Phonics is the ability to associate sounds with letters or letter patterns. Phonics is one of four ways used to identify individual words as we read. The other three are: (a) analogy [word families], (b) morphemic awareness [prefix, suffix, affix, root], and (c) context clues [semantics]. Phonics instruction is very important, but it should never be taught as the sole component in a reading program. If reading instruction consists only of phonics, the other word identification skills will not develop. Reading instruction that is effective simultaneously develops all four word identification skills.