How right Linda Pound is when she states that the time has come to say 'enuf is enuf' and stop accommodating ever- sillier policy requirements ('In my view', 30 March).
It is the judgement of the majority of early years educators, based on sound research and pedagogical experience, that the formal teaching of synthetic phonics to very young children is unnecessary or counter- productive.
I am tired of returning to battles that belong in the late 19th century, when 'synthetic' phonics were forced on children in the early primary years and failed masses of my parents' and grandparents' generations. Do phonics fanatics not read history? Do they not learn anything from the illiteracy figures uncovered by WWI recruitment? Or from genealogy research?
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here