Articles

Inspire a love of learning through phonics.

Whether you’re a teacher, family member, tutor, or childcare professional, you can have a positive impact on a child’s life. One of the most extraordinary gifts a child ever receives is the ability to read and write.

Although literacy doesn’t come naturally to humans, it’s an essential part of our everyday lives. Explicit, effective, and encouraging phonics instruction is vital to creating a more literate world.  Explore the trusted resources, articles, and reviews from phonics.org to instill a love of learning in someone you care about.

Phonics Resources for All

Phonics and executive function are closely linked—skills like memory and focus shape how children learn to read.

Phonics and Executive Function

Here’s something that might surprise you: when your child sits down to sound out...

When it comes to learning to read, systematic vs. incidental phonics isn’t just a debate—studies consistently show systematic phonics leads to better outcomes. Here's what parents need to know to choose the right approach for their child.

Systematic vs. Incidental Phonics: Which Approach Gets Kids Reading Faster?

When it comes to teaching children how to read, not all approaches are created...

Master 30+ essential phonics terms and methods every parent needs to understand.

Essential Phonics Terms Every Parent Should Know

When you start helping your child with reading, you’ll quickly encounter terms that might...

Get answers to 25+ Phonics FAQs. Learn when kids should start phonics, how to help at home, and what to do if your child struggles with reading.

Phonics FAQs: Let’s Support Young Readers

As a parent, you probably have questions about phonics and how to support your...

Learn evidence-based solutions to avoid these pitfalls and ensure effective literacy instruction.

Common Phonics Teaching Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Sarah thought she was doing everything right. She bought colorful phonics workbooks, downloaded popular...

Explore how the Trump administration's focus on evidence-based reading instruction could transform schools.

Federal Focus on Evidence-Based Reading: What This Means for Your Child’s Education

In a historic shift that could transform how millions of American children learn to...

Discover specialized approaches, visual techniques, and multisensory methods that support deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.

Teaching Phonics to Children with Hearing Impairments

When five-year-old Maya first entered kindergarten with her hearing aids, her teacher wondered how...

Discover why decodable texts outperform leveled readers for early phonics instruction.

Decodable Texts vs. Leveled Readers: Making the Right Choice for Your Child

Did you know that the books your child reads during their early learning years...

Learn how to implement effective measurement strategies, interpret results, and use data to guide instruction for struggling and advancing readers.

Phonics Assessment Tools: How to Measure Reading Progress Effectively

The journey to reading proficiency isn’t linear—it’s filled with plateaus, leaps forward, and occasional...

These teacher-approved activities boost letter-sound recognition, blending skills, and reading fluency while keeping students engaged and excited about phonics.

Phonics Games for the Classroom: 10 Teacher-Approved Activities

Learning to read shouldn’t feel like a chore. When children associate reading with enjoyment,...

Reading.com App Review

Reading.com App Review

A Unique, Research-Based Approach to Teaching Children to Read At phonics.org, we evaluate phonics programs designed for children—empowering you to make informed decisions about the most suitable apps for your…

Phonics Museum App Review

Phonics Museum App Review

A Classical Approach to Phonics in a Magical Museum Setting Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org…

Planet Lettra App Review

Planet Lettra App Review

An Imaginative Word-Building Playground That Captivates Young Minds Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org to make…

Lexia Core5 Reading App Review

Lexia Core5 Reading App Review

A Research-Backed Powerhouse for Elementary Reading Instruction Are you curious about how other literacy apps measure up? Check out the other detailed literacy app reviews on phonics.org to make informed…

Phonics on a Budget: Free and Low-Cost Resources

Phonics on a Budget: Free and Low-Cost Resources

You want to give your child the best start in reading, but phonics programs can cost hundreds of dollars. The good news? Some of the most effective phonics support doesn’t…

Back to School: Preschool Book Ideas

Back to School: Preschool Book Ideas

Starting preschool is a huge milestone for your little one! One day, they’re home with you, and the next, they’re walking into a classroom full of new friends and adventures.…

Kindergarten Phonics Skills: What’s Expected?

Kindergarten Phonics Skills: What’s Expected?

Your five-year-old just started kindergarten, and suddenly everyone is talking about phonics. You might be wondering what exactly your child should be learning this year. Don’t worry, kindergarten phonics is…

Building Phonics Skills Through Cooking, Crafts, and Daily Activities

Building Phonics Skills Through Cooking, Crafts, and Daily Activities

Have you ever noticed how children can recite entire commercial jingles after hearing them just a few times, yet struggle to remember letter sounds during formal reading lessons? That’s because…

Audiobooks and Phonics: Friend or Foe for Developing Readers?

Audiobooks and Phonics: Friend or Foe for Developing Readers?

Your five-year-old sits captivated, listening to a beautifully narrated story about dragons and brave knights. They’re absorbing complex vocabulary, following intricate plots, and developing a genuine love for stories. Meanwhile,…

AI Reading Apps: Promise vs. Reality for Phonics Instruction

AI Reading Apps: Promise vs. Reality for Phonics Instruction

The latest AI-powered reading app promises to transform your child’s phonics learning with personalized instruction that adapts in real-time. The marketing is compelling: artificial intelligence that understands exactly what your…

Homework Battles: Making Phonics Practice Peaceful and Productive

Homework Battles: Making Phonics Practice Peaceful and Productive

Five-year-old Jake loves learning at school, but the moment his phonics worksheet appears at home, tears begin. Sound familiar? Many families struggle with homework battles, especially when young children feel…