This document provides an overview of effective phonics instruction strategies. It discusses how phonics instruction helps children understand the relationship between letters and sounds. It recommends that instruction be explicit, systematic, teach the most common letters and sounds first, introduce a few at a time, and ensure students understand how to use letter sounds to read words. The document also emphasizes providing opportunities for students to apply their phonics knowledge through reading decodable text and considering students' needs when selecting texts. It suggests teaching phonics in small groups or one-on-one and scaffolding instruction to meet students' individual needs.