Phonics, a key to success in Reading

1. Phonics, a key to success in Reading Skip Intro Site Map Quit Next

2. Learn & Love to Read : Phonics Many parents of beginning readers or children who want to learn English may hear about phonics from friends or teachers. You may wonder what phonics is, why my children needs phonics, if phonics is essential and how I can help them to learn phonics efficiently ? This kiosk will answer all these questions and help you to enhance your knowledge of phonics . It is useful to find suitable phonics materials for helping your children by addressing valuable resources. Phonics is knowing that sounds and letters have a relationship. Phonics instruction is designed to help beginning readers understand how letters combine to make sounds and words. Through the phonics instruction, children can understand letter sound correspondences and spelling patterns. Back Site Map Quit Main Menu Next

3. Many experts and researchers stress various advantages of phonics instruction, indicating phonics is an essential ingredient in reading. The knowledge gained by understanding the relationship between sounds and letters helps children to read and decode unfamiliar words automatically. As children gain letter sound skills, they can transfer the sound into spelling. This instills confidence in children’s writing. Mastering explicit phonics helps children to improve reading comprehension. In order to understand what he/she reads, reading all sentences quickly and accurately is firstly required. Phonics facilitates this process. Back Site Map Quit Main Menu

4. Main Menu Role of Phonics in Reading Approaches to Phonics Resources (each type) Tips for Parents Start again Site Map Quit Intro

5. Site Map Title Intro 1 Intro 2 Please, Click the Links button! Site Map Links Main Menu Roles of Phonics 1 Methods of Phonics1 Tips for Parents Resources1 Roles of Phonics 2 Methods of Phonics2 Analytical Phonics1 2 3 Resources2 Methods of Phonics3 Roles of Phonics 3 Synthetic Phonics2 3 2 Resources3 Others Previous page Intro Quit Main Menu

6. Links • All contents in this kiosk are from following resources, • Children’s Books and Reading, Synthetic Phonics, Retrieved from http://www.childrens-books-and-reading.com/synthetic-phonics.html • Children’s Books and Reading, Teaching Phonics using Analytical Phonics, Retrieved from http://www.childrens-books-and-reading.com/teaching-phonics.html • National Reading Panel (2000), Phonics Instruction, Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/254 • Parlapiano, Ellen H., Sounding Out Phonics, Retrieved from http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=10219 • Time 4 Learning, Pre-Reading Skills – Phonics, Retrieved from http://www.time4learning.com/readingpyramid/phonics.htm Site Map Intro Quit Main Menu

7. Role of Phonics in Reading “Reading Skill pyramid” from On-Track Reader Prepared for Success Grade3 Grade2 Grade1 Phonemic Awareness Vocabulary Fluency Kinder Pre K Comprehension Print Concepts Phonics 3-4s Phonics is one of five essential components of reading that children must to be taught in order to learn to read : Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. Each component takes a large role in achieving success in reading and also affects other parts which are vital in improving abilities to read. Site Map Quit Main Menu Next

8. By mastering nine skills, children can accomplish goals of phonics instruction which have a great effect on children’s process in reading and comprehension. Changes sounds by adding, deleting, or substituting phonemes Distinguishes separate sounds in words Knows that letters in each word correspond to sounds Knows that words are made of sounds Identifies words with same beginning sounds Blends sounds into words Pays attention to sounds in words Hears the rhythm of language Identifies syllables in words Back Site Map Quit Main Menu Next

9. The Role of Phonics Over the past decades, there has been the phonics controversy. Some researchers indicated that phonics instruction is unnecessary because children can learn to read naturally without such instruction. They believed that we can help children to have ability to read by encouraging them to read good books. However, many experts had researched on the topic and concluded that early phonics learning results in excellent reading achievement. Adams (1990), one of the supporters of phonics teaching, indicated the role of phonics in reading by saying, “Phonics instruction by itself in not enough, however. To support skillful reading, the information in all the processors must be richly interconnected. To learn to read skillfully, children need practice in seeing and understanding decodable words in real reading situations and with connected text. The purpose of word identification instruction is to establish paths from the print to spelling, speech, meaning, and context. This can be done when phonics is part of a reading program that provides ample practice in reading and writing. Encouraging children with connected text can also show them the importance of what they are learning and make the lessons on phonics relevant and sensible”, (p.93-94). Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams Cognitive psychologist Back Site Map Quit Main Menu

