Where does phonics instruction fit within a comprehensive literacy program? When and how would you teach phonics?
A comprehensive program is designed to teach literacy skills using both reading and writing together. Many theories support more of a "phonics" based literacy program, not using reading and writing workshops together to teach literacy. Researchers have found that there is a direct correlation between phonemic awareness and learning to read words. Although we do not read words letter by letter and sounds out each individual letter sound, it is important that we have a background knowledge of phonics in order to be able to read effortlessly. Teaching phonics helps children learn how to decode words. When readers are taught phonics they improve their ability to spell words while writing, which means they can read those words easier. When teaching using a comprehensive literacy program, reading and writing workshops are both used to teach literacy. Children are encouraged to write and read their own writing, which is strengthening their phonics skills by sounding out and spelling words. Teaching strategies for decoding words such as "skip it" and "sound it out" are examples of what good readers do. Phonics instruction should not be taught strictly for phonemic awareness, it should be integrated in reading and writing instruction.
I would like to teach phonics during reading and writing workshop. Phonics could be taught during guided reading, guided writing, individual conferences, mini lessons, etc. Even writing aloud with the students would be a great opportunity to incorporate phonics skills instruction, while modeling for the students appropriate strategies and skills. Keeping writing journals throughout the year would be a great tool to have to help students learn phonics rules, as their writing skills progress. It is important for children to be able to take what they learn from phonics instruction and apply it to their reading and writing! Phonics should not be taught in isolation, where children cant make connections between phonics, reading, and writing.
I think that phonics is an area that integrates really well into reading and writing workshop, too. The other areas you listed would also be good times to focus on phonics when it is a relevant topic. I agree with you that it is important for students to know some phonics, but it should not be taught alone.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that in order to implement an effective comprehensive literacy program, the teachers need to include multiple approaches to reading and writing. I agree with your statement, "it is important that we have a background knowledge of phonics in order to be able to read effortlessly". As educators, it is important to include a component of phonics instruction into the comprehensive literacy approach to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. All in all, great post!