UK-style synthetic phonics, now the primary approach to teaching reading and spelling in England and widely used with English-language learners in over 100 countries, is a method that is fairly new to the United States. The English alphabetic code is complex. Synthetic phonics teaches the alphabetic code explicitly and systematically to ensure virtually all students become skilled readers. The approach is well supported by decades of research. Phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and handwriting are brilliantly intertwined. Most importantly, children become skilled and confident readers and writers. 

To read about the effects Jolly Phonics teaching has had on the reading skills of kindergarten students at Windham Primary School in Maine, see this article by Jane Vaughan:  “Young Windham students read better with new program” https://www.pressherald.com/2019/12/27/program-has-dramatic-impact-on-students-reading-skills/

“Of all the programs that we’ve had, this one has had the most dramatic impact of any program that we’ve ever used,” said WPS Literacy Interventionist Kelly Rich, who has worked in the district for 31 years.