Teaching Phonics in Context

Teaching Phonics in Context debunks the myth that whole language teachers do not teach phonics.

Through classroom vignettes, experienced educators David Hornsby and Lorraine Wilson show precisely how phonics can be used in literacy-rich classrooms.

The authors describe classrooms that shimmer and shine with stories, read-alouds, writing, science, language play, singing, rhyme, poetry, role-play, and laughter.

Samples of student, writing are discussed, illustrating how teachers can help young children become better writers. The author share ideas for reading, interpreting, and enjoying picture books, as well as which specific sound-letter relationships work well when engaging with particular titles. The authors outline innovative ways of working with rhymes, including listening to and identifying rhyming words, identifying individual sounds, and discovering sound-letter patterns.

This book offers a wealth of professional knowledge teachers can use to make informed, independent decisions about teaching phonics in the context of authentic literacy events. Valuable advice also is offered for using these strategies with ELL students.