10. Approaches to Phonics Not all methods are created equal The main goal of phonics instruction is to provide children with key knowledge and skills and to encourage children to apply the knowledge in their reading and writing. In order to support children’s phonics, there are several different methods available. It is important to know each approach’s basic concept and pros and cons because selecting a method will be varied according to what you and your child need. Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

11. Phonics instruction teaches the relationships between the letters and individual sounds. In addition, it teaches how these relationships are used to read and write words. There are five approaches to phonics instruction: Analytic phonics, Analogy phonics, Embedded phonics, Phonics through spelling and Synthetic phonics. All approaches aim to teach students to systematically recognize familiar words and decode new works independently. Analytical phonics and synthetic phonics are main methods for phonics teaching. By clicking the below menu you can have more specific information of each approach. Analytical Phonics Synthetic Phonics Others Back Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

12. Why & How Parents should use Systematic Phonics Instruction According to the research by National Reading Panel (2000) “systematic phonics instruction has significant benefits for students in kindergarten through 6th grade and for children having difficulty learning to read”. Children who were taught phonics systematically in their early years are better able to decode and spell words and to read text. It has also positive effects on English learning children who are from a variety of backgrounds. The role of parents is essential in early child education. Since phonics instruction is most effective when introduced early, parents should adapt appropriate programs and teach their child carefully. Indeed, parents should assess the needs of their child before applying the program for phonics teaching. Along with knowing that phonics is only one component of the reading activity parents should give their child phonics instruction integrated with other reading components such as phonemic awareness, fluency and comprehension. In order to facilitate children’s enthusiasm to learn, having various learning activities is a valuable way. Many programs in different types offer helpful resources and effective curriculum for your child. For more information about programs, please see the resources section in main menu. Back Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu

13. Synthetic Phonics Letter - sounds first, words later Most widely used in the world Synthetic phonics starts with the 44 sounds in the English language and teaches children the combination of letters used to represent each of these sounds. Sub Menu Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

14. Concept of Synthetic Phonics • There are 44 sounds in the English language, represented by one, two or more letters put together. Children are taught each of these sounds systematically and the letters used to represent them. • Sounds are represented by • one letter : /m/ in ‘map’ • two letters : /wr/ in ‘wrist’ • three letters : /igh/ in ‘light’ • four letters : /ough/ in ‘dough’ • Children start to learn each of 44 sounds. After mastering sounds, children are taught how to these sounds can be blended together to make words. Synthetic Phonics method is most widely used in countries such as the US, the UK, Germany, and Austria to help children’s reading skills. Back Back Sub Menu Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

15. Advantages Disadvantages • In the beginning of the learning process, the synthetic method does not focus on children’s comprehension of what the words mean, which is essential to reading ability. • The fast pace of learning new sounds helps children not to get bored. It will take less than four months for children to read simple books. • As children learn sounds represented by more than one letter, they can easily understand when they see individual letters sound different in different words. For example, an “a” sounds different in “cat” than in “rain”. • This method gives a logical structure to the writing system : Phonics connect reading to spelling and writing. Back Sub Menu Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu

16. Analytical Phonics Words first, letter - sounds later Analytical Phonics starts with the 26 letters of the alphabet and teaches the sounds associated with each of these letters. In addition, children are taught to recognize groups of similarly spelt words. Sub Menu Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

