Phonics Research
Phonics instruction has been shown by research to be beneficial to all students, especially for those who struggle with reading. (10 important research findings at wileyblevins.com) Phonics instruction that is systematic (presented in a logical sequence) and explicit (directly taught) has the greatest impact.
The alphabetic principle is the understanding that letters and letter patterns represent the sounds of spoken language. (the alphabetic principle at readingrockets.org) Phonics instruction helps students learn this relationship between written letters and spoken sounds.
26 letters make 44 sounds in the English language. To understand these sounds, it is necessary to talk about words like diphthongs and digraphs. Some literacy terms can be tricky! Learn definitions of phonics terms to be a Super Tutor.
A single letter is often the most frequent way to spell a long (or short) vowel. (Spelling Pattern Frequencies from Author Wiley Blevins)
Word sorts are an effective way for students to learn phonics patterns.
Research shows that there are two key indicators of how well children master reading skills in the first two years of school. (Threads of Reading by Karen Tankersley) These key indicators are phonemic awareness and letter knowledge. (see also Successful phonological awareness instruction)
What is the Science of Reading from Really Great Reading, and Video on the Science of Reading from EducationNC
Literacy Statistics
2/3rds of sudents who can’t read well by the end of 4th grade end up on welfare or in jail. (begintoread.com), and 37% of 4th graders cannot read at the basic level. (Pennsylvania Department of Education) More literacy statistics at brandongaille.com.
Students who read 20 minutes a day from kindergarten through 6th grade are likely to score in the 90th percentile on standardized tests.
Research shows, out of every 10 children, two enter kindergarten with abilities two-to-three years below grade level, two enter one year behind, and two enter at grade level. The top four children will start with skills one-to-two years above grade level. Learn more at the Children’s Reading Foundation.
Adult literacy facts from proliteracy.org
Phonics Pow 