READING MATTERS
Why Phonics Matters
When children are learning to read, one of the important skills they develop is understanding how the sounds in spoken words connect to the letters we see in print. This is known as phonics.
English has 44 speech sounds (phonemes), represented by individual letters or combinations of letters (graphemes). Phonics helps students learn these relationships so they can blend sounds to read unfamiliar words and segment words into sounds when spelling.
Current research tells us that phonics is best taught explicitly and systematically. Teachers introduce sound-letter relationships in a planned sequence, building from simpler concepts to increasingly complex ones, with regular review and opportunities to practise and apply new learning.
At Chevallum, PLD (Promoting Literacy Development) is the Structured Synthetic Phonics program we are using from Prep to Year 6 to support our reading and spelling instruction.
PLD provides an Australian, evidence-based approach that aligns with current reading research and supports the explicit and systematic teaching of phonics outlined in the Queensland Department of Education's Reading Position Statement. It provides a structured sequence that progresses from early sound-letter relationships to more complex spelling patterns and multisyllabic words.
PLD is one resource that supports our broader approach to reading. Our teachers are continuing to build their knowledge and confidence in using PLD as we strengthen consistency in phonics and spelling instruction across the school. Assessment information also helps teachers identify what students know and determine appropriate next steps for learning.
Phonics is an important part of learning to read, but it is one part of the reading picture. Oral language, vocabulary, fluency, background knowledge and comprehension all work together to help children become confident, capable readers.
READING AT HOMEFamilies don't need to become phonics teachers!
Continue to enjoy reading and talking together.
When your child comes across an unfamiliar word, encourage them to look closely at the letters and think about the sounds they know.
Talk about interesting words and their meanings and keep reading aloud together—even as children become independent readers.