There are approximately 44 phonemes in the English language, representing 26 letters, used in some 140 combinations.

The "whole word" or "sight-word" approach to reading instruction works fine for the majority of learners. However, some 20 percent (some estimate go as high as 40%) of present day children suffer from more or less disabling forms of learning difficulties and will end up as illiterates, or at best, poor readers, unless taught by teachers that are trained in and fully understand how to integrate phonics into their reading instruction. Good teachers know that we should be aware of the pieces of sounds that comprise words. This awareness is called phonologic awareness. The people teaching phonics should first check this awareness in students then teach them with instructions in letter, sounds and building them to words.

Not only the teachers but also the parents play a very important role in helping their children to learn how to read accurately. There are many resources available on the internet that place emphasis on phonics. Most of these programs recognize and apply the latest up-to-date techniques and offer playful, entertaining lessons in game form. Most children love to play these games and will learn to become good readers while they are having fun. It is also recommended that you speak often with the child’s teacher and if possible, coordinate the home activities in order to ensure that they supplements what is done at school.

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