Phonics is undeniably essential—it lays the foundation for decoding words and understanding how language works. However, focusing too heavily on phonics without providing ample opportunities for real reading practice can limit students’ growth as readers. Phonics instruction is like learning the rules of a sport: it’s necessary, but true mastery only comes from playing the game. Students need meaningful interactions with books and passages to build fluency, comprehension, and a love for reading.
Research shows that children need exposure to 10,000-30,000 new words annually to develop a strong vocabulary. Authentic reading provides this exposure in context, teaching students how words interact to convey meaning. Without regular practice in reading full texts, students miss critical opportunities to develop these skills, making it harder for them to catch up as texts grow more complex in later grades. It’s no surprise that many high school students who struggle with reading missed out on quality reading experiences in their early years—not because they didn’t learn phonics, but because they didn’t spend enough time applying those skills through actual reading.
A balanced literacy plan should adjust phonics instruction to two or three days a week, allowing more time for students to engage with rich and meaningful texts. On non-phonics days, students can participate in shared reading, where teachers model fluency and comprehension strategies, or engage in independent reading to explore books that interest them. Discussions and activities around the texts can further enhance critical thinking and understanding. Younger students can use decodable books that bridge the gap between phonics and fluent reading, while older students tackle more challenging texts to develop analytical skills.
The key here is helping students learn to read before they are asked to read to learn. Early literacy skills form the foundation for later academic success, and if students don’t have strong reading habits and fluency by the time they reach middle and high school, they are much more likely to struggle when reading becomes the primary method for gaining knowledge. By balancing phonics with authentic reading practice, we ensure students are fully prepared for the demands of reading in the classroom and beyond.
