Is Phonics Instruction Really the Way to Go?

Phonics has been a normal part of instruction in primary classrooms for years. It has become such a natural part of instruction that few stop to question its effectiveness. However, when one stops and looks at phonics through the eyes of an ELL it makes you wonder if phonics instruction really is the best way to approach reading instruction. In my studies this semester we have talked about the certain limitations of phonics. They include things such as:

• Phonics rules only apply to short words
• There are many words that are exceptions to phonics rules
• It is hard to actually apply those rules outside of the direct phonics instruction
• Most students do not use authentic texts to practice applying phonics

For these reasons, I wonder if it is time that we as classroom teachers begin to consider other options in the mainstream classroom to give students better opportunities to develop their abilities as readers.