Phonics is the system of instruction used to teach children the connection between letters and sounds

(Snow et al., 1998)

The main goal of such instruction is to help children figure out the alphabetic system of written English

and become comfortable with that system as they become readers. (Lyon, 1998). 

Purpose, and Limitations of Phonics Instruction:

The goal of phonics is not that children be able to state the "rules" governing
letter-sound relationships. Rather, the purpose is to get across the
alphabetic principle, the principle that there are systematic relationships
between letters and sounds.

Phonics ought to be conceived as a technique for getting children off to a

fast start in mapping the relationships between letters and sounds. It follows
that phonics instruction should aim to teach only the most important and
regular of letter-to-sound relationships, because this is the sort of instruction
that will most directly lay bare the alphabetic principle. Once the basic
relationships have been taught, the best way to get children to refine and
extend their knowledge of letter-sound correspondences is through repeated
opportunities to read.

Phonics instruction is not a complete reading program by itself Phonics is

simply one part of the total program. Although it is a very important part of
beginning reading programs, it cannot, by itself, guarantee reading success
for all students.