HOW VERY YOUNG LEARNERS LEARN TO CRACK

THE CODE OF READING

Mehrdad MoloudiIslamic Azad University, Karaj Branch

(Iran)

Phonics Based Instruction

since 1950s Look and Say since 1830s

Look

Say

It teaches children to read words as whole units,

rather than breaking the word down into individual

letters or groups of letters. Children are

repeatedly told the word name while being shown the printed word, perhaps accompanied by a picture

or within a meaningful context.

The ability to identify print,

decode into sounds and assemble them into words is called Phonics. In other words, Phonics is the study of letter

sounds and not their names.

pho

ni

c

s

Phonics & Look-and-Say Debate

By the 1930s and 1940s there was a very strong focus on teaching children to read by Look-and-Say. In the 1950s, however, it was fiercely criticized in favor of Phonics Based Instruction. In the early 1980, the Brits shifted back from Phonics to Look-and-Say. At a great loss, they resumed Phonics Instruction in the early 1990s. However, the debate still continues today.

Concurrent Steps Towards Literacy

Reading & Writing non-phonic words

Decoding the letter soundsBlending sounds into syllables and

words

Encoding sounds of the

lettersWriting the letters, words, sentences

Reading & Writing fairly accurate and

fluent

Common Mistakes in

Phonics Based

Instructions

Common MistakesMistake #1: Young learners’ Unpreparedness

Mistake #2: Teaching the Letter Names

Common MistakesMistake #3: Teaching Lessons That Violate

Earlier Lessons

Mistake #4: Teaching the Alphabet Per Se

Common MistakesMistake #5: Teaching Upper and

Lower Case Letters Separately

Mistake #6: Teaching without Recycling

Common MistakesMistake #7: Decoding without

Encoding

Mistake #8: Ignoring Slow and Problem Learners

General Tips for Phonics Teachers

• Model correct pronunciation. • Ensure understanding the letter-

sound relationship.• Monitor each learner’s progress

using a portfolio. • Reinforce using multi sensory

recycling.• Encourage learners.• Use clear and simple instructions.• Create a print-rich environment.• Do not overload.• Involve parents. • Involve Young learners physically.

Drawbacks of Common Phonics Books

• Written for English NS• Non controlled vocabulary• Emphasis on cursive writing• Very challenging stories in terms of

meaning• Contradictions and confusions• Incomplete list of grapheme-phoneme• Limited activities

Authored by Dr. Mehrdad Moloudi