how very young learners learn to crack the code of reading mehrdad moloudi islamic azad university,...
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HOW VERY YOUNG LEARNERS LEARN TO CRACK
THE CODE OF READING
Mehrdad MoloudiIslamic Azad University, Karaj Branch
(Iran)
Look
Say
It teaches children to read words as whole units, rather than breaking the word down into individual letters or
groups of letters. Children are repeatedly told the word name while
being shown the printed word, perhaps accompanied by a picture or
within a meaningful context.
The ability to identify print, decode into sounds and
assemble them into words is called Phonics. In other
words, Phonics is the study of letter sounds and not their
names.
ph
o
n
i
c
s
Phonics & Look-and-Say Debate
By the 1930s and 1940s there was a very strong focus on teaching children to read by Look-and-Say. In the 1950s, however, it was fiercely criticized in favor of Phonics Based Instruction. In the early 1980, the Brits shifted back from Phonics to Look-and-Say. At a great loss, they resumed Phonics Instruction in the early 1990s. However, the debate still continues today.
Concurrent Steps Towards Literacy
Reading & Writing non-phonic words
Decoding the letter sounds
Blending sounds into syllables and words
Encoding sounds of the letters
Writing the letters, words, sentences
Reading & Writing fairly accurate and
fluent
Common Mistakes
Mistake #3: Teaching Lessons That Violate Earlier Lessons
Mistake #4: Teaching the Alphabet Per Se
Common Mistakes
Mistake #5: Teaching Upper and Lower Case Letters Separately
Mistake #6: Teaching without Recycling
Common Mistakes
Mistake #7: Decoding without Encoding
Mistake #8: Ignoring Slow and Problem Learners
General Tips for Phonics Teachers
• Model correct pronunciation. • Ensure understanding the letter-
sound relationship.• Monitor each learner’s progress
using a portfolio. • Reinforce using multi sensory
recycling.• Encourage learners.• Use clear and simple instructions.• Create a print-rich environment.• Do not overload.• Involve parents. • Involve Young learners physically.
Drawbacks of Common Phonics Books
• Written for English NS• Non controlled vocabulary• Emphasis on cursive writing• Very challenging stories in terms of
meaning• Contradictions and confusions• Incomplete list of grapheme-phoneme• Limited activities