What is a common method for teaching reading to early learners?

Phonics instruction is a widely recognized method for teaching reading to early learners because it focuses on the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent. This approach helps children understand that words are made up of sounds, which they can decode and blend together to read. Phonics instruction provides foundational skills that enable young learners to tackle unfamiliar words by breaking them down into manageable components.

When children grasp the concept of phonics, they become more confident readers, capable of sounding out new words they encounter. This method is often effective because it builds on the natural development of language skills, allowing students to improve both their reading fluency and comprehension.

In contrast, other methods listed might not provide the same structured approach necessary for early reading development. For example, the whole language approach emphasizes meaning and comprehension of text as a whole rather than the individual sounds and letters, which can sometimes lead to gaps in phonics knowledge. The ballooning technique and graphic novels, while engaging, do not directly target the phonetic skills critical for reading development in early learners.