Why Phonics Instruction Matters: The Evidence

• Word Decoding: Phonics equips children with the skills to independently decode unfamiliar words¹. For example, when encountering the word "cat," children who have learned phonics can break it down into the phonemes /k/, /a/, and /t/, and then blend them together to correctly pronounce and understand the word.
• Spelling Proficiency: Phonics not only enhances reading abilities but also improves spelling skills². For instance, children who have mastered phonics understand that the word the letters R-A-I-N say “rain” because they can associate each grapheme with its corresponding sound. They will know “ai” is one way to make the long a sound, particularly when the long a sound is in the middle of a word.
• Fluency and Comprehension: Proficiency in phonics leads to fluency in reading. As children become adept at decoding words, they can read with greater speed and accuracy³, allowing them to focus on understanding the text's meaning⁴. This comprehension is crucial for overall literacy development. For example, a child proficient in phonics can read a passage about dinosaurs and comprehend the information about different species and their habitats.
• Vocabulary Expansion: Phonics enables children to decode and understand new words, thus expanding their vocabulary. For instance, when encountering the word "magnetic," children who are familiar with phonics can break it down into phonemes and connect the sounds to their corresponding letters to understand its meaning.
• Independent Reading Skills: Phonics empowers children to become independent readers⁵. Armed with phonics knowledge, they can decipher words on their own, boosting their confidence and igniting a passion for reading. For example, a child who has mastered phonics can pick up a book and read sentences independently, without relying on constant guidance.