Test your knowledge

English has a more complex writing system than other alphabetic languages but it has many predictable conventions that can be learned. Often students are told English is “irregular” or that many spellings or pronunciations are exceptions to the rule. This makes learning to read English confusing for students and perpetuates the myth that it is a language that cannot be mastered using phonics.  When teachers understand explicit and systematic approaches to reading and have a sound knowledge of the English orthographic code they are better able to teach the logic behind it and reduce confusion for their students.

In order for teachers of reading to teach phonics effectively they must have a strong knowledge of English orthography. This includes knowledge relating to phonics, phonemic awareness and morphology.