The Roots of Phonics: A Historical Introduction

This classic in the literacy literature is back in print to reach the new generation of teachers who need to understand phonics, but probably were never taught about them in school. Through a historical presentation of the relation of English phonics to spelling, writing, and reading (this book) brings to teachers and reading researchers insights into the importance of phonics in education over several centuries. The Roots of Phonics follows the evolution of English phonics through the change wrought in it by centuries of diverse speakers, ensuing standardization, and the progression of different forms of phonics instruction (from the first edition). This is a classic in the field (Marcia Henry based her thesis work on it) that has gone out of print due to the acquisition of its original publisher. While Miriam is no longer active in the field, she participates in IRA, IDA, and SSSR. Bringing this book back to publication will introduce a whole new generation (many of whom were not taught to read using phonics) to this necessary resource. It has not really been updated since the last edition, other than a new foreword, a new note to the reader, and some new exercises that Tara created.