Using Phonics for ESL Students? Here's how...

Overview of this blog:

The two most common methods of teaching reading in Australia and New Zealand are synthetic phonics and whole language. Synthetic phonics emphasises the systematic teaching of letter sounds (phonemes) and how to blend them to decode words, making it particularly effective for developing foundational reading skills. In contrast, the whole language approach focuses on understanding meaning and context, encouraging children to engage with texts as whole units. Both methods aim to foster reading skills but cater to different learning styles, highlighting the importance of choosing the right approach for each child's needs.

 

Table of Contents

1. The 2 Most Common Methods of Teaching Reading

A brief overview of synthetic phonics and whole language approaches

2. Method #1 - The Synthetic Phonics Approach

Key principles of the synthetic phonics approach

3. Method #2 - The Whole Language Approach

Key principles of the whole language approach

4. How do these Methods of Teaching Reading Differ?

Table: Comparing Synthetic Phonics vs Whole Language

5. Which is the Right Teaching Method for My Child?

Considerations for selecting the right method of reading instruction

 

1. The 2 Most Common Methods of Teaching Reading

The two most common methods of teaching reading to children in Australia and New Zealand are synthetic phonics and whole language. These approaches cater to different learning styles and emphasise various aspects of reading development. Understanding these methods can help parents and educators choose the best strategies for their children.

A brief overview of synthetic phonics and whole language approaches:

• Synthetic phonics focuses on teaching children the sounds of letters (phonemes) and how to blend these sounds together to read words. This method is systematic and explicit, making it easier for children to decode unfamiliar words.
• Whole language emphasises understanding and meaning, encouraging children to recognise words as whole units through context and repeated exposure. This approach often relies on children's natural curiosity about language.

Both methods aim to develop reading skills but approach this goal in different ways, catering to diverse learning styles among children.

 

2. Method #1 - The Synthetic Phonics Approach

Synthetic phonics is a structured approach that teaches the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes). This method is systematic and explicit, helping children understand how to decode words effectively. It is based on the idea that by mastering the sounds of letters and how to blend them, children can learn to read any word they encounter. By having. foundational knowledge of letter-sound relationships, they are able to break down or build words together by recognising the smaller blocks of sounds within a word.

This approach has gained popularity in many educational systems, including those in Australia and New Zealand, due to its effectiveness in developing foundational reading skills. In fact, the Victorian State Government has recently announced that they will be mandating systematic synthetic phonics instruction in the form of their Phonics Plus Literacy Program, being introduced in 2025. 

The systematic nature of synthetic phonics allows for clear progression in learning. Children start with individual letter sounds and gradually move to blending sounds into words, and ultimately using these skills to tackle more complex words. This step-by-step approach not only builds confidence but also equips children with essential tools for reading success.

Key principles of synthetic phonics include:

• Children learn individual sounds first, such as the sound of the letter "s," "a," or "t."
• They then blend these sounds together to form words. For example, they might learn to blend "s," "a," and "t" to read "sat."
• This method emphasises decoding, allowing children to read unfamiliar words by breaking them down into their component sounds.
• Instruction often includes practice with decodable readers—texts specifically designed to reinforce phonics knowledge in a structured manner—helping students gain confidence in their reading abilities.
• Research shows that synthetic phonics is effective for all learners, especially those who struggle with reading, as it provides clear strategies for word recognition and spelling.

By focusing on the building blocks of reading, synthetic phonics equips children with essential skills that can lead to greater confidence and proficiency in literacy.

 

3. Method #2 - The Whole Language Approach

The whole language approach encourages immersion in literature and emphasises understanding meaning over mechanical decoding. Whole language advocates believe that when children are surrounded by rich texts and engaging stories, they naturally develop reading skills through context and experience. This philosophy aligns with a more holistic view of literacy, where comprehension and enjoyment are prioritised alongside technical skills.

In this approach, children are encouraged to explore language in a way that feels organic and meaningful. They engage with texts that interest them, fostering a love for reading while developing critical thinking skills. 

Key principles of whole language include:

• Children are encouraged to engage with rich texts, fostering a love for reading through stories, poems, and other literature.
• They learn to use context clues and illustrations to infer meanings rather than relying solely on phonetic decoding.
• Whole language often involves memorising sight words—common words that children learn to recognise without sounding them out.
• Instruction may include group discussions about books, storytelling activities, and writing exercises that connect reading with personal experiences.
• Critics argue that this method can lead to gaps in phonetic understanding, making it less effective for some learners compared to systematic synthetic phonics.

This approach aims to develop a holistic understanding of language, allowing children to see reading as a valuable skill connected to communication and expression.

 

4. How do these Methods of Teaching Reading Differ?

We've put a table together to compare each method of teaching reading side-by-side. Here's our breakdown of the synthetic phonics approach vs the whole language approach:

Table: Comparing Synthetic Phonics vs Whole Language:

Aspect of Teaching	Synthetic Phonics	Whole Language
Approach	Focuses on teaching phonemes (letter sounds) systematically before blending them to form words.	Focuses on meaning and context; teaches reading through exposure to whole words and sentences.
Emphasis	Letter-sound relationships and decoding skills.	Understanding and comprehension of whole texts.
Instruction	Explicit and systematic.	Implicit and integrated with other literacy activities.
Focus in Early Stages	Learning to decode words by blending sounds.	Recognising words through sight and guessing from context.
Reading Materials	Decodable books that match the phonics level being taught.	Authentic texts like stories, poems, and articles.
Pace of Learning	Gradual and systematic progression of phonics skills.	Faster introduction to full texts, with less focus on specific skills.
Teacher's Role	Instructor-led, with explicit teaching of sound patterns.	Facilitator of reading experiences, focusing on discussion and comprehension.
Suitability	Effective for all learners, especially those who need structure and explicit teaching.	May be more effective for students who naturally grasp reading through exposure.
Criticism	May prioritise decoding over comprehension in early stages.	Lacks structure and may disadvantage struggling readers who need explicit instruction.

 

 

5. Which is the Right Teaching Method for My Child?

Whilst both methods of teaching reading can be effective, a holistic approach that includes aspects of each has proven to be most effective. The structured approach to synthetic phonics caters to a broader range of students and provides a helpful guide for parents and teachers alike. This allows educators to keep track of each child's reading development stage. Further, ensuring children learn how to decode words and the meaning behind them is crucial. Encouraging individual or group-based comprehension is fundamental to children gaining a deeper understanding of what they are reading. Ultimately, this helps improve reading outcomes such as fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and confidence.

Considerations for selecting the right method of reading instruction:

• Learning Style: Assess your child's learning preferences; some may thrive with the structured approach of synthetic phonics, while others may benefit from the contextual immersion of whole language.
• Comprehension Skills: Ensure that the chosen method emphasises not only decoding skills but also comprehension, as understanding the meaning behind words is crucial for overall literacy.
• Support for Struggling Readers: Consider whether your child may need more explicit instruction; synthetic phonics has been shown to be particularly effective for those who struggle with reading, or have learning difficulties.
• Integration of Techniques: Explore a hybrid approach that combines elements of both methods, allowing children to decode words while also developing a deeper understanding of texts.
• Parental Involvement: Choose a method that allows for easy parental support at home, enabling parents to reinforce what is being taught in school.

 

— Happy Reading!

 

Want to learn more about Phonics or Decodable Readers?

Check out some of latest Blog Articles here:

Using Phonics for ESL Students? Here's how...

Parents Guide to Decodable Readers (Made Easy)

Phonics Plus in Victoria: What You Need to Know