Reading specialists passionately disagree on the answer, but as each side claims superiority, another method is stirring up the hen house. Phonics Emphasize word analysis. They also learn strategies to figure out words they don't know. Some phonics programs use low-interest reading material and too many boring worksheets. These emphasize literature and word meanings.
Students use critical thinking strategies.
In the younger grades, children use invented spelling to write their own stories. Some whole language programs place too little emphasis on word analysis or phonics. When that's left out, young readers may guess or skip over words they don't know and some children may not learn how to read. The key to success lies in the balance between methods, and a constant attention to children's individual needs. A Balanced Approach to Beginning Reading .