Who Needs Phonics Instruction?

Only students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties need systematic phonics instruction. Students who do not make adequate progress in reading will need additional phonics instruction or targeted intervention that continues into upper grade levels where it is not commonly a part of the core reading instruction.

Is phonics instruction necessary?

Effective phonics instruction is important because letter-sound knowledge is the foundation needed to build up reading and writing abilities. The phonics screening check will indicate whether children have gained the necessary skills.

Who is phonics instruction appropriate for?

Phonics instruction is most effective when it begins in kindergarten or first grade. To be effective with young learners, systematic instruction must be designed appropriately and taught carefully. It should include teaching letter shapes and names, phonemic awareness, and all major letter-sound relationships.