REWRITING THE BOOK ON TEACHING KIDS HOW TO READ
The approach is a key recommendation of a review headed by former Ofsted inspections director Jim Rose.
He says phonics - letter sounds - must happen alongside paying attention to speaking and listening.
The government and the Tories back the findings. The Lib Dems say it should be for teachers to decide what is best.
The National Union of Teachers, said it’s members would be bemused because phonics was already a national curriculum requirement for infants.
Shadow schools minister Nick Gibb said synthetic phonics should be happening in every primary school.
“The alternative ‘look and say’ approach has, over two generations, led to poor literacy levels in this country and the associated problems at secondary schools of low levels of attainment and disruptive behaviour,” he said.
Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Sarah Teather said being overly prescriptive approach would not leave any flexibility for teachers to decide what was best for the children in their class.
“Schools should get guidance based on the latest research but the precise mix of methods used in classrooms is a matter for teachers working with individual pupils,” she said.
“Phonics is only one tool to help children learn the English language. The national curriculum neglects communication skills and more needs to be done to address speaking and listening in the early years.”
Many foreign languages are taught through this same method of “synthetic phonics” and is very popular in private tuition classes. At easytuition.co.uk you can find a languages tutor in your area today! Simpy visit our website and register for FREE!
We are also looking for new tutors to advertise their services for FREE on the UK’s largest online database of private tutors. Only at easytuition.co.uk!

