Definition of "phonics" [phon•ics]

• A method of teaching elementary reading and spelling based on the phonetic interpretation of ordinary spelling. (noun)
• Phonetics. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A solid foundation in phonics is now requirement in UK schools, starting from around age four."
• "In general, phonics is better for kids who are in danger of never learning to read, while whole word is better for helping smarter kids read faster."
• "This dichotomy between “whole language” and phonics is false."