What are the key components of systematic phonics teaching?

What are the key components of systematic phonics teaching?

Recently, there has been a significant shift in the Australian education system towards an emphasis on phonics-based instruction for teaching reading. Several states, including New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, have already implemented systematic phonics programs in their public schools [1][3][5]. Victoria has also announced that from 2025, all public schools will adopt a phonics-based approach, with a minimum of 25 minutes of daily explicit teaching of phonics and phonemic awareness for students in Prep to Grade 2[5]. This move aligns with the recommendations of the National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (2005), which stated that teachers should provide systematic, direct, and explicit phonics instruction to help children master the essential alphabetic code-breaking skills required for foundational reading proficiency [1][2]. The federal government has also taken steps to support this transition, such as giving universities two years to overhaul teacher training degrees to embed effective reading and writing instruction [4].

So, what is ‘Phonics’?

Phonics is a method of teaching reading and writing that focuses on the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or groups of letters. It is based on the understanding that words are made up of sounds (phonemes) and that these sounds can be mapped onto letters (graphemes) in a systematic way. For teachers, phonics is a crucial tool for helping young learners decode words, improve reading fluency, and develop spelling skills. It moves from simple sound-letter relationships to more complex patterns, enabling students to sound out unfamiliar words and build a strong foundation for literacy.

Effective phonics instruction goes beyond rote learning of sounds and letters; it engages students in recognising patterns, blending sounds to form words, and applying these skills in reading and writing activities. Phonics can be especially beneficial for students who struggle with reading, as it offers a structured and logical approach to mastering the complexities of the English language. For teachers, incorporating phonics into daily lessons provides a clear and measurable way to track reading progress and foster confidence in early literacy skills.

By making phonics fun and interactive—through games, songs, and activities—teachers can ensure that students remain engaged and motivated as they develop these essential skills.

The implementation of a phonics-based curriculum in Australian schools offers numerous benefits that significantly enhance students’ literacy development.

Improved reading skills

One of the primary advantages of using a phonics-based approach is the improvement in reading skills. Phonics instruction helps children understand the relationship between letters and sounds, enabling them to decode new words efficiently. Research has shown that explicit phonics instruction leads to better reading fluency and comprehension, which are essential for academic success across various subjects [1][2].

Enhanced spelling and writing abilities

Phonics education not only aids in reading but also enhances spelling and writing skills. By learning to break down words into their individual sounds, students become more proficient in constructing and deconstructing words, leading to improved spelling accuracy and writing capabilities. This foundational skill set is crucial as students’ progress through their education [1][2].

Boosted confidence and motivation

Mastering phonics can significantly boost a child’s confidence in their reading abilities. As students become more proficient readers, their motivation to explore books and engage with reading materials increases, fostering a lifelong love for learning. This positive reinforcement is vital for encouraging ongoing literacy development [1][2].

Stronger cognitive development

Engaging with phonics activities stimulates cognitive development. Children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they navigate the rules and patterns of language. This cognitive engagement not only supports literacy but also enhances overall intellectual growth, contributing to better academic performance in other subjects [1][2][3].

Support for diverse learners

Phonics-based instruction has proven effective for students facing additional barriers to literacy, including those with learning difficulties or from non-English speaking backgrounds. Research indicates that phonics interventions can dramatically improve literacy skills for these students, making it an inclusive approach that caters to diverse learning needs [2][3][4].

Lifelong learning skills

Phonics education equips children with essential skills for lifelong learning. By mastering the alphabetic principle and developing decoding skills, students are better prepared to tackle complex texts and information throughout their educational journey and beyond. This foundational literacy skill set is crucial for future academic and professional success [1][2].

The shift towards a phonics-based curriculum in Australian schools is supported by strong empirical evidence highlighting its effectiveness in developing reading, spelling, and writing skills. The benefits extend beyond immediate literacy improvements, fostering confidence, cognitive development, and inclusivity among diverse learners. As educators implement these strategies, they lay a solid foundation for students’ future academic success and a lifelong love for reading.

Effectiveness of teaching phonics

South Australian Phonics Screening Check Results

South Australia implemented systematic phonics programs in public schools in 2018 and has seen significant improvements since then:

• In 2018, 43% of Year 1 students met the expected achievement in the phonics screening check.
• By 2022, this increased to 68% of Year 1 students meeting the expected achievement.
• This represents a 25 percentage point improvement over 4 years.

Flagstaff Hill Primary School case study

Flagstaff Hill Primary School in Adelaide provides a specific example of rapid improvement:

• In 2022, 71% of Year 1 students met the expected achievement in the phonics check.
• In 2023, this jumped to 95% of students meeting the expected achievement.
• This represents a 24 percentage point improvement in just one year.

Phonics has consistently been shown to be an effective method for teaching reading, especially in early education, and there are several statistics that highlight its advantages over other methods:

1. The Rose Report (2006) in the UK found that systematic phonics is the most effective approach for teaching young children to read. It emphasised that phonics should be taught explicitly and systematically to help children decode words more efficiently.

2. Research from the National Reading Panel (US) reported that children taught using systematic phonics instruction performed significantly better in reading accuracy and comprehension compared to those taught through non-phonics-based methods. Specifically, phonics instruction improved word reading skills by 14% and reading comprehension by 11%.

3. A 2015 study by the Education Endowment Foundation found that students who were taught phonics had an advantage equivalent to about four months of additional progress in reading compared to students not taught phonics, demonstrating that it accelerates literacy development.

4. The UK’s Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, introduced in 2012, shows year-on-year improvements in phonics proficiency. In 2022, 87% of students in Year 1 met the expected standard, reflecting the impact of a consistent phonics approach in early reading development.

