Ehri's Phases of Reading is a theoretical framework that outlines the developmental stages children go through as they learn to read. Developed by Linnea Ehri, a renowned reading researcher, this model provides a comprehensive understanding of the reading acquisition process. The framework consists of four distinct phases: pre-alphabetic, partial alphabetic, full alphabetic, and consolidated alphabetic. Each phase represents a significant milestone in a child's reading development, with unique characteristics and challenges.
Overview of Ehri’s Phases of Reading
The pre-alphabetic phase is the initial stage, where children begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between sounds and print. At this stage, they rely heavily on visual cues, such as logos and pictures, to recognize words. As they progress to the partial alphabetic phase, children start to recognize the connection between sounds and letters, but their decoding skills are still limited. The full alphabetic phase marks a significant breakthrough, as children develop the ability to decode words by sounding out letters and blending sounds. Finally, the consolidated alphabetic phase represents the most advanced stage, where children can read with fluency, accuracy, and comprehension.
Pre-Alphabetic Phase
In the pre-alphabetic phase, children’s reading abilities are primarily based on visual recognition. They may recognize familiar logos, such as the golden arches of McDonald’s, or understand that print carries meaning. However, they have not yet developed an understanding of the relationship between sounds and letters. Children in this phase may use contextual clues, such as pictures or syntax, to make sense of the text. Phonological awareness is still in its infancy, and children may struggle to distinguish between similar-sounding words. Orthographic mapping, the process of connecting sounds to letters, has not yet begun.
| Phase Characteristics | Pre-Alphabetic |
|---|---|
| Reading Strategy | Visual recognition |
| Phonological Awareness | Emerging |
| Orthographic Mapping | Not yet developed |
Partial Alphabetic Phase
As children enter the partial alphabetic phase, they begin to recognize the relationship between sounds and letters. They may use phonics to decode simple words, but their skills are still limited. Children in this phase often rely on contextual clues to disambiguate unfamiliar words. Decoding is still a laborious process, and children may struggle to read with fluency. However, they are beginning to develop an understanding of the alphabetic principle, which is the idea that sounds are represented by letters.
| Phase Characteristics | Partial Alphabetic |
|---|---|
| Reading Strategy | Phonics-based decoding |
| Phonological Awareness | Developing |
| Orthographic Mapping | Emerging |
Full Alphabetic Phase
The full alphabetic phase represents a significant milestone in reading development. Children can now decode words by sounding out letters and blending sounds. Fluency is improving, and children can read with greater accuracy and speed. Comprehension is also developing, as children begin to understand the meaning of the text. The full alphabetic phase is characterized by the ability to read decodable texts, which are texts that can be decoded using phonics skills.
| Phase Characteristics | Full Alphabetic |
|---|---|
| Reading Strategy | Phonics-based decoding and fluency |
| Phonological Awareness | Well-developed |
| Orthographic Mapping | Established |
Consolidated Alphabetic Phase
In the consolidated alphabetic phase, children have developed a high level of reading proficiency. They can read with fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. Children in this phase can read a wide range of texts, including complex narratives and expository texts. Vocabulary development is also rapid, as children are exposed to a wide range of words and meanings.
| Phase Characteristics | Consolidated Alphabetic |
|---|---|
| Reading Strategy | Automatic and fluent reading |
| Phonological Awareness | Highly developed |
| Orthographic Mapping | Well-established |
What is the primary characteristic of the pre-alphabetic phase?
+The primary characteristic of the pre-alphabetic phase is visual recognition, where children rely on visual cues, such as logos and pictures, to recognize words.
What is the difference between the partial alphabetic and full alphabetic phases?
+The partial alphabetic phase is characterized by phonics-based decoding, while the full alphabetic phase is marked by the ability to decode words by sounding out letters and blending sounds, with improving fluency and comprehension.
What is the primary goal of reading instruction in the consolidated alphabetic phase?
+The primary goal of reading instruction in the consolidated alphabetic phase is to promote vocabulary development, comprehension, and fluency, as children read a wide range of texts with accuracy and understanding.
Ehri’s Phases of Reading provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the reading acquisition process. By recognizing the unique characteristics and challenges of each phase, educators and researchers can develop targeted reading instruction and interventions to support children’s reading development. As children progress through the phases, they develop a range of skills, including phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension, ultimately becoming proficient readers.
