Issue 3, August 2017

In this edition of Nomanis, we focus on phonics, prompted by recent calls for the introduction of a phonics screening check in Australia. Other articles include a discussion of how boosting a child's spoken word bank can lead to better reading; find out how well-prepared pre-service teachers are to teach early reading; dispel some of the myths about brain training; and sit down for a Q&A with Max Coltheart.

You can view a digital edition of Nomanis here, download a PDF of the whole edition here (3mb), or download the individual articles below:

• Editorial – Is changing your mind like changing your underwear?: Kevin Wheldall

• How boosting your child's spoken word bank can boost their capacity to read: Signy Wegener and Anne Castles

• Explainer – what is phonics and why is it important?: Hua-Chen Wang

• Are sight words unjustly slighted?: Anne Castles

• Q&A with Max Coltheart: Kevin Wheldall

• How well-prepared are pre-service teachers to teach early reading?: Alison Madelaine

• What is brain training and does it work? Ray Newins

• Why Australia should trial the new phonics screening check: Pamela Snow, Anne Castles, Kevin Wheldall and Max Coltheart

• Phonics debate sorts friends from the literally deluded: Monica Dux

• Illusory phonics: Balanced magic?: Kerry Hempenstall

• The story of an ugly duckling aka phonics check furphies: Pamela Snow

• Book review: Jennifer Stephenson

We hope you enjoy this edition.