Search Results for: blog phonics whole language and teaching literacy

Is Grammar Overrated?

I was thinking about this the other day when the topic came up among some friends. I was surprised to learn that I was the only one in the group that didn’t teach formal grammar as a separate subject. So I asked some other friends. In that group I was the only one to do any sort of grammar at all. Now I’m curious as to who teaches formal grammar, who doesn’t and why. What the Experts Say Some experts claim that you never should teach grammar as a formal and separate subject. After all, grammar is useless apart from … Continue reading →

Is Homeschooling Worth It–Just for Character?

I have said before that despite being a fairly conservative Christian, religion has nothing to do with our homeschool decision. We homeschool because we feel like sending out kids to public school would be educationally neglectful. (Ironic isn’t it?) But there is no doubt that the character traits they pick up from being at home make them some of the most polite children on the block. Although we have not homeschooled solely for the purpose of our children’s character, the outcome and influence is undeniable. I know that many would say that their children attend public school, and their child’s … Continue reading →

Phonics, Whole Language, and Teaching Literacy

Warning: if you’re looking for the definitive step by step instructions on how to teach a child to read, you won’t find it here. However, if you’re at the beginning of your schooling journey, and you’re at a loss as to what to teach for reading, this might be the place for you to start. Decades ago, phonics used to be all the rage. Phonics is the systematic instruction of the sounds of the alphabet. Kids who study phonics memorize blends and learn things like “Two vowels get together and they play a game, the first vowel speaks, it says … Continue reading →

Four Blocks Literacy Overview

Most schools adopt a literacy program that is hot at the moment. For example, when whole language programs hit the education trend, schools began having lessons where students were self-directed and spent much time in real reading and writing while the teachers were facilitators and provided a stimulating environment. When phonics programs hit the media, schools began having more structured programs with teacher-directed activities. These programs focused on one aspect of learning and one type of learner. The Four Blocks Literacy Program is different. It takes all learning types into consideration. As we know, not all students learn the same … Continue reading →