Just authentic!

Phonics is learning the systematic relationships between written letters and sounds. As it is sounded by Phonics principle about 84 % of English words, learning Phonics can encourage younger English learners to acquire the essential principles for accuracy of pronunciation. Moreover, Korean L2 learners have difficulties of accurate pronunciation for lack of learning environments like the inner circle. Also, Phonics is the essential course for the systematic reading at first. Therefore, we need to consider the remedy its shortcomings for younger English learner who loses their interest.

Above all, Phonics is very useful course for the accurate pronunciation and systematic reading and writing, we need to give a counsel that it is effective to comprise with Phonics and the other techniques rather than the replacement of teaching method. However, the shortcoming of Phonics course is the possibilities of losing their interest for L2 learners, it needs the techniques that can encourage L2 learners to improve their interest during their reading. Therefore, I think that it is good that students learn simple words in the short article before reading storybook. It can lead students to acquire the system of pronunciation and meaning of word. I think that the important factor to take younger learner’s desire is the interest. Rote learning doesn’t effect to improving their learning ability like memorization words. Children need the enjoyment from the understanding and imagination of story. It is natural that all children feel an objection to doing unpleasant things.

Second, Phonics is focus on reading letters, so it is lacking in authenticity like the natural environment of English learning. So, teacher should use various techniques. For example, there is the realia like real object. I think that matching with words and realia is the effective technique. Focusing letters doesn’t improve the learner’s long-term memory. Also, it is very effective to use game and singing a song with Phonics. By playing game and singing a song, it can promote the emotional interest and long-term memory by physical stimulation. Children have tendency to study language more when they feel interesting with various activity.

In conclusion, Phonics is necessary course in learning L2, so teacher should consider to revise it for increasing learner’s interest. That is, it is important students to recognize English not learning but playing. Also, children understand matters more through experience and sense. So, I think that teacher should provide a variety of materials by using surroundings. By activity of the connection between motion and English, it is good for students to experience English head and ears.