Why We Teach Phonics at TCA

“How will this school teach my child to read?” is one of the most important questions that you can ask about your child’s education. Reading is a foundational skill that unlocks every other subject and opens the door to God’s Word.

At TCA, we have chosen a phonics-based approach to reading instruction. A number of districts in Delaware County use what is called a “balanced literacy” approach. The differences may seem insignificant, but the contrast in outcomes is stark! The path we choose shapes not only how well a child reads in second grade, but also how confident and capable they will be as learners for years to come.

Phonics: Giving Children the Tools They Need

Phonics starts with the simple truth that words are built from letters and sounds. In a phonics classroom, students learn that “c” can say /k/ as in cat or /s/ as in city. They discover how sounds blend together, how spelling patterns work, and how to tackle longer words step by step.

This approach gives children a toolkit they can use on any word, whether they have seen it before or not. A second grader who knows phonics can pick up a new book and approach unfamiliar words with confidence. Instead of freezing or guessing, they have a method to fall back on: break the word down, sound it out, and build it up again. Not only does this equip them to be confident readers, it builds the capacity for critical thinking. 

Balanced Literacy: Relying on Guesswork

Balanced literacy, by contrast, often encourages children to rely on context clues rather than sounds. A teacher might ask a child to look at the first letter, glance at the picture, and “think what would make sense.” The hope is that children will figure out the word from the story around it. That may seem harmless when books are filled with colorful pictures and simple words. However, when students reach higher grades, pictures disappear and vocabulary becomes more complex. Without strong phonics skills, they struggle. They might memorize some common words by sight, but they lack a system for decoding new ones. Over time, this can leave students discouraged, dependent, and behind.

Confidence That Lasts

Phonics builds ability and when students realize they can sound out words on their own, their sense of independence grows. They no longer feel like reading is a guessing game. Instead, they see it as a puzzle they know how to solve. This is a highly motivating experience for a student!

That confidence spills over into other areas. A student who can tackle a hard word in a story will later tackle a tough math problem or a challenging science text with the same determination. They have learned that perseverance pays off and are able to apply their critical thinking skills across all disciplines. 

A Christian Worldview of Reading

Our reasons for teaching phonics go beyond academics. We believe God has chosen to reveal Himself in His written Word. From the Ten Commandments carved in stone to the letters of Paul written to the early churches, Scripture is a gift to be read, remembered, and obeyed.

We want our students to have the skills to open the Bible for themselves and understand it with clarity. Teaching phonics ensures that no child is solely dependent on others to read God’s Word to them. It honors the conviction that every student is made in the image of God and capable of learning to read with excellence.

Preparing Students for the Future

Phonics also prepares students for the practical realities of higher education and the workplace. Strong decoding skills lead to better spelling, clearer writing, and stronger vocabulary. These are not just academic niceties; they are skills employers value and colleges expect. By laying this foundation early, we equip students for success well beyond elementary school.

Our Commitment

At The Christian Academy, we are committed to teaching reading in ways that are both research-based and rooted in faith. Phonics instruction is systematic and intentional. Students move from simple sounds to complex patterns, with daily practice that makes the skill second nature. Teachers give individual attention to make sure no child falls behind. Reading is not just another subject. It is the foundation of learning and the means by which we encounter the living God through Scripture. Teaching from a phonics-based approach, we are choosing clarity, confidence, and connection to God’s Word.