The general meaning of your post is true, but, IMO, it really misses the point.
When fluent readers (of any age) read, they do not typically sound out words. They're familiar enough with them that it would be a waste of time. But, the eye takes far more than the first and last letters into account. We unconsciously notice the placement of letters with distinct shapes- f and p, for example. Vowels actually tend to matter least, and it's not surprising that (not counting y, of course), they tend to be less distinctive as letters go.
This process is generally much more efficient than going letter-by-letter, but it does lead to substitutions of commonly read words for similar less common words of a similar shape. For example, when I'm reading school related stuff, I'll know I've done this when I find myself substituting Diablo-related words into the articles.
There are several different cueing systems at work when we read. Fluent readers tend to be able to use all of the cueing systems simultaneously when they read. Phonics is *one* of those systems, and, as such, should be taught. But, there's no reason for teaching to end there.
I don't know if your intention was to ridicule the idea that reading strategies other than phonics could be included in a good literacy program. But, that is a common attitude, and I personally find it infuriating. There's a lot that goes into learning to read and write. It seems to me that we're shortchanging kids, and society as a whole, if we limit ourselves to one strategy.
-Griselda
edit- proofreading
When fluent readers (of any age) read, they do not typically sound out words. They're familiar enough with them that it would be a waste of time. But, the eye takes far more than the first and last letters into account. We unconsciously notice the placement of letters with distinct shapes- f and p, for example. Vowels actually tend to matter least, and it's not surprising that (not counting y, of course), they tend to be less distinctive as letters go.
This process is generally much more efficient than going letter-by-letter, but it does lead to substitutions of commonly read words for similar less common words of a similar shape. For example, when I'm reading school related stuff, I'll know I've done this when I find myself substituting Diablo-related words into the articles.
There are several different cueing systems at work when we read. Fluent readers tend to be able to use all of the cueing systems simultaneously when they read. Phonics is *one* of those systems, and, as such, should be taught. But, there's no reason for teaching to end there.
I don't know if your intention was to ridicule the idea that reading strategies other than phonics could be included in a good literacy program. But, that is a common attitude, and I personally find it infuriating. There's a lot that goes into learning to read and write. It seems to me that we're shortchanging kids, and society as a whole, if we limit ourselves to one strategy.
-Griselda
edit- proofreading
Why can't we all just get along
--Pete
--Pete