Phonics
Last updated
Phonics is instruction that teaches how letters and letter patterns represent the sounds of spoken language, so students can decode and spell words.
Topic: Reading and writing instruction
In plain terms
Strong phonics instruction is explicit and systematic: it follows a planned sequence, from single consonants and short vowels to blends, digraphs, vowel teams and multisyllable words, and gives plenty of practice reading and spelling words with each pattern. Students apply what they learn in decodable text before moving to less controlled reading.
How it shows up in an IEP
Phonics goals are often measured with word lists or nonsense words on a specific pattern: "will read 20 closed and silent-e syllable words with 90% accuracy." The goal should match where the student is in the sequence.
Example
A second grader knows short vowels but not digraphs. Instruction targets sh, ch, th and wh, and weekly probes check reading of 20 words with those patterns.
Related terms
- DecodingDecoding is using knowledge of letter-sound patterns to read a printed word by turning letters into sounds and blending them.
- Phonemic awarenessPhonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify and change the individual sounds, called phonemes, in spoken words.
- Structured literacyStructured literacy is an approach to reading instruction that teaches language systems explicitly and systematically, from sounds to meaning.
- Syllable typesSyllable types are the six common patterns of English syllables, each signaling how the vowel is likely to sound.
- CVC wordsCVC words are three-letter words built from a consonant, a short vowel and a consonant, such as cat, sit and mop.
On IEP Atlas
This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.