Ten Reasons for Explicit Phonics

Most parents don’t know how to teach reading but believe that children being great readers helps them do their best in school. At Phonogram University, concerned parents are provided explicit tools to help them help their children become great readers and do their very best in school.

Here are ten research-based reasons to teach reading using explicit phonics instruction, along with references from reputable sources. I’ve also added a few of my thoughts after some of them.

1. Evidence-based approach: A vast amount of research supports the effectiveness of explicit phonics instruction in improving reading outcomes for all students. This makes it an evidence-based approach that educators can confidently use to help their students become successful readers. Source: The National Academies Press, 2019
   
   
   • This is very important! We should not be teaching our children to read without evidence that the method used works.
   • Listen to the Sold a Story podcast to learn more.
     
     
2. Supports early literacy development: Explicit phonics instruction can be introduced in early childhood education programs to lay a strong foundation for reading success. This can help children develop the necessary skills to become confident and successful readers. Source: The National Council of Teachers of English, 2023.
   
   
   • And early in a child’s life by a concerned parent like you!
   • That foundation is so important.
     
     
3. Stronger foundation in decoding: Explicit phonics instruction equips students with the knowledge and skills to break down unfamiliar words into their individual sounds (phonemes) and then blend those sounds together to pronounce the word (decoding). This systematic approach builds a strong foundation for reading fluency and accuracy. Source: National Reading Panel, 2000
   
   
   • Decoding this way also builds orthographic mapping. This trains our brain to read since the brain DOES NOT learn to read the same way we learn to talk.
   • Read about orthographic mapping here: Basics: Sight Words and Orthographic Mapping | Reading Rockets

      

4. Benefits all learners: Explicit phonics instruction has been shown to be effective for all students, regardless of their background, language, or learning style. This makes it a valuable tool for promoting reading success in diverse classrooms. Source: Reading Rockets, 2023
   
   
   • Everybody needs to learn to read.
   • Many experts believe 95% of children can read successfully using explicit phonics instruction.
     
     
5. Addresses difficulties in struggling readers: Many struggling readers have weak phonics skills. Explicit instruction can help them develop these foundational skills, which can then lead to improvements in other areas of reading, such as fluency and comprehension. Source: Wiley Blevins, 2023
   
   
6. Supports vocabulary development: Phonics instruction helps students learn new words by teaching them how to decode them based on their letter-sound relationships. This can expand their vocabulary and improve their understanding of written language. Source: The National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2023
   
   
7. Enhances reading comprehension: By improving students’ decoding skills, phonics instruction can indirectly contribute to their reading comprehension. When students are not struggling to sound out words, they can focus more on understanding the meaning of the text. Source: Edutopia, 2023
   
   
   • Imagine a child struggling to read most words. Makes sense that most of their brain power is being used to decode words vs. comprehend.
   • Now imagine a child smoothly and quickly decoding words. Plenty of brain power for comprehension now!
     
     
8. Provides a transferable skill: Phonics knowledge is a transferable skill that students can use throughout their academic careers and beyond. It helps them become independent learners who can decode unfamiliar words they encounter in different contexts. Source: Reading A-Z, 2023
   
   
   • Orthographic mapping can make new words look like sight words.
   • This still boggles my mind when I see a child read a new word as if they already know it as a sight word.
     
     
9. Complements other reading instruction: Explicit phonics instruction is not meant to be the only approach to teaching reading. It should be used in conjunction with other strategies, such as exposure to rich literature, vocabulary development, and comprehension instruction, to create a well-rounded reading program. Source: Reading Rockets, 2023
   
   
   • Can’t stress this enough. Once they know the phonograms, children need to read as much as possible.
   • Children who learned to read this way are very ready for learning additional skills in school.
     
     
10. Improved spelling: The knowledge of letter-sound relationships gained through phonics instruction directly translates to better spelling skills. Students can apply their understanding of how sounds are represented by letters to encode words correctly when writing. Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2000
    
    
    • This is a no-brainer. If a child knows the sounds, of course it translates to spelling.
    • And all that reading they are doing can’t hurt either.

I hope this research helps you understand why teaching your child to read using explicit phonics is so valuable!