Teaching Phonics in the Primary Years

Teaching phonics in the primary years involves helping children learn how letters and letter combinations relate to sounds. It provides systematic instruction on decoding words, enabling students to recognize patterns, sound out unfamiliar words, and improve reading fluency. This foundational skill supports overall literacy development by strengthening the connection between written symbols and spoken language. Effective phonics teaching balances explicit teaching with engaging activities, fostering confidence and independence in young readers as they develop essential reading skills that underpin comprehension and lifelong learning.