Phonics & Decoding

Phonics

The connection between sounds and print.

It’s the direct-instruction that teaches that letters represent the sounds of spoken language.

Phonics is the tool used to advance print-sound associations.

Decoding

Using letter-sound relationships to translate a printed word into speech.

Often referred to as - sounding out a written word.

When children learn/understand sound-letter correspondence, they can decode new words.

Once children learn that there is an organized, logical, and predictable relationship between written letters and spoken words an apply those principals to unfamiliar words, they begin to read fluently.

A Good Phonics Program Should Include Two Types of Instruction:

Systematic

the letter-sound relationship is taught in an organized and logical sequence.

Explicit (MY FAVORITE 😍 💚 )

precise directions for teaching letter-sound relationships.

Frequent opportunities to apply Both Systematic & Explicit Phonics instruction will improve children’s word recognition, spelling, and reading comprehension.

Mose effective when it begins in kindergarten, but should be used as part of a comprehensive reading program.