Phonics is the relationship between letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language. Word recognition is the ability of a reader to recognize written words easily. 

• Phonics instruction teaches that letters represent sounds of a spoken language which helps students understand the alphabetical principles. 

• There are two programs for phonic instruction:

      Systematic: the letter-sound relationship is taught in an organized and logical sequence 

      Explicit: the instruction provides teachers with precise directions for teaching letter-sound relationships

• Organized instruction focused on letters, sounds, and the relations between sounds and letters promotes learning for most students especially students with learning disabilities.

• Students can benefit from word recognition instruction because it offers practice with words that share similar letter patterns.