A Case for Phonics

Many years ago, I became a literacy volunteer. I was trained to become a literacy volunteer through LVMPC, Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia and Preston Counties; they are located in West Virginia.

We were taught to work with students, based on their interests, a big plus. We would get books, reading materials based on the student's interest. We would help them to read unfamiliar words, along with the words they already knew. Phonics was not really part of their protocol. I did see some progress, but not a lot.

I worked with various students over a course of around six years. The students didn't seem as interested in long term learning. Some of the students were referred by other types of agencies.

Eventually, I decided to go out on my own. I got various referrals about adults, that wanted one on one literacy tutoring, that did not come through an agency.

Right off, the lessons proceeded differently. These students had more questions.

One student in particular, past her intake quiz with flying colors. I told her that she was reading fine, and did not need additional lessons. She then explained that she knew lots of words, and was only good at reading words that she recognized. She had an amazing sight vocabulary for reading. She however didn't have any tools for figuring out a 'new' word. She asked to receive lessons. I realized, I needed a different approach.

I started incorporating phonics into the lesson plans. Some students started asking, when does this rule apply and when does that rule apply.

I started making worksheets and purchasing worksheets to help reinforce what I was teaching them, to work on throughout the week in between the lessons.

The students started learning and applying what they were learning. They stuck with it. One student commented that one of her grandkids told her she was talking differently. She had learned knew words to communicate with as well as was able to read more words.

I worked with four of my students for a number of years, and they all improved greatly. When it was coming to an end, I started writing down what I had been teaching them, which became The Phonics Guide: A Guide to Reading and Spelling Patterns.

It is an alphabetical listing of many common spelling patterns, so that students and even teachers and tutors, can easily look up a common spelling pattern, and get guidance on the pronunciation of that spelling pattern. The book can be purchased on Amazon.

The photo is by the author.

The Phonics Guide: A Guide to Reading and Spelling Patterns, Check price.

Literacy Volunteers may have new and different protocols now, this article is based on the experiences that I had over fifteen years ago. If you have new information on their current protocal, you are welcome to share.

Cheryl Paton