With my experience of nearly 44 years at Educational Resource Associates, I have witnessed the transformational power of intensive systematic phonics instruction. When this proven approach is implemented, it has helped children and adults experience significant reading improvements. In fact, every individual who has attended my clinic has successfully learned to read. There are no exceptions.
Despite what some parents or educators may believe, many struggling readers have not received the right kind of phonics instruction. Often, when people say “phonics didn’t work,” they are referring to analytical phonics. Analytical phonics is an approach that combines rule memorization with sight-reading. This approach often overwhelms students because it requires them to learn abstract rules before they’re even taught to decode words phonetically. In addition, students are given books filled with vocabulary well beyond their current reading level.
This mismatch between instruction and ability leads to students being confused, frustrated, and a lack of progress in their reading journey. The instruction is often out of sequence so students have yet to master letter-sound recognition. It’s not a surprise that these readers struggle because of the simple procedures that do not work.
Systematic phonics instruction works because it starts with isolated sounds and builds gradually. It’s consistent, sequential, and most importantly effective for the student. When students are given controlled vocabulary and repeated opportunities to practice, they begin to read fluently and confidently. Repetition, structure, and simplicity are key to success at a faster rate.
Even medical research supports this approach of systematic phonics. At our clinic, we often observe sudden and remarkable improvements in students once focused phonics instruction begins. Students’ brains are absorbing and processing information with newfound ease. These changes align with the “focused instruction” findings from the Carnegie Mellon Center for Cognitive Brain Imaging. Researchers using MRIs discovered that targeted phonics instruction stimulates the brain’s parietotemporal region which is responsible for decoding the sounds of written language. The increased blood flow and neural activity during focused reading exercises confirm that intensive phonics programs enhance brain function and support long-term reading success.
For parents looking to choose an effective reading strategy, I recommend the following:
- Choose a systematic phonics program that begins with isolated sound instruction.
- Ensure the program is delivered in a carefully sequenced and structured way.
- Look for intensive phonics instruction that offers plenty of repetition and guided practice.
If your child is struggling to read, know that success is possible with the right method. Phonics-based reading programs, when applied systematically and intensively, can unlock a lifetime of literacy and confidence for your student.
