articlesforchristians

Effective Reading Strategies: Phonics and Sight Words Explained

Phonics or Whole word approach (sight words method) which is best for teaching children to read that is the question. This question has been debated, and children have been the test subjects. The answer may or may not surprise you. You need both to efficiently learn to read in English. Some children need a little more instruction on phonics, and some need a little more instruction on sight words. Unfortunately, about 10-15 years ago the department of education decided for the most part that the Whole word approach was the only way to go. Now here in the United States there is an epidemic of middle school students, high school students, and college students who can’t read.

Many people do not understand that methods, techniques, and curriculum are only tools. Not every tool is appropriate for all tasks. Not all students learn at the same rate or even the same way. Just because something works with 1 student does not mean that it will have the same effect with another student. If it is not working, try something else. If whole word instruction is not working, back off and use more phonics. If whole word instruction is working, then only use a little bit of phonics. You still need to give your child a basic understanding of phonics. If nothing is working, check their eyes. See my post about vision.