This article, excerpted from, The Content of Professional Development (November 2000) emphasizes the importance of teaching the Alphabetic Code in the early years.  Sound-symbol understandings are critical for successful reading.  The National Reading Panel reports that the teaching of systematic, synthetic phonics is more effective than other approaches to teaching phonics.  Spelling ability and contextual understanding are both improved with systematic phonics instruction.  It is also pointed out that teachers' knowledge of the English language, their understanding of the relationships between speech and print, and the ability to teach systematic, synthetic phonics without drills and worksheets will make student learning more meaningful and effective.

This article, excerpted from, The Content of Professional Development (November 2000) emphasizes the importance of teaching the Alphabetic Code in the early years.  Sound-symbol understandings are critical for successful reading.  The National Reading Panel reports that the teaching of systematic, synthetic phonics is more effective than other approaches to teaching phonics.  Spelling ability and contextual understanding are both improved with systematic phonics instruction.  It is also pointed out that teachers' knowledge of the English language, their understanding of the relationships between speech and print, and the ability to teach systematic, synthetic phonics without drills and worksheets will make student learning more meaningful and effective. (author/jlkrause)