The phonics method is perhaps one of the better known methods of learning to read. It has been used in the United States for many years with success. The phonics method involves teaching children the alphabet and the sounds each letter makes first. Next they begin learning to blend the letter sounds together to make words. The phonics method has children focusing on individual sounds and blending them together so much that they may have a hard time connecting to the meaning of that word. Care should be given so that children can always see the meaning of the words they are trying to create when blending sounds, drawing the connection between the sounds, the words and the meanings.
The look and say method is also known as the whole language method and is considered the primary opponent to the phonics method. Unlike the phonics method, which teaches individual sounds before building words, the look and say method has children memorizing individual words and then building those into sentences. Words are written on flash cards accompanied by a picture or drawing that reflects that word. Children use these flash cards to memorize words and grow their vocabulary. This method involves rote memorization that may cause some children to feel like they are being forced to learn to read. This may lead to disinterest and boredom in children, severally hampering their ability to learn and limiting their desire to read on their own.
The language support method is very similar to the look and say method as it involves memorizing entire words and sentences. Instead of rote memorization using flash cards and abstract words like the look and say method, the language support method involves more active learning. In the language support method a students draw pictures of whatever they wish and describe the picture to the teacher. The teacher then writes a short sentence summarizing that description. The students then trace the sentence the teacher wrote until they can write it on their own. This method provides a more direct link between oral and written language which can make learning easier.
The context support method of learning to read asserts that children will learn best naturally simply by having a subject that interests them. This method supports using the students own interest to spurn a natural desire to read. Teachers are encouraged to find books to stimulate those interests. There are special books created to assist with this method that have long sentences for the teacher to read aloud and short sentences for the student.