Our language contains lots of words. Estimates put the
number close to one million. Out of that vast number, there
is a very small, unique group made up of fewer than 200
words. They are words such as "the", "is", "was", "they", "how", "what",
and "does". Often referred to as the "little
words", they seem to lack any clear meaning. That
is why they are sometimes termed "noncontent" words.
Because these words cannot be sounded out, they are labeled
as "exceptions" and they are given very minimal
teaching time.
All this overlooks an amazing
fact. One hundred or so of these words
occupy the majority of any page of print you
will ever see in the English
language—regardless of whether the book is
for a first-grader or a college
student. (In the sentences you just read, the bolded words
add up to 25 of 42 words, resulting in 60% of the total.)
Additionally, these words are essential to the structure
of any sentence and are an essential element in our system
of grammar.
Think about it: if you teach children these hundred words,
they will be able to decode half of the words they see
and it will help them understand the relationships between
the other words! The importance of this to reading instruction
cannot be overstated.
Phonics Plus Five™ is the only system that has been
designed to give adequate attention to this group of words.
As a result, children are provided with a powerful tool
that makes reading easier, smoother, and more meaningful.
