Learning+to+read+and+word+phonics.

Phonics is an attempt or approach to follow instruction as well as a strategy for word identification and spelling. Phonics focus on the sound-letter relationships used in reading and writing which strongly involves an understanding of the alphabetical principle. This is basically the idea that spoken language is made up of sounds which can be mapped into written letters. Many think of phonics as a puzzle that can be taught in the classroom in such a way that promotes an active investigation of sounds and letters. For children to actively construct knowledge and comprehension about language, teachers need to encourage the children to sound out and investigate how sounds and letters work together. Encouraging investigation of the sounds letters make is important because even when it comes to a simple idea such as the letter ‘c’ makes a /c/ sound is not always true or correct, because sometimes ‘c’ makes an /s/ sound like it does in the word //cent//. This is the same as the letter ‘q’ sometimes making a /c/ sound, like it does in the word //queue//. Learning to read is something that can be very difficult that is why it is important that in the early emergent stage of reading children are able to explore the book. One of the first things they will figure out is that the pictures mean something. Running records are a good way to monitor a child’s progress in reading. High frequency words are also a good way to test the students knowledge and vocabulary. It’s also a good way to work out what areas the student needs to work on.