Reading

As a high school English teacher, I used to wince every time I saw a Times article about reading. I knew I would be facing another misguided attack on whole language coupled with a shameless plug for phonics.

These days are no more. Now that The Times has decided to be part of the reading solution with its “Reading by 9” program, I am delighted to find wave after wave of articles like those on your Feb. 14 Reading page: the benefits of reading aloud, reading for pleasure, reading partners, children’s book recommendations and cheery announcements of reading events.

Perhaps I shouldn’t let you in on this secret, but I will. These are all whole-language activities! Not a phonics lesson among them. I am not surprised. When intelligent people try to teach literacy to children, they cannot resist the joy of sharing the whole experience of reading.

SCOTT BANKS

Los Angeles