[senco-forum] a definiion of synthetic phonics.

There are no 'two types of phonics'   Phonics are just phonics - the code arrived at for representing the sounds we make to represent words. This is about how we initially teach children to read.  Surely it is self-evident that any child who is to learn to read has to master the code so that when s/he looks at text they will be able to synthesize the sounds which the text has been specially arranged to represent. If that is not obvious try substituting the word 'synthesize' with the word ''recreate' and all will become clear.

You can certainly debate the analytical role in decoding and then go on to examine the components of analysis itself of which I am sure, there are many but what would be the point?  I'm glad the  Scottish teachers who have years of experience of using a synthetic phonics approach, appear to have mastered the concept with no difficulty.

Eddie C.