Updates for this edition: 1. New chapter on the year 1 phonics test 2. New chapter exploring popular phonics schemes used in primary schools in England and Scotland Lecturer copy. This is a practical, up-to-date guide to teaching children to read using synthetic phonics. The synthetic phonics approach is used in all primary schools in England and trainees and beginning teachers need to ensure they have the skills and confidence to teach it. The book explores the nature of phonics and how children learn to read, covering teaching strategies and assessing and diagnosing reading problems. This second edition includes a chapter on the phonics test in year 1 supporting teachers in their approach to the test. Also new for this edition is a chapter exploring popular phonics schemes used in primary schools in England. Rhona Johnston and Joyce Watson's 7 year longitudinal study The Effects of Synthetic Phonics Teaching on Reading and Spelling Attainment sets them apart as leading authors in the field. Lorna - the bit in bold should be a link to their study which can be found here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/02/20688/52449 Reader copy: The synthetic phonics approach is used in all primary schools in England. If you are a trainee or beginning primary school teacher, you need to demonstrate a confidence in the teaching of phonics to meet the Teachers’ Standards and gain QTS. This is a practical, up-to-date guide to teaching children to read using synthetic phonics. It helps you to understand the theory behind phonics and how children's learning of reading can develop. It gives you practical teaching strategies and outlines how you can assess and diagnose reading problems.