EDG4376 Reflection #13

A balanced approach to literacy instruction integrates phonics and whole language approaches. Basically, educators attempt to make literacy development as natural as possible while teaching the essential components of phonemic awareness. These two philosophies are very different from one another, but combining them may be the best way to teach young children how to read and write. For instance, it is imperative to inspire children to want to read and create curiosity and motivation, and the whole language approach is considered to be more authentic and capable of achieving this. To advocates of the whole language approach, reading should come as a natural process in which children will come to appreciate and even foster a love for literature. On the other hand, it is also important to teach children proper grammar, vocabulary, and spelling-sound relationships. Phonics instruction focuses on the “rules” of literacy development so children can become skilled in sounding out unfamiliar words while reading or writing. However, because the English language is extremely complex and full of exceptions to the rules, phonemic awareness in itself cannot be the only method used in teaching literacy. There has been a great deal of controversy as to which approach is more effective, and as a result of the reading wars, most educators today describe their literacy curriculums as balanced. However, what does a “balanced approach to literacy instruction” really mean? Realistically, there are still many problems in effectively teaching reading and writing to children in classrooms across America. Educators are still unsure as to how to balance phonics and whole language instruction, and they also disagree among themselves concerning how to approach accomplishing this task. Personally, I think the most effective elements from both of these philosophies should be the main factors used in teaching literacy. For example, since the decodable text method used in phonics instruction has proved to be successful, then it should definitely be used on a regular basis. But more importantly, I think educators should focus on coming to a general consensus as to figuring out the best way to teach children how to read and write. If we can all agree on what the most effective methods are and put them into practice, then maybe children will have a better chance in becoming proficient in literacy at an early age.