Phonics is a method used in the teaching of reading and writing. It helps children hear, identify and use different sounds that distinguish one word from another in the English language. The most widely used teaching approach is synthetic phonics, associated with the teaching of reading in which sounds associated with particular letters are pronounced in isolation and blended together (synthesised).
This term, we have introduced phase one phonics with our children; going on sound walks and practicing our voice sounds - Oooh, Eeeee, Aaaaah, Chchch, Zzzzz, Ssss, Sshhh etc. Our little adventurers are doing really well with these activities and our little learners are beginning to practice their letter sounds - /S/, /A/, /T/, /P/, /I/, /N/. Our little learners are also practicing their letter formation to write their own names.
If you are wondering how you can help at home, research has shown that reading books to children is incredibly important for developing the knowledge required for eventual success in reading. Reading to nursery age children has been found to have a positive impact on language growth, literacy and reading achievement.
References (click here)
Bus, A. G., van IJzendoorn, M. H., and Pellegrini, A. D. (1995). Joint book reading makes for success in learning to read: A meta-analysis on intergenerational transmission of literacy. Review of Educational Research, 65, 1–21.
