Re: “Give our children the most important skill: Reading” [Feb. 19, Opinion]:
Nicholas Kristof ’s column was disappointing in that reading is very complex and students need many tools, including phonics. They also need sight words, context clues, sentence structure, etc. In addition, students need background knowledge, vocabulary and interest. Since most testing is done on the computer, they also need access to computers and computer literacy.
Another piece of the puzzle is seeing the value of reading. Do they see adults reading books and newspapers, are they being read to, and is reading seen as a chore or fun? Other factors to be considered are: Is English their first language? Do they have any learning disabilities? Does reading assessment match instruction? Does assessment focus on reading comprehension?
Teaching and learning to read is a very complex process, and to assume that phonics instruction alone will change the results is like asking a mechanic to fix your car with only a wrench. If you ask any adult to read a highly technical book, they may be able to sound out the words, but will they understand what they have read?
Unfortunately, this is another case of looking for simple answers to complex issues.
Sandy Anderson, Newcastle
