Whole Phonics is changing that. Founded by learning specialist Jill Lauren, this research-backed program uses engaging, structured books to help beginning and striving readers succeed.

The phonics vs. whole-language debate in literacy education doesn't mean anything if kids glued to their smartphones aren't encouraged by their families to read. News Home Page ...

Phonics isn’t new — it dates to at least the 19th century. What’s newer is the “whole language” approach to reading. The idea is to teach words rather than letters.

For example, phonics teaches students that when an "e" is at the end of a word, it's usually silent. That "e" then changes the sound of the vowels in the word. Take the word "lake." ...