What is reading wars?

The "reading wars" refers to the ongoing debate in education about the best methods for teaching reading. At the center of this controversy are two primary approaches: phonics-based instruction, which emphasizes the relationship between letters and sounds, and whole language instruction, which focuses on understanding meaning and context in reading. Advocates of each method argue for their effectiveness in promoting literacy, while critics claim that an exclusive focus on one approach can hinder a child's reading development. The debate continues to influence curriculum design and teaching practices in schools.