Words in Color Goes Beyond Traditional Phonics
Words in Color addresses all of the learning targeted by traditional phonics programs, but does much more.
Although the English alphabet has 26 letters, we use more than 26 sounds in our speech. In fact, American-English speakers use more than 40 sounds, and there are often many ways to spell the same sound – sometimes dozens of ways. This is very confusing for beginning readers because letters only show how a word is spelled, not how it is spoken. Phonic reading programs break up the regularities (rules) and many of the irregularities (exceptions) into separate lessons for students to drill, practice and memorize. Instead of relying on memorization, Words in Color presents all the difficulties of the language up front, but with a helpful clue – color!
By assigning a color to each of the more than 40 phonemes of English and then using that color consistently, despite the different ways to spell each of the phonemes, we give students the key to “break the code” with confidence, self-initiative and certainty. Words in Color uniquely organizes the English language into a coherent, complete presentation, with all of the regularities and exceptions clearly evident to students. See the "Fidel."
Because many phonics programs require children to memorize vocabulary lists, a major opportunity to accelerate learning is lost. The teaching approach that accompanies the Words in Color materials emphasizes the algebraic nature of English – basically meaning that letters, syllables and words can be combined in many different ways. By placing emphasis on the processes for combining these elements, we set the stage for significant acceleration in learning outcomes.
For example: Starting with the sounds and spellings in the word pat, we can generate the words tap and apt just by combining the sounds differently. If we add new sounds to the mix we can generate many new words.
In the example above there are 33 words, using 6 sounds/spellings (a, e, o, s, p, t ). What seems more efficient? To teach each of the 33 words individually, or to teach the 6 sounds/spellings and the very few processes for combining them? In our analysis, it is strikingly clear. You can significantly accelerate learning outcomes by placing appropriate emphasis on the processes for combining sounds, spellings, syllables and words. The materials, teaching techniques, and games in Words in Color are designed to make use of this algebraic characteristic of the language.
For more information about the use of color, and the algebraic properties of language, see Re-Inventing Literacy Education Using Words in Color, or return to the Words in Color Homepage for more options.
