Linguistic phonics builds on children's existing language, developingphonological awareness before introducing children to letters.
Linguistic phonics was developed with advisory speech and languagetherapists for a revised curriculum to start in September 2008, whichdelays the formal teaching of reading and emphasises problem-solving andthinking skills.
Lead researcher Dr Colette Gray from Stranmillis University College inBelfast said the study showed significant gains in children taught usinglinguistic phonics compared with children who were not.
The study evaluated linguistic phonics with 745 children in Year 2 andYear 3 in 12 Belfast schools. The group was split between children whowere taught using linguistic phonics and children in a controlgroup.
Dr Gray said that prior to the introduction of linguistic phonics, therewere no significant differences for Year 2 children from both groups.But when children were tested at the end of Year 2, she said, those inthe linguistic phonics group 'significantly outperformed the controlgroup and made the greatest gains in reading'.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here