Tutorial 3

3) Why would you choose one approach over another?

Why is phonics better?
Phonics is better because it teaches how to decode all words, including
unfamiliar words.
- Typical reading matter is composed of a mixture of "content words"
conveying the essential meaning, and "function words" which provide a
framework or glue.
-The content words tend to be relatively uncommon words, and phonics gives
the reader a method of decoding such words.
-Develop phonemic awareness (awareness of how words are composed of
phonemes and able to distinguish and manipulate sound)
- Able to read accurately
- Students will be motivated because this approach teaches from simple to
complex.
-As you learn to recognize meanings associated certain groups of letters,
youll have an easier time comprehending sentences as well as speaking
and writing them.
-Phonics can help you learn the patterns of the English language by
comparing them to your native language.
-Relate sounds to letter and images( object).
Disadvantages of Whole language / Language Experience approach
students misinterpreting words
never learning how to sound out unknown words
not comprehending the basics of the English language.
Time-consuming: requires a significant time input
Classroom size
children have no clue what a word or letter should sound like. They are
supposed to see a word and repeat it until they have it memorized and
can recognize it among other words.
Children with limited ability to memorize a sequence of words are at a
disadvantage with a whole language approach.

2. In groups, devise activities that reflect both of the approaches.

Language Experience Approach

1. A teacher uses visuals to introduce vocabulary within a context, draws a
related experience and uses the picture to talk about it. For example, the
teacher uses visuals to introduce vocabulary related to family, draws a picture
of his/her own family, and then describes the picture.
2. After students understand the process, students then draw their own
pictures and tell whatever they can.
3. Again teacher records exactly what the student says and does the follow-
up reading.

Phonics Approach
1. Teacher will prepare some flashcards with minimal pairs.
2. Teacher will pronounce those words on the flashcards.
3. Students are asked to identify the differences between the minimal pair.
4. Teacher will show the flash cards again and students are asked to
pronounce the words clearly.

3. Why would you choose one approach over another?
Language Experience Approach
- Students learning will be meaningful because they can relate to their prior
knowledge.
- A way to initiate reading and writing
- Child-centered approach and children are able to construct their
knowledge.
- Build their social skills and confidence.
- It is motivating because teacher will make major corrections unobtrusively.