Lisa Burman from Consulting in Pedagogical Growth shared Living Life Twice’s post Phonics debate on Facebook after an announcement that the ‘back to basics’ teaching of phonics is not being taught well enough in Australian schools. She had this to say:
We need to somehow get the word out to the general public that the rhetoric about Australian teachers ‘not teaching children to read’ is untrue. I urge you to read up on the research, be well informed, calm and confident in explaining what we DO do in kindies and schools all over Australia.
I think the most insulting thing I heard over the weekend was the Federal Education Minister saying “Australian schools need to get serious about teaching reading.” What does that imply to the general public? That we aren’t already serious about teaching every child to BE a reader (in the rich broad sense, not just being able to decode.)
My comment on the post:
Angry, but I like what’s been written here. Very interesting responses also. I have my own theories, but am not qualified to air them! What I will mention, however, is I believe that no amount of phonics will succeed for all children if the pre-reading necessities have not been experienced. Many of us need to try looking at things from another paradigm, e.g. the importance of P.L.A.Y. and the effects on school students who can no longer do so without intentions and outcomes. Oops, this caught me at an awkward moment.
Also see this, from an American academic written to an Australian newspaper.
Heavy phonics instruction: Australia is backing the wrong horse
thebuttonladyblog 
Thank you for sharing this. Play is so essential. Balance is too. There are many aspects to reading and phonics is certainly part of it but within a balanced and systematic program.
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Thanks Lisa. Balance is such an essential concept!
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