Johnson (1996) states that action research is characterized by "spiraling cycles of problem identification, systematic data collection, reflection, analysis, data-driven action taken, and finally, problem redefinition." Accordingly, the process of researching my own teaching of phonics with whole language involved a four step spiral process of planning which involved reconnaissance, taking actions, fact-finding about the results of the action, reflecting and developing revised action based on what had been learned (Ryder, n.d.).