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