What is Phonics?
Phonics is a way of teaching children to read quickly and skilfully by
connecting sounds with letters. That’s de-coding, and it’s what phonics is all
about.
Why is Phonics Important?
Phonics is, hands-down, the best way to teach kids to read words. Why is it so
effective? Because phonics gives your child the tools to read almost every
word he or she comes across. And that’s really powerful and motivating.
Easy Ways to Support Your Child
So, how can you support your child from home? Your child will learn phonics
at school, but there are some great ways to help your child at home:
● Find opportunities: When you’re driving or at the shop, look at signs and
try to spot letters or point out words your child can decode, like can or
fish.
● Prepare some books at home: Easy Readers levels are perfect, they’re
at the right magnitude of difficulty for them, and you can find lots of
them at the library or the bookstore.
● Encourage and support with love: Keep reading sessions relaxed and
positive. Listen to your child read, praise his or her efforts, and don’t
hesitate to step in to help if your child gets frustrated.
● Read aloud to your child and have fun together: Read your child’s
favorite picture books, or try a chapter a night from a short chapter
book. Enjoying these books is a wonderful motivator for your child to
learn to read on his or her own.
