Support your child’s reading success by understanding this key method.
If you are the parent of a new reader, you probably hear a lot about phonetics. Here’s what you need to know about how your child will learn phonics and how you can help them teach phonics at home.
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What exactly is phonetics?
Phonetics is knowing that sounds and letters have a relationship. In other words, it is the connection between what we say and what we can read and write. Phonics gives novice readers the strategies they need to pronounce words. For example, children learn that the letter D has the sound “d” as in “doll”. Then they learn to combine the sounds of the letters to create words like a dog.
Because it is important?
For children to understand what they are reading, they need to be able to do it quickly and automatically, without stumbling over words. Phonetics facilitate this process.
How does your child’s school teach phonics?
Systematically and sequentially. The teachers give the children a lot of practice before continuing. Your child will read short, easy books that contain the sounds of the letters or words they are working on. You can help them practice by providing them with similar books at home, like the ones in this PAW Patrol phonetic box set.
Here are some other ways to help you learn phonics at home:
- Form a team with the teacher. Ask how you can emphasize phonics and reading outside of the classroom, and share your concerns.
- Listen to your child read daily. If your child stumbles upon a word, encourage him to say it. But if they still can’t, give them a voice so they don’t get discouraged.
- Promote understanding. Ask the questions like “What will happen next?” or “What did you mean by that?” These are some of the questions that you can ask during the story time.
- Revisit familiar books. It doesn’t matter if your child wants to re-read their favorite books from previous years. In fact, it’s really beneficial!
- Read loudly. Pick books on topics that interest your child (get great suggestions from our many book lists) and read them enthusiastically, using different voices for each character.
- Spread the joy. Show your child how much you enjoy reading by having plenty of books and magazines at home. You will teach phonics and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Buy these awesome sound boxes to get started! You can find all the books and activities in the Phonics store.
