound out" new words. Phonics is a series of rules that children have to learn, memorize and apply when they are sounding out new words. Children are taught a rule, for example, "short a", and then they practice reading words with "short a" (hat, cat, sat, bat, rat, etc.) Then children do skill sheets at their desk highlighting the "short a" rule. Children must learn letter sounds to an automatic level - they must be able to see the letter(s) and say the sound immediately.
Most teachers who rely on the phonics method teach the rules in the following order:
? Teach your child alphabet letter names and sounds. Start with the consonant letter sounds: b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y, z ? Blend sounds: br, cr, dr, fr, gr, pr, tr, wr, bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl, scr, str, sm, sn, sp, sc, sk ? Short vowel sounds: a, e, i, o, u Always teach short vowel sounds first: a - apple, e - elephant, i- igloo, o - octopus, u - umbrella) ? Digraph sounds: sh, ch, th, wh Two letters combine to make a totally different sound. ? Double vowel sounds: ai, ea, ee, oa These pairs say the name of the first vowel. ? Other double vowel sounds: oi, oo, ou, ow ? Silent e: Silent e is bossy, it doesn't say anything but makes the vowel before it say its own name. ? R controlled vowel sounds: ar, er, ir, or, ur Notice that er,ir and ur make the same sound.
The problem with relying solely on a phonics approach is that usually the reading/practice materials aren't very interesting, "See Spot run. Run Spot run. Spot runs fast." In addition, children who struggle in reading memorize phonic rules, and then are unable to apply phonic rules to connected print. To remedy this problem, two things must happen: 1. Only the most important phonic rules should be taught in the least complicated manner possible. For example, in teaching vowel sounds, it is distracting to talk about "short versus long" vowels. Instead, a child should be taught the short vowel sounds first. Then when a child encounters a long vowel as in the word find, tell him, "That vowel says its own name."
2. Phonics must be taught in a way that allows children to immediately practice phonic information in real stories. Every time a child is taught new phonic information, he should be given a short reading selection that highlights the phonic rule. Completing a skill sheet is good, but even better is to help the child practice applying the phonic skill to connected print.
Whole Language: The "whole ? part" reading method
In the whole language approach, teachers use connected print to introduce reading to children. Children are encouraged to memorize words as whole units. They do hands-on activities such as writing in journals, and analyzing words in context, by using pictures, for meaning.
Teach your child how to read a couple of sentences or one paragraph until it sounds great. The whole language method helps your child learn to read "sight words." Sight words must be memorized because they don't follow phonic rules. Half of all words in the English language are sight words (the, said, find, etc.)
Whole language has strengths in that children begin to write early. They are involved in connected print, and they are using personal language skills making the process of reading more interesting. The weakness of whole language methods is that some children never get a full phonics foundation. They are unable to decode (sound out) unfamiliar words. Research has shown that good readers always use phonics to decipher new words.
To summarize, reading is best taught using a combination of three methodologies: ? Auditory training - training for the ears to prepare the child's brain for reading. Auditory training was discussed in the first article in this series. ? Phonics - knowledge of letter(s) sounds. A child cannot learn to read without proper knowledge in phonics. It is the foundation for success in reading.
* Whole Language - immediate application of phonics into connected stories.
Tom & Shelley Cooper
Tom is the Director for a large humanitarian aid program while Shelley left a successful career as a Financial Analyst to devote her talents to education. The parents of two children, they share a concern for today's youth, which was the inspiration for their web site. http://www.educational-toys-4u.com
Alexis limo rentals ..The 21st Century Problem in Schools: Bullying, and How to... Read More
To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
Having a baby is one of the most exciting times... Read More
Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More
As parents, we strive to address all of the questions... Read More
I really like all natural remedy for Attention Deficit Disorder... Read More
Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning... Read More
Discipline is a necessary part of parenting yet it makes... Read More
For every season, check, check, check, There is a chart,... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
Until the moment I became a mother, I couldn't quite... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More
'Picky Eater' is a label coined to describe the phenomenon... Read More
There are moments in a parent's or grandparent's life, when... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the... Read More
Q. When you consult with a family with teens, what... Read More
Have you ever experienced one of those days when you... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
car service from Midway Alsip ..Just a couple of years ago Annie helped her parents... Read More
By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More
Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
Today's dads are more hands-on than ever before and their... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
There are millions of young children in this country who... Read More
With the beginning of the new school year coming VERY... Read More
Single parenting has seemingly become an acceptable norm which is... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
Depending on where you live school will be starting this... Read More
Q. What is the best way to teach safety awareness... Read More
Creating and making special memories with your child is very... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
As a mom of 4 who's youngest child is about... Read More
For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More
"To educate a person in mind and not in morals... Read More
Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for... Read More
A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates... Read More
One of the questions I ask in parenting presentations is... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
Parenting |