Notes from Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom
Shift 3: A Common Practice to Reconsider
Misunderstanding 5: Learning phonics is boring
Why phonics is fun to learn
Phonics is a new frontier for children who are just learning to read.
Don’t focus on teaching kids phonics…
Focus on the exploration and discovery of a secret.
The secret of understanding how symbols and sounds match readable words.
As children begin to crack the code of reading their efforts are rewarded i.e. endorphins induced by their efforts.
Studies have shown that helping children start off as strong readers has proven to increase reading motivation, reading volume, and confidence down the road.
Here are the 6 things you need to teach phonics:
- Dedicated time
- A scope and sequence
- A linking chart and frieze cards
- A robust collection of word lists
- High-leverage instructional routines
- Assessment Plan
<Read Part 12: What is Reading Mastery vs Reading Exposure?
Read Part 14: What is letter blending? (Continuous vs Cumulative)>
