Why Explicit and Systematic Phonics Instruction Matters

Why Explicit and Systematic Phonics Instruction Matters

I love trying new ideas in the classroom. I enjoy creative projects, hands-on activities, and lessons that feel fresh and engaging. That kind of variety can be great for many subjects.

But when it comes to teaching a young child how to read, I’ve learned something important over the years: novelty matters far less than clarity and consistency.

For many students, learning to read is hard. Because of that, they need to know what’s coming next. They need routines, predictable lessons, and clear steps. This is where explicit and systematic phonics instruction makes a real difference.

Why Routine Helps Young Readers

In reading instruction, “explicit” means we don’t expect students to guess or discover patterns on their own. We directly teach them the sounds letters make and how those sounds work together in words.

“Systematic” means those skills are taught in a clear order, one step building on the last.

I’ve noticed that when phonics lessons follow a consistent structure, students feel more confident. They know what to expect. They aren’t worried about surprises. That mental energy can go toward actually learning how to read.

For students who struggle, that structure acts like scaffolding. It supports them while they build skills that would otherwise feel overwhelming.

Fun Is Important—But Not First

I believe learning should be enjoyable. I want students to feel excited to come to school. But early reading instruction isn’t the place to constantly reinvent the wheel.

Before students can enjoy more creative reading activities, they need a strong foundation. Once phonics skills are solid, there’s plenty of room for fun, exploration, and creativity. But without that foundation, even the most engaging lessons can leave students confused.

Clear routines and predictable lessons reduce anxiety, especially for students who already find reading challenging.

Learning From What Hasn’t Worked

Over the years, many schools adopted reading approaches that focused less on phonics and more on students figuring words out on their own through context and pictures. These methods sounded appealing and were widely used.

But data eventually showed that many students—especially those who struggled—were not learning to read as well under those approaches.

What I’ve consistently seen, both in my own classroom and through training with experienced reading specialists, is that explicit, systematic phonics instruction works. It works for strong readers, struggling readers, and everyone in between.

A Strong Foundation for All Students

At Provo Mountain Academy, we take reading instruction seriously. While we enjoy creativity in many parts of the school day, phonics instruction follows a clear and predictable path.

This approach doesn’t limit students—it supports them. When children know what to expect and understand how reading works, they gain confidence. That confidence opens the door to fluency, comprehension, and eventually a genuine love of reading.

Written by Scott Long, M.Ed., Co-Founder of Provo Mountain Academy