Reading question

Brad&ScottsMom · 10-31-2003, 11:10 AM

What do you think about whole word learning as opposed to phonics?? I'm concerned because I was talking to another mom in Bradley's cla$s and she said they are teaching whole word reading and sight words. I'm fairly certain, when I was taught to read, I was taught the phonics method, so I don't know a lot about the whole word system.

10-31-2003, 11:14 AM

Different strokes for different folks. Some school districts teach whole language, some teach phonics. After years of working with schools I've come to prefer the phonics method and have found it to be much more teachable and learnable for the majority of students. But it all depends on how the concepts are taught and the learning styles of the kids they're teaching.

Brad&ScottsMom · 10-31-2003, 11:53 AM

That's what I thought. Phonics seems like it is easier to learn. To me, it seems like whole word language is kind of a guessing game.

10-31-2003, 11:24 PM

My children (two oldest) were taught with a combination of the two and it worked great that way. To teach just by sight words is

but if you use it with the phonics method I think its a good combo.

HSGretch · 11-01-2003, 11:16 PM

IMHO, phonics is not only better, it is needed! I used to get letters home from Jessies teacher that she was doing great reading, that I should praise her. We sat down to read a book and she COULD NOT READ!!! She had memorized all the word-wall words and knew not one sound! We then had to go and learn phonics. She still struggles a little bit, but can now sound out words!

Brad&ScottsMom · 11-02-2003, 05:46 PM

Thanks, ladies. I think reading is very important and I just want Bradley to have a strong foundation to build on. I think we will start some phonics

s at home.

11-06-2003, 01:17 PM

Misty,
The most effective way to teach reading is with a strong emphasis on phonics. Since we have a very difficult language to master, some whole language skills have to be applied. It will also speed up their ability to read a book if they learn some sight words, like "does, with, my, said" etc. They will, however, be better readers and spellers if they learn with the phonics approach. Hope this

s.
Lizabeth

Brad&ScottsMom · 11-06-2003, 05:40 PM

Thank you. I've been working on phonics at home. Plus, to

him learn words, etc. I set him up with an email addy to send email to our extended family. It's a good way for him to keep in touch without getting writer's cramp with long letters. We send letters and postcards too. I'm trying to incorporate written language in any way I can.