"In a Fresh Look at Phonics, Wiley Blevins, author of the blockbuster Phonics from A-Z, explains the 7 ingredients of phonics instruction that lead to the greatest student gains, based on two decades of research in classrooms. For each of these seven must-haves, Wiley shares lessons, routines, word lists, tips for ELL and advanced learners, and advice on pitfalls to avoid regarding pacing, decodable texts, transition time, and more. A Fresh Look at Phonics is the evidence-based solution you have been seeking that ensures all students develop a solid foundation for reading"-- Publisher's description

The Key Ingredients for Phonics Success and Next Steps to Improve Your Instruction Once You Have Them in Place. --Success ingredient 1 : readiness skills -- Success ingredient 2 : scope and sequence -- Success ingredient 3 : blending -- Success ingredient 4 : dictation -- Success ingredient 5 : word awareness activities (word building and word sorts) -- Success ingredient 6 : high-frequency words -- Success ingredient 7 : reading connected text -- Plus one more essential success ingredient : You! -- 10 Common Causes of Phonics Instruction Failure and How to Avoid Them. -- Reason 1 : inadequate or nonexistent review and repetition -- Reason 2 : lack of application to real reading and writing experiences -- Reason 3 : inappropriate reading materials to practice skills -- Reason 4 : ineffective use of the gradual release model -- Reason 5 : too much time lost during transitions -- Reason 6 : limited teacher knowledge of research-based phonics routines and linguistics -- Reason 7 : inappropriate pacing of lessons -- Reason 8 : no comprehensive or cumulative mastery assessment tools -- Reason 9 : transitioning to multisyllabic words too late -- Reason 10: overdoing it (especially isolated skill work) -- Closing thoughts.