Phonics vs. Whole Language

When I was being taught to read, I used phonics. This was done by learning how to sound the letters out in the word. I first learned the consonants and vowels and how each of them sound. Then I learned how to combine them together. I think that this was a good way to learn how to read but I think there are many other useful ways to teach a child to read.

When I was younger, I remember my teachers using "round robin" as a way for us to practice reading and it was a way for her to make sure we were paying attention. Every time we had to read aloud, I was terrified. I spent the whole time trying to figure out what section I was going to read, and then I would sit there and read it over and over again so I would not embarrass myself in front of the whole class. After I was done reading I would stop paying attention, unless I had to read again and then the whole process would start over.

When I start teaching, I will not use this method. I do not want the children to be put on the spot and feel embarrassed. As a future educator I want them to enjoy reading and find it stress relieving instead of stress inducing.