Phonic Zoom encourages the learning of phonemes and graphemes through play and supports the development of independent reading for children in a fun and exciting way.
Is my child ready to read?
Parents can tell when their child is ready to read when they start showing interest in letters, words and books. They might ask about letters on signs or want to hear stories often. They might also start recognising familiar words and sounds. Children who are ready to read often enjoy looking at pictures in books and might even try to pretend to read on their own. Remember, every child is different, so look for signs of curiosity and enthusiasm for words and stories as indicators that they are ready to start their reading journey.
Phonics teaches children the sounds that each letter/groups of letters make. When your child knows these sounds, they can sound out or ‘decode’ the words they see in books, blending them together to be able to read. By using phonics to break words down into smaller and more manageable parts, reading becomes engaging, easier and fun to your child.
What is blending?
Blending in phonics is like putting puzzle pieces together. Your child will take the sounds of letters or letter groups and push them together to make a word. For example, “c”, “a” and “t” to read “cat”.
Home learning task:
Take one of your child’s story books. Find simple words in the book that you think your child can blend. Write the letters if the words on sticky notes, placing them in order on a table and encouraging your child to sound out each individual letter. Slowly increase the difficulty of each word, celebrating each win.
What is sound recognition?
In phonics, sound recognition means knowing the sounds that letters or letter groups make. For instance, recognising that ‘b’ is not ‘bee’ as it’s pronounced in the alphabet. It’s sound is ‘b’ as in the word ‘bed’. It’s about understanding the noises that letters and groups of letters make when we say them. This skill helps children to read and understand words.
What is oral blending?
Oral blending is like a word puzzle. You say each sound in a word and then smoothly put them together to say the word. For example, your child will say “c”, “a” and “t” separately and then blend the sounds together to say the word “cat”. Oral blending is the spoken version of the concept of blending, where your child will see these sounds written down. Sound recognition helps oral blending as your child will be able to make the necessary connections between the sounds of: letters, groups of letters and the way they look.
What is the significance of the alphabet in phonics?
Learning the alphabet will be a key first step for your child for their phonics journey. The alphabet helps children understand the sounds that make up the words we speak and read. The alphabet is the tool that children need to be successful on their reading journey.
Advice!
Each child will have different learning paces and will require different levels of support. Be patient with your child, help them and encourage them. Celebrate their wins and achievements. Always make learning fun! Using their favourite books and topics (such as fairies, dinosaurs, trucks etc) will keep your child engaged and influence their desire to learn more.
