Why Learning with Phonics is the Key to Reading Fluency
When people set out to learn to read, one question always arises: what’s the best method? Over the decades, countless teaching styles have been tried — whole word memorization, sight words, “look-say” approaches, and more. But across classrooms, age groups, and learning environments, one principle consistently rises to the top: phonics is the key to true reading fluency.
If you want to understand why phonics matters so much, and why skipping it can make reading harder than it needs to be, this blog will take you through the essentials.
What Exactly Is Phonics?
Phonics is the method of teaching people to read by linking sounds (phonemes) to the letters or groups of letters that represent them (graphemes).
Take the word ship. Instead of memorizing the word as a picture, a phonics learner sees “sh” and knows it makes the /ʃ/ sound, followed by the short /ɪ/, and then /p/. Suddenly, “ship” isn’t just one word — it’s a puzzle you can solve with rules you already know.
This decoding skill is what makes it possible to read unfamiliar words with confidence. Without it, learners rely on memory or guesswork, which limits vocabulary growth and fluency.
Two versions of a sentence 'Jack paints a picture.' are shown side by side
Why Phonics Builds Strong Readers
1. Unlocks New Words Independently
Instead of memorizing thousands of words by sight, learners who use phonics can decode new words they’ve never seen before. This independence builds confidence and motivation.
2. Supports Spelling Skills
Phonics works both ways. Once a learner understands how sounds map to letters, spelling also improves — because they’re no longer relying solely on memory.
3. Improves Comprehension
When decoding becomes automatic, the brain has more energy to focus on meaning. Phonics paves the way for better comprehension, not just faster reading.
4. Bridges Gaps for Struggling Readers
For adults and children who’ve struggled with traditional instruction, phonics offers a fresh start. By giving learners clear, reliable tools, it removes much of the frustration that comes from guessing words.
What Happens Without Phonics?
Imagine trying to learn to read without phonics. Learners might recognize some words by sight, but eventually, the system breaks down. English has over 170,000 words in current use — no one can memorize all of them.
Learners without phonics often hit a wall:
They stumble on unfamiliar words.
They confuse look-alike words like was and saw.
They struggle with spelling.
Their reading slows down, affecting fluency and confidence.
In short: without phonics, progress stalls.
Why Adults Benefit from Phonics, Too
Phonics isn’t just for kids. Adults who return to literacy programs often discover that phonics is the missing piece that explains why reading felt so difficult before.
Instead of being embarrassed by “sounding out words,” adults often feel empowered. One learner put it this way: “It’s not that I couldn’t read — it’s that no one showed me how English works.”
For many adults, especially those with dyslexia or years of reading struggles, phonics provides clarity that sight-based memorization never did.
How Nardagani Uses Phonics to Simplify Reading
Traditional phonics can be confusing in English, because so many words break the “rules.” That’s where the Nardagani Method comes in.
Nardagani uses a system of 12 simple symbols placed under letters to guide pronunciation. These symbols show when vowels make unexpected sounds, when letters are silent, and when tricky combinations appear.
This system:
Makes English spelling patterns clear at a glance.
Helps learners read words accurately without guessing.
Builds confidence from the very first lesson.
The Nardagani program includes short lessons, symbol-coded stories, interactive games, and supportive practice that make learning less intimidating and more engaging.
Two versions of a sentence 'Jack gave Kellie his bike.' are shown side by side
Fluency: The Goal of Learning to Read
Phonics is the foundation, but fluency is the destination. Fluency means being able to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. It’s what allows readers to shift their focus from sounding out words to truly understanding them.
Here’s how phonics leads to fluency:
Accuracy – Learners stop guessing and start decoding words correctly.
Speed – With practice, decoding becomes automatic, so reading flows naturally.
Confidence – When learners know they can handle new words, they read more often, building further fluency.
For both children and adults, fluency changes reading from a chore into a source of joy and empowerment.
Real-Life Impact of Phonics-Based Learning
Countless learners have found their turning point through phonics. For some, it’s being able to read road signs independently. For others, it’s filling out a job application without help. Parents often share how phonics enabled them to finally read aloud to their children or grandchildren — a milestone that feels priceless.
One adult learner described the experience simply: “For the first time, I don’t skip over words I don’t know. I can figure them out, and that makes me feel like a real reader.”
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn to read and achieve true fluency, phonics isn’t optional — it’s essential. Without it, reading becomes a game of memorization and guesswork. With it, words open up, patterns make sense, and confidence grows.
The good news is that programs like Nardagani make phonics clearer and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a parent helping a child, an adult learner, or someone supporting English language learners, choosing a phonics-based program could be the step that changes everything.
Reading fluency is within reach — and phonics is the key that unlocks it.
Also Read
1. How to Learn to Read as an Adult: A Step-by-Step Guide
2. Why English is hard to learn? Rules, Exceptions, and a Smarter Way to Read
3. Why traditional reading method fails
4. A Realistic Plan to Learn to Read: Progress at Your Own Pace
5. Can you really learn to read without Phonics (Spoiler No)