What is Phonics?

Lesaux and Carr (2024, p.3) define phonics as, “an instructional method that involves systematically matching sounds with the letters that represent the sounds.” While some readers are able to gain phonics understandings and expertise from being immersed in a variety of meaningful and interesting texts, songs, and rhymes (and the accompanying text-based conversations and teaching that go along with it), other readers need more systematic phonics instruction. While many schools have adopted remedial phonics programs for use with ALL students, not just those who need extra practice, we urge our colleagues to be mindful; knowing your readers is essential to avoid wasting instructional time on skills and competencies students already excel at. We hope the resources shared by teachers in this section can be used for engaging and meaningful phonics practice in the classroom for those students who need it.