Understanding phonics: A key to reading success

Educators often emphasise the importance of phonics in reading. But what exactly are phonics?

Phonics explained:

Phonics are the sounds that letters represent, also known as letter-sound relationships. Most letters have one main sound, like “t” in “tap.” However, some letters have multiple sounds depending on the context, like “c” which makes a “k” sound in “cat” and an “s” sound in “city.” Phonics also include letter combinations like “th,” “ch,” and “ee,” and even three-letter groups like “igh” in “light.”

Why phonics matter:

The English language has two types of words: regular words that follow phonics rules (like “ship”) and irregular words that don’t (like “yacht”). Phonics are crucial for learning to decode unfamiliar regular words. By identifying the letters and their corresponding sounds (e.g., “cat” = c-a-t = k-a-t), children can blend these sounds to read the word (“cat”). This process is called decoding.

Knowing phonics helps children read many words, but not all. While skilled readers use phonics intuitively, struggling readers may need explicit instruction on letter-sound rules to become proficient.

Teaching phonics to struggling readers:

Research suggests a systematic and direct approach is most effective. Systematic means following a plan that starts with easier letter-sounds (“t”) and progresses to more complex ones (“ph”). Direct instruction means explicitly teaching letter-sound rules, not expecting children to learn them on their own.

Learning phonics at home:

Decodable readers are great tools for practicing decoding skills. These books focus on specific letter-sounds and spelling patterns children have learned, allowing them to practice in a reading context. Decodable readers are available for both beginning and older readers (check websites like speldsa.org.au for resources).

Many phonics apps are available, but some with structured approaches include ABC Pocket Phonics and Teach Your Monster. Spelfabet (www.spelfabet.com.au) also lists various phonics apps for struggling readers.

Phonics for reading vs. spelling:

For skilled readers and spellers, phonics may seem the same. However, struggling readers and spellers may need to be taught both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling). Encoding involves the opposite process of decoding. When spelling a regular word they don’t know (e.g., “ship”), children need to segment the word into sounds (sh-i-p) and convert those sounds to letters (s-h-i-p).

Irregular words:

The English language has many irregular words, like “yacht,” where some sounds don’t follow phonics rules. While some parts of “yacht” follow phonics (“y” and “t”), the “ach” makes an “o” sound, an exception to the rule. Here, phonics can still be helpful in reading parts of the word, but not the entire word. Completely irregular words like “choir” need to be taught differently.

The importance of phonics:

Phonics are the foundation of word reading, even for irregular words. Children who understand phonics have a strong base for independent reading, allowing them to decode new regular words on their own. However, due to the complexity of English, irregular words require additional teaching methods to build strong reading and spelling skills.

Contact The Reading Specialists today if you suspect your child may need a little help.