Teaching Phonics & Word Recognition: The Why
This module is the first part of a five-part series designed to assist all educators and other interested stakeholders in helping students acquire the knowledge and skills to become proficient readers. Specifically, this module explores the research and theoretical frameworks that underpin the critical importance that word recognition plays in the development of students’ ability to comprehend text (est. completion time: 3 hours).
Prerequisites
Completion of The Simple View of Reading comprehensive learning module, or sufficient background knowledge of the Simple View of Reading.
Module Description
This module is the first part of a five-part series on teaching phonics and word recognition. The content of module focuses on the research and theoretical framework behind the Word Recognition component of the Simple View of Reading. After completing this module, we encourage you to enroll in The What of Teaching Phonics & Word Recognition (Part 2) to learn about instructional routines and practices that exemplify explicit and systematic phonics.
In this module, the following topics are discussed in the text, linked resources, embedded audio, and video:
- The connection between phonics instruction and the theoretical frameworks of reading
- The research behind phonics instruction
- Key terms used within phonics
- Effectiveness of phonics instruction
- How sight words fit into phonics
Although this module will likely be most helpful for K-3 educators, educators in all grades and content areas may find this module to be beneficial.
This module aligns with the following recommendations in the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Practice Guide – Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade:
- Recommendation 2: Develop awareness of the segments of sounds in speech and how they link to letters
- Recommendation 3: Teach students to decode words, analyze word parts and write and recognize words
- Recommendation 4: Ensure that each student reads connected text every day to support reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension
Helpful Resources Related to this Module:
Welcome & Navigation
Step-by-step guide to assist you in navigating the professional learning modules.
Ohio Literacy Library
In-depth information about the purpose and key elements of the Ohio Literacy Library.
