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

children sitting at a classroom table playing with English alphabet cards

Literacy Development & Phonics for English Language Learners

English Language Learners (ELLs) face unique challenges when developing literacy skills in a new...

girl reading a book in the dark

Reading Magic App 1 – Learning to Read Review

A Closer Look at Preschool University Want to read honest, expert reviews on literacy...

mom and her 3 year old playing educational game

Phonics for 3-Year-Olds

Parents play one of the most significant roles in a child’s early literacy development....

mom and child playing literacy game

Hairy Letters App Review

“Hairies” Helping Kids Learn to Read! Curious how the most popular literacy apps measure...

Phonics.org: The Ultimate List of Phonics App Reviews 

The Phonics.org team is dedicated to helping parents and teachers navigate the many different...

girl playing Chimp Fu Syllables App on tablet

Chimp Fu Syllables: App Review

Chopping Chimp Champions Syllable Division Phonics.org literacy experts regularly review literacy apps on their...

young girl writing with a crayon

When Do Children Start Writing Sentences?

Learning how to write is a gradual process for children. If you’re a parent...

young girl learning her abc's on a tablet

ABC Kids: Tracing & Phonics App Review

A Well-Made App That Needs Improvement in Literacy Fundamentals  Find valuable insights and informed...

Basic Transcription Skills in Spelling and Writing

Transcription skills are a big part of a child’s journey into literacy, playing a...

child reading with headphones on a tablet

Top 5 Reading Apps for Kids

With so many educational apps available, it can be tricky to figure out which...

The Reading-Writing Connection: A Research Review

The Reading-Writing Connection: A Research Review

The relationship between reading and writing instruction has undergone a significant transformation in American education over the past century. Historically, the reading-writing connection was overlooked, as these two fundamental literacy…

The Connection Between Phonics and Spelling: Building Both Skills Together

The Connection Between Phonics and Spelling: Building Both Skills Together

Learning to read and write are two sides of the same coin. While many parents and teachers might focus on phonics and spelling as separate skills, teaching them together can…

What Phonics Rules Should Children Know (By Age)?

What Phonics Rules Should Children Know (By Age)?

Understanding phonics milestones by age helps parents and educators effectively support children’s literacy development. While every child develops at their own pace, there are general estimates about when and how…

How to Become a Phonics Tutor

How to Become a Phonics Tutor

Are you passionate about helping children learn to read? Whether you’re a parent who has successfully guided your children through their literacy journey or an educator looking to expand your…

Silent Letters and Tricky Words

Silent Letters and Tricky Words

Picture this: Your young reader is confidently sounding out words when they encounter “knife” for the first time. They try their best: “k-n-if-ee?” The confusion on their face is familiar…

The Connection Between Movement and Phonics Learning

The Connection Between Movement and Phonics Learning

When young children learn letter sounds through movement – jumping as they say /j/, reaching high for /t/, or bending low for /d/ – they’re not just having fun. They’re…

Bionic Reading: Y/N?

Bionic Reading: Y/N?

Tech + nature – sounds like the future, right?  In recent years, a new reading method has captured attention across social media and educational technology platforms. Called “bionic reading,” this…

Phonics and the Literacy Crisis: America’s Reading Challenge

Phonics and the Literacy Crisis: America’s Reading Challenge

The statistics are sobering: 66% of American fourth graders are failing to meet proficiency levels in reading, with even more alarming rates among minority students. For Black fourth graders, this…

Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) App Review

Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) App Review

Empowering Nonverbal Learners with Phonics and Reading Skills Are you curious about other literacy apps that may be a good match for your child? Check out additional expert reviews at…

How Adult Literacy Shapes Children’s Learning

How Adult Literacy Shapes Children’s Learning

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 43 million adults in the U.S. read at or below a third-grade level. Low literacy in adults is linked to various social…