Whole Language vs Phonics in Learning to Read

Abstract: A 9 page research paper comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the whole language and phonics approaches to teaching children how to read. Whole language is the approach whereby children experience the joy of entering the 'grown up' world of writing words that convey a meaning or tell a story; phonics is the old-school rules list complete with spelling rules, punctuation rules and spelling lists. It is also the method which produces the highest levels of achievement. Each method has its proponents, but nearly all will consider only pure programs without the benefit of a combined approach. One such combination approach is that of the Montessori method of early childhood education. Bibliography lists 12+ sources.

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Catagory: General

Subcatagory: Communications, Media, Theory, Etc

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