What support do teachers need to teach phonics effectively?
The review made it clear that the purpose of phonic work was to enable children to learn to read and write independently, and that it should aim to ensure that they gained the necessary knowledge and skills efficiently and quickly. Effective training was characterised by: • clear principles which underpinned the content, sequence and pace of phonic work • straightforward, well structured presentation of the phonic knowledge, skills and understanding children need to learn • understanding of the relationship between phonic work and comprehension • guidance on how to teach irregular words • guidance on regular assessment of phonic knowledge, skills and understanding and using the information gained to improve teaching and learning • stressing the need for teachers to pay attention to children’s speaking and listening skills, including during phonic work itself • multisensory approaches. The best training also highlighted the importance of effective classroom practice being supported by s
