Phonics is one of the most time-tested ways to teach children to read and write.
It's how many of us learned how to read back in the 80s and 90s, and it is a proven method that teaches more than 44 sounds that letters make, and how to blend the sounds into more 1200+ spelling combinations.
Instead of memorizing sight words (which is extremely difficult for children), phonics-equipped teachers show them how to decode any word by understanding the sounds that letters make. For children to excel in reading, they must practice these sounds every day.
Sounds make words
There are easy 1-letter sounds, like 'g','b,' and 'k' (alphabet sounds). There are 2-letter sounds like 'am,' 'qu,' 'bl,' 'fr,' 'ig,' and 'at.' There are 3-letter sounds such as 'ion', 'ous,' and 'ing.' There are 4-letter sounds such as 'ight' and 'augh.' How these sounds go together to make words is the fun part. Every day, we must practice these sounds with our children.
Why is it important?
Because phonics is the bridge to reading and comprehension, however, many school teachers are frustrated. Their curriculum allows for mainly sight words and word guessing. While this may be fun in the short term, only phonics can yield the best results in the long term.
Where do I start?
- Start with Sounds: Begin by helping your child recognize every sound of the alphabet, the consonant sounds, the short vowel sounds, and the long vowel sounds.
- Letter-Sound Blending. Once they grasp the alphabet sounds, blend them with 2- and 3-letter sounds. Start with simple words like 'it,' 'on,' and 'up.' Move to words like 'hat,' 'log,' and 'bug.' Write out the words and as you read them out loud, pull the sounds out by drawing your finger under each sound.
- Read, Read, Read. Encourage reading simple books together. Start with ones that have repetitive words or sentences. When your child encounters a new word, break it down. For example, for 'frog,' point out 'f' says /f/, 'r' says /r/, 'o' says /o/, and 'g' says /g/. Then blend the sounds, drawing your finger slowly from the f to the g, to say the word.
- Make It Engaging: Use songs, rhymes, and games. Sing the alphabet song, make up rhymes for each sound, or play word-building games like making words with letter blocks.
- Reading Aloud: Read aloud to your child regularly. Point to words as you read. This helps them see how spoken words translate to written ones.
- Celebrate Progress: Praise their efforts and progress. Celebrate when they figure out a new sound, word, and sentence. Positive reinforcement inspires children to practice on their own.
Remember, there are five pillars of reading: Phonic awareness, phonic sounds, comprehension (understanding words and sentences), vocabulary, and fluency.
Teach Me How To Read This February
This Black History Month, we are launching a "Teach Me How To Read This February.” This will include our release of the world's only comprehensive phonics book inspired by African American music history and culture. With over 150+ consonant and vowel sounds, tips, and hundreds of words to decode and practice, this guide will be invaluable in your quest to teach your child the sounds that letters make.
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