Frank Smith

Frank Smith is a well-known linguist and educator recognized for his work in reading and language acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of natural language exposure and meaningful context over rote phonics training, advocating that children learn to read and understand language through immersion and authentic communication. Smith's approach highlights that reading is a process of understanding as well as decoding, fostering a love for learning through engaging and real-world language use. His ideas have influenced teaching methods to focus on comprehension, motivation, and the active use of language rather than just mechanical skills.