Reading Wars

Until now I did not realize how big of a debate there was between children learning phonics and whole language. I think that all children learn differently and one approach such as phonics might work better for one child but not for another. However, as a child I grew up learning phonics. I remember sounding out different letters and blends such as th, ch, and sh. If I notice a student that is struggling reading, because he is stuck on a word, I tel him or her to try and sound out the word. I feel that almost always the student will be able to figure out the word.

I believe that we naturally create sight words. There are just some words that people have trouble spelling because the word is not spelled the way it sounds. Just memorizing how to spell the word is easy for myself then trying to remember an exception. Once I spell the word over and over again I don't have trouble again.

I think that symbols impact literacy learning. There are symbols and letters everywhere. Especially for toddlers, learning symbols and letters are important early learning skills. It is important for young children to know different symbols and their meanings.