Which approach to phonics involves breaking down words from whole to parts?

The approach that involves breaking down words from whole to parts is known as analytic phonics. This method starts with whole words, helping learners to recognize and analyze familiar words, often by examining specific phonetic patterns within them. For instance, in teaching the word "star," students would first look at the whole word, then break it down to identify sounds and letters, such as /s/, /t/, /a/, and /r/.

Analytic phonics is beneficial in that it encourages students to think about the relationships between whole words and their individual sounds, promoting better comprehension of how words are constructed. This method contrasts with other phonics approaches, which may emphasize different techniques, such as embedding phonics instruction within other content or focusing on spelling patterns distinctly separate from immediate meanings of whole words.

Understanding analytic phonics highlights the importance of recognizing not only the parts (sounds and letters) but how they function collectively within a word, giving students a solid foundation for reading and pronunciation.