So many people, especially parents, wonder why phonics is an afterthought or not even thought of at all in late elementary and middle school.  Obviously in the lower elementary grade, but past 2nd grade it seems to die off.  There is the notion that students will automatically be exposed and master letter sounds as they read. This may be true for some students, but, definitely, not all.

Phonics is necessary because it teaches kids how written language actually works—not just what words look like

It gives students a way to decode new words. Phonics teaches the relationship between letters and sounds. Without that, kids are stuck memorizing words by sight. That works for a while… until the words get longer, more complex, or unfamiliar.  Then comes the frustration from, both, parents and students. But Phonics gives them a strategy, not a guessing habit.

It builds independent readers. When students know phonics, they don’t have to rely on pictures, context clues, or an adult to tell them the word. They can sound it out themselves. Independence is the difference between “reading with help” and actually reading.

It supports struggling readers and prevents reading failure. Decades of research show that explicit, systematic phonics instruction is especially critical for struggling readers, students with dyslexia,  and English language learners. For many kids, phonics isn’t optional—it’s the key that unlocks reading.

Another benefit is It improves spelling and writing. Reading and spelling are two sides of the same coin. When students understand sound–letter patterns, they spell more logically and write with more confidence. Guessing readers almost always become weak spellers.

Sometimes phonics is the missing piece to why you child is struggling to read. A free assessment will help determine if this is the case. Click on the link to schedule one, and begin your child's journey to success.