7 of 23

Whole

Write now Article Tools

Phonics alphabets are a waste of time. Sure, they are meant to be logical and consistent, but, they are not standard written language. Books are not written in phonics alphabets. You will still have to learn the correct pronunciation of words. The conventions of the English language are what takes time to learn. This can only be achieved by constant practice. Having to learn in an artificial system of spelling can add to the confusion of an already confusing subject.

This is not to say that there is no place for phonics in the study of English. There is a standard phonics alphabet that is used extensively to indicate pronunciation in the dictionary. All those schwa e's upside down a's and strange symbols need to be taught along with standard English so that students can learn how to use a dictionary. Still, the focus should be on the use of whole language, as this gives the student practical experience with the language as it is written in books.

The best and perhaps only way to teach children to read is to read aloud with them and correct their pronunciation as they go along. This teaches new words at a fast pace and provides an interesting incentive to the student to learn how to read on their own. Reading long passages of phonetic spellings is a very confusing thing to do and does not acquaint the student with the real spellings of words in standard English. Phonics has its place in reading, but should not take precedence over the use of whole language in learning to read.

Learn more about this author, William Remski.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Which is a better way to teach children to read: Whole language or phonics??
We want to hear your view. Write now!