Forming neural links for language is relatively easy up to about age six, and though achievable after that time, requires much more effort. That is why effective initial teaching is so important…

The brain imaging studies have also shown how difficult and exhausting is the task of reading for struggling students. They use up to five times as much energy when reading as do fluent readers. It is not surprising that they prefer not to read…

The recent literacy inquiry report commissioned by former education minister Brendan Nelson called for the reintroduction of phonics, in which children learn to read by breaking words into sounds and syllables.

Source: The Age
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