By far, the best way to teach phonics is systematically. In reading instruction, phonics is the understanding that there is a relationship between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language. Children who are taught phonics understand that letters are represented by specific sounds, and they can use this knowledge to sound out words. There are many different systematic approaches that teachers can use, but they all share the same core focus on building and using the relationship between sounds and letter symbols. This relationship is essential for helping students decode new words, and it forms the foundation for all future reading instruction. By deliberately and systematically focusing on this relationship, teachers can help their students become more proficient readers. In turn, these students will be better equipped to handle the challenges of reading comprehension.