Making students read and write letters and words is a part of the teaching process. Teachers use different methods to simplify the teaching process for students. One of those methods includes phonics which helps them enhance the learning experience for students. It is a method that helps students understand how to read and write alphabetic languages. However, before using this method in the teaching-learning process, teachers must know what is phonics and how they can apply this method in daily classrooms.
What is phonics?
Phonics is a method to teach students how they can read and write an alphabetic language. This process of teaching syllables to students is also known as an alphabetic principle or alphabetic code. Teachers can use a variety of methods to teach phonics to students. Some of these approaches include:
- Learning sounds and the letters corresponding to them
- Reading books or performing other activities that help students learn the sounds
- Learning the sounds of groups of letters
The focus is given