5. The Australian Government’s Literacy and Numeracy Fact Sheet (2016) also supports the effectiveness of phonics, stating that systematic synthetic phonics instruction is essential for the development of foundational literacy skills, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who often struggle with reading.

These statistics consistently demonstrate that phonics provides a structured, research-backed approach to teaching reading, leading to higher reading success rates, improved comprehension, and long-term literacy benefits.

Systematic phonics teaching is a structured approach to reading instruction that emphasises the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters (graphemes). This method is essential for developing foundational reading skills, particularly for young learners and those with reading difficulties. Below are the key components of systematic phonics teaching that educators in Australia should consider when implementing this instructional strategy.

Key components of systematic phonics teaching

1. Explicit instruction

Explicit instruction is a core component of systematic phonics teaching. This involves clearly teaching students the relationships between sounds and letters in a direct and structured manner. Educators should start with the simplest sounds and gradually introduce more complex phonetic concepts. This step-by-step approach helps students build their understanding incrementally, aiding in both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) skills [1][2].

2. Sequential progression

Systematic phonics instruction follows a logical sequence that begins with basic phonics elements and progresses to more complex structures. This sequence typically starts with the most common sounds and letters, allowing students to form simple words early in their learning process. For example, students might first learn the sounds associated with the letter’s ‘s’, ‘a’, ‘t’, and ‘p’, enabling them to read basic words like “sat” and “pat” before moving on to more complex phonemes and graphemes [3][4].

3. Grapheme-phoneme correspondence

Understanding the relationship between graphemes and phonemes is critical in systematic phonics instruction. Students learn that letters and letter combinations represent specific sounds in spoken language. This knowledge allows them to decode unfamiliar words by applying their understanding of sound-letter relationships. For instance, knowing that the letter ‘c’ can represent the sounds /k/ or /s/ depending on the letters that follow it, is an important aspect of phonics instruction [1][4].

4. Decodable texts

Using decodable texts is an effective strategy in systematic phonics teaching. These texts are specifically designed to include words that students can decode based on their phonics knowledge. By reading these texts, students gain confidence in their ability to apply their phonics skills in a meaningful context. Decodable readers reinforce the sound-letter relationships taught in lessons and help students practice their decoding skills in a supportive environment [3][4].

5. Integration of spelling and reading

Systematic phonics instruction not only focuses on reading but also integrates spelling. As students learn to decode words, they simultaneously learn to encode them. This dual focus helps reinforce their understanding of phonics and supports their overall literacy development. Spelling activities can include writing words that correspond to the sounds they have learned, further solidifying their phonetic knowledge [2][4].

6. Multiple exposures and practice

To ensure mastery of phonics skills, students need multiple exposures to graphemes and phonemes through various activities and contexts. Regular practice helps solidify their understanding and retention of sound-letter relationships. Educators can incorporate games, interactive activities, and repeated reading of decodable texts to provide students with the necessary practice to develop fluency [5].

7. Assessment and progress monitoring

Regular assessment and progress monitoring are vital components of systematic phonics instruction. Teachers should evaluate students’ phonics knowledge and decoding skills frequently to identify areas of strength and weakness. This data can inform instruction and help tailor lessons to meet the individual needs of students, ensuring that all learners receive the support they require to succeed in reading [1][5].

8. Building phonemic awareness

Phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words, is foundational to systematic phonics teaching. Activities that develop phonemic awareness, such as rhyming, segmenting, and blending sounds, should be integrated into phonics instruction. This foundational skill supports students’ ability to decode and encode words effectively [4][5].

9. Engagement and motivation

Keeping students engaged and motivated is crucial for effective phonics instruction. Incorporating fun and interactive activities, such as phonics games and songs, can enhance student interest and participation. Creating a positive learning environment where students feel confident and excited about reading will foster a love for literacy and encourage ongoing practice [4][5].

10. Professional Development for Educators

To effectively implement systematic phonics teaching, educators should engage in ongoing professional development. This training can provide teachers with the latest research-based strategies, resources, and tools to enhance their phonics instruction. Understanding the principles of systematic phonics and how to apply them in the classroom will empower teachers to support their students’ literacy development effectively [2][3].

What is the ‘Alphabetic Principle’?

The alphabetic principle involves:

• Connecting letters with their sounds to read and write [3]
• Understanding that letters and letter patterns represent the sounds of spoken language [2]
• Realising that phonemes are represented by graphemes [5]

This principle does not typically develop naturally in children and requires explicit instruction [5]. Once acquired, children can focus on the specific relationships between graphemes and phonemes and apply this knowledge to reading and spelling words [5].

Systematic phonics instruction

Systematic phonics instruction teaches children the alphabetic principle in a planned, sequential manner [2].

It follows these key principles:

• Introduces single letter-sounds first, progressing to more complex digraphs and trigraphs [1]
• Begins with a small set of letters that can be combined into simple words to facilitate blending and segmenting [1]
• Introduces letters at a rate of 3-6 per week, teaching cumulatively [1]
• Teaches high-frequency letters first [1]
• Separates the teaching of visually and auditorily similar letters [1]

This explicit, systematic approach is particularly effective for children at risk of reading difficulties [2]. By directly teaching the relationships between letters and sounds, children acquire the alphabetic principle and the skills to decode unfamiliar words.

In summary, the alphabetic principle is the fundamental insight that letters represent speech sounds. Systematic phonics instruction builds upon this principle, explicitly teaching the letter-sound relationships in a logical sequence. This approach provides children with the tools to apply the alphabetic principle to reading and spelling, laying the foundation for literacy success.