17. Concept of Analytical Phonics Analytical phonics recognizes that a single word has two parts: the onset and the rhyme. For example, in the word “spill”, “sp” is the onset and “ill” is the rhyme. Children are taught to analyze whole words to detect spelling patterns and then split them into the onset and the rhyme. This decoding enables them to make a comparison with other words. A single syllable word = Onset + Rhyme Spill = Sp + ill Goat = G + oat Boat = B + oat For example, if the child knows ‘goat’ and ‘boat’, then the word ‘float’ or ‘moat’ will be easy to read. By varying the onset, one rhyme can generate numerous words. These groups of words are called rhyme families. Children learn the names of the letters and the sounds first, and then are taught how to blend letters together to make words. Back Sub Menu Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

18. Advantages Disadvantages • The analytical approach is good to help children develop a large sight vocabulary for both reading and spelling. • Learning the rhyme is useful to recognize and learn other words which have the same rhyme. For example, after learning the rhyme “ould” in “would” children can easily learn either “could” or “should”. • Learning the sounds and their blends can be boring for young children. • By encouraging guessing to read words, it may promote children to read inaccurately. • It normally takes one week to master one letter sound, which is longer than other methods, resulting in children getting bored easily. Back Sub Menu Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu

19. Other phonics approaches • Phonics through spelling • Students are taught to separate words into sounds and to select letters for those sounds. • Analogy phonics • Students are taught unfamiliar words by analogy to known words. For example, reading “brick” by analogy to “kick” or reading “stump” by analogy to “jump”. • Embedded phonics • Students are taught phonics skills by embedding the phonics method in reading text. Sub Menu Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu

20. Books Create your own curriculum Click on each book. You can see more information and reviews on Amazon! Synthetic Phonics Analytical Phonics Awarded the best how-to book in 2000 Most widely used for learning to read at home Uses a unique system of letter making(DISTAR), used to accelerate the teaching of many irregularly spelled words Helps to teach essential skills to blend sounds Aimed to improve comprehension and reading skills Provides daily lesson plans that are detailed and easy to follow More information and tips available @ here Designed for mainly home use Provides 20 lessons for children to read Valuable tips and materials for this book are available @ here Highly simplified phonics programs By providing games, children are encouraged to learn reading and decoding skills Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

21. software/materials Worth paying for Click on each site. You can see more information! Internet based software program Has animated episodes to teach phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension All contents and design on the program reflect scientific research “all lessons are highly interactive and provide multiple opportunities for practice” – from the review by Florida Center for Reading Research Provides books and materials world widely Developed in 1968, Letterland has worked for teaching phonics literacy by providing child friendly design contents and various resources such as games, painting, and songs Awarded as “most practical for preschool” in 2010 One of the most widely used programs Provides parents with learning materials that are fun, effective and easy to learn Research based strategies and child friendly activities Listed by The Children’s Reading Foundation as a good resources for parents Back Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu Next

22. Websites enjoy free services The Sadlier company has been working for children’s education in various fields such as mathematics and reading. On their web site there are many useful resources for parents and teachers. Sadlier phonics provides numerous activities which are leveled from pre-k to grade 6. All activities empower children to use their knowledge of words, sounds, and letters. Selected one of “five sites too good to miss” in 2006 Supported by the BBC and designed mainly to help children gain knowledge of phonics All games and activities are divided into five modules which each focus on different areas of phonics learning Opened in 2002 to help children learn to read Has four different categories to facilitate children’s phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension Each section provides valuable tips and resources Click on each site. You can see more information! Back Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu

23. Tips for parents to support children’s phonics learning Read familiar books Reading easy books helps to improve phonics and fluency Work with teacher Communicate with your child’s teacher regularly and share your concern about your child Listen to your child’s reading every day Help your child to read unknown words and check her/his strengths and weaknesses in reading Read aloud This is the best way to boost children to have fun in reading and to learn new words with phonics Encourage comprehension By asking questions such as “what will happen?” or “why did the boy cry ?” you can help your child improve understanding of what s/he read Let your child know the joy of reading By having many books at home or visiting libraries frequently, you can encourage your child to read and learn Start again Site Map Site Map Quit Quit Main Menu