In chapter four ‘Phonics,” Smith clearly disagrees with children learning to read based on phonics. He goes onto say that we must recognize words like we do visual objects . “How is it possible to recognize written words without sounding out? The answer is that we recognize words in the same way that we recognize all other familiar objects in the visual world”(48). I completely disagree with that statement. When children do not know words, they rely on the alphabet and its sounds. Children are taught what sounds letters make, therefore, when they see a word, they can rely on those sounds to figure out meaning of the word. When Smith says that we see words like we do in the visual world, I don’t think he could me farther off. Even at my age, I rely on phonics for words that I do not understand. Even thoug

In chapter seven, Learning Through Comprehension, Smith makes some valid points, however, I found myself disagreeing a great deal with him in this chapter. For example when he states, “There should be no need for special incentives to motivate children to learn. Learning is a natural activity.” I could not disagree more. There are some children out there that need an extra boost or extra bit of encouragement to succeed as learners. Some children need to hear “job well done” or some may need to be given rewards to help them through a difficult assignment. And, for Smith to say that learning is natural, I think he is absurd. There are many special needs students that learning does not occur naturally for. They must be pushed along, for them to learn. I feel that yes some children are curious to learn, or inquisitive, but I don’t think it comes “naturally” to all.

Smith writes in chapter one, “Unhappily, although every method of reading instruction seems to achieve some success with some children, no method succeeds with all children.” This statement could not be more true, I feel. Every child is different, therefore, he or she will learn differently. In order to reach every child, and in order to teach every child to read, many different methods must be used. One cannot simply rely on phonics alone, or any other method.

Some topics in this essay:
Ureading NonsenseU, Comprehension Smith, Business Marketing, Finally Smith, child read, children read, Frank Smith’s, children taught sounds, smith makes valid, hit nail head, recognize words, words visual, makes valid, child learn, children taught, taught sounds, learning natural, nail head,