What is a synthetic approach to reading?

A synthetic approach to reading begins with letters and sounds and blends them into syllables and words.

It is usually combined with another approach and normally does not stand alone. For instance, it is used with phonic or analytic approaches.

A synthetic approach to reading is an approach that begins with the smallest segment of speech and builds, or synthesizes, the small parts into syllables and words. (Halvorson 1992)

Here are some examples of synthetic approaches:

• Gudschinsky analysis and word building drills: Gudschinsky primer page sample
• LEI picture word and comparison boxes: Literacy International primer page sample
• Syllable drills: Literacy and social awareness primer page sample

• The Gudschinsky instructional program
• The Literacy and social awareness instructional program
• Approaches to reading

• Concept module: synthetic approach to reading
• In overview module: Glossary (Literacy): S
• In modular book: Glossary of literacy terms
• In document collection: Reference materials
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 27 July 1999

© 1999 SIL International