According to research since the National Reading Panel report, which phonics approach is most effective for early readers?

Teaching grapheme-phoneme correspondences is considered the most effective phonics approach for early readers because it systematically connects the written letters (graphemes) to their corresponding sounds (phonemes). This method enables students to decode words, enhancing their ability to read unfamiliar text by applying their knowledge of letter-sound relationships. Research has shown that students who are explicitly taught these connections tend to have better reading outcomes, as they develop the skills needed to sound out words independently.

This approach contrasts with focusing solely on whole language instruction, which emphasizes meaning and context over direct phonics knowledge, potentially leaving gaps in students’ decoding skills. Mastering sight words, although beneficial for fluency, does not equip learners with the tools they need to decode new words they haven't memorized. Practicing writing letters may support fine motor skills and letter recognition, but it does not directly address the phonics skills necessary for effective reading. Overall, teaching grapheme-phoneme correspondences provides a foundational skill set crucial for becoming a proficient reader.