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01/12/2005
Return to traditional methods for children’s reading
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced plans to re-introduce traditional reading techniques for primary school children, following recommendations made in a new report.
A review of children’s reading, conducted by former Ofsted director of inspections, Jim Rose, suggested that the synthetic phonics method should be used “fast and first” to teach children to read and should be introduced by the age of 5.
Synthetic phonics was used to teach children reading before the 1960s when other methods were introduced. The method involves teaching children letters and sounds and how to combine them, before they move on to reading books.
Recent trials of the method in Scotland have proved hugely successful, with children taught using synthetic phonics being three years ahead of their peers, taught by other methods, by the age of 11.
However, critics of the method say that it can prevent children developing a love of reading, by teaching them to read and pronounce words without needing to know what they mean.
Mrs Kelly has welcomed the recommendations and pledged to implement them in schools as early as possible.
The review also said that particular attention had to be paid to developing children’s speaking and listening skills as a precursor to phonics and stressed that some children would need more “intensive intervention” and catch-up support.
Mr Rose is due to publish his final report in January.
(KMcA/SP)
A review of children’s reading, conducted by former Ofsted director of inspections, Jim Rose, suggested that the synthetic phonics method should be used “fast and first” to teach children to read and should be introduced by the age of 5.
Synthetic phonics was used to teach children reading before the 1960s when other methods were introduced. The method involves teaching children letters and sounds and how to combine them, before they move on to reading books.
Recent trials of the method in Scotland have proved hugely successful, with children taught using synthetic phonics being three years ahead of their peers, taught by other methods, by the age of 11.
However, critics of the method say that it can prevent children developing a love of reading, by teaching them to read and pronounce words without needing to know what they mean.
Mrs Kelly has welcomed the recommendations and pledged to implement them in schools as early as possible.
The review also said that particular attention had to be paid to developing children’s speaking and listening skills as a precursor to phonics and stressed that some children would need more “intensive intervention” and catch-up support.
Mr Rose is due to publish his final report in January.
(KMcA/SP)
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Kelly announces changes to teaching of reading
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced that the government will be revising the statutory national curriculum in order to require children to be taught to read using the phonics method. The Rose Review of the Teaching of Early Reading, whose final report was published today, recommended the use of phonics.
Kelly announces changes to teaching of reading
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced that the government will be revising the statutory national curriculum in order to require children to be taught to read using the phonics method. The Rose Review of the Teaching of Early Reading, whose final report was published today, recommended the use of phonics.
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Government announces review of primary reading lessons
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has announced an independent review of teaching reading in primary schools. The review will examine the role of synthetic phonics in reading lessons and look at the support for children with reading difficulties, the Education Secretary said.
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