Definition

Noun: - A method of teaching reading: The whole-word method is an instructional approach for teaching reading. It trains beginners to recognize and associate entire printed words directly with their spoken forms and meanings, rather than sounding out words letter by letter.

Usage

• The whole-word method emphasizes visual memorization of word shapes and patterns.
• It is often contrasted with phonics-based approaches that focus on letter-sound relationships.
• This method is sometimes referred to as the "look-say" method or sight reading.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The debate between the whole-word method and systematic phonics instruction is a central topic in literacy education.
• In practice, a balanced literacy approach often incorporates elements of both the whole-word method and phonics.

Variants and Related Words

• Look-say method: A synonymous term for the whole-word method.
• Sight word: A word learned as a whole unit by sight, often taught via this method (e.g., "the," "was").
• Phonics: An alternative, contrasting method of teaching reading that focuses on the relationships between letters and sounds.

Synonyms

• Look-say method
• Sight word method
• Global method

Related Concepts

• Whole language: A broader educational philosophy that de-emphasizes phonics and often incorporates the whole-word method, focusing on meaning and context.
• Decoding: The ability to sound out words using phonics, a skill not primarily taught in the pure whole-word method.

Noun

1. teaching reading by training beginners to associate printed words with spoken words