By Mikayla Peters and Michael Fannin
May 10, 2023
The debate between phonics and whole language instruction has been ongoing for years, with educators, researchers, and parents weighing in on which method is most effective for teaching reading skills to emerging readers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two approaches, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and examine how multisensory strategies can be used in both types of instruction to enhance learning.
Phonics Instruction
Phonics instruction focuses on teaching the relationship between letters and their corresponding sounds. This method encourages students to decode words by breaking them down into individual sounds, which are then blended together to form the word. Phonics is a structured, systematic approach that has been shown to be particularly effective for students who are just beginning to learn how to read.
Multisensory Strategies in Phonics Instruction
Using multisensory strategies in phonics instruction can help students better understand and retain the relationship between letters and sounds. Here are some examples of how to incorporate taste, touch, sight, sound, scent, and movement into phonics lessons:
Taste: Use alphabet-shaped snacks to reinforce letter-sound correspondence (e.g., alphabet soup, letter cookies).
Touch: Create tactile letter cards with sandpaper or have students mold letters out of play-dough.
Sight: Use flashcards, letter hunt games, and phonics videos to visually reinforce letter sounds.
Sound: Teach phonics songs, sound sorting activities, and echo games to reinforce auditory learning.
Scent: Utilize scented markers, aromatic play-dough, and scented stickers to create sensory connections with letter sounds.
Movement: Incorporate letter hopscotch, phonics relay races, and letter yoga to engage students in kinesthetic learning.
Whole Language Instruction
Whole language instruction is based on the belief that reading is a natural process, similar to how children learn to speak. This approach emphasizes the importance of context and meaning, encouraging students to read for understanding rather than focusing solely on decoding words. Whole language instruction incorporates various aspects of literacy, such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking, into a comprehensive learning experience.
Multisensory Strategies in Whole Language Instruction
Multisensory strategies can also be effectively employed in whole language instruction to create a more engaging and interactive learning environment. Here are some examples:
Taste: Use story-themed snacks or meals to create connections between the text and the students' sensory experiences.
Touch: Encourage students to create tactile storyboards or illustrations to represent the stories they read.
Sight: Use visual aids, such as pictures, videos, and graphic organizers, to support comprehension and vocabulary development.
Sound: Incorporate read-alouds, audiobooks, and discussions to foster listening and speaking skills.
Scent: Use scented candles or essential oils to create a calming and focused atmosphere during reading time.
Movement: Act out scenes from stories, participate in reader's theater, or create physical representations of story elements to engage in kinesthetic learning.
Which is Better?
The ongoing debate between phonics and whole language instruction often boils down to a matter of personal preference and individual learning needs. Research has shown that phonics instruction is highly effective for teaching foundational reading skills, particularly to emerging readers and struggling readers. However, the whole language approach offers a more holistic view of literacy, emphasizing the importance of context and meaning.
Ultimately, the most effective approach for teaching reading may be a balanced combination of both phonics and whole language instruction. This balanced approach allows students to develop strong decoding skills while also fostering a love for reading and an understanding of the meaning behind the text.
By incorporating multisensory strategies into both phonics and whole language instruction, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of your students. Regardless of the instructional method you choose, multisensory approaches can help make reading an enjoyable and accessible experience for all learners.