Dock compromise
after the monumental failure of a method based on reading phrases (whole words). From about 1960, authorities were beguiled by an intellectual who scorned phonic teaching as boring, even “souldestroying”. Suddenly, children of average — even above-average — intelligence were not learning to read. This time, the failure was first blamed on previously unknown dyslexia.
Unbelievably, it has taken more than 50 years for phonic teaching to become recognised, but only in part. Most believe it helps the child who is learning to read by reading. To whom are we looking to teach the teachers how to teach phonic? The experts, who have little or no experience of the day-after-day grind of teaching infants. “Experto credite” was a saying. “Ask the one who has done it.” Phonic must again be the basis of teaching reading rather than being used in parallel with the “real” reading of texts. In the average or above-average brain, at the beginning of the journey of reading, the two methods together can cause confusion. Phonic teaching engenders confidence. One could say the two are mutually exclusive.
Refusal causes anxiety
I SORT of nearly agree with Simon Fraser, but have a few quibbles (“Climate fear shouldn’t control us”, Talking Point, September 30). It is true anxiety can cause many health problems, but most of the anxiety I feel and see is not caused by climate change but the stubborn refusal of climate change deniers to accept the science and the solutions science offers. Paradoxically “more science” is used by deniers and as a tool to delay action.
Most of the science has been done, in some cases more than 30 years ago. The HOBART’S famed Constitution Dock is such a vibrant tourism hub serving up fresh local seafood produce all year but it is also home to many Sydney to Hobart yachts at the conclusion of the bluewater classic. But “Hitch for new marina plans” ( Mercury, October 2) adds another dimension to what has been such a functional facility for many years. Both TasPorts and Hobart City Council’s planning committee must reach a compromise on any future development of the Dock but, as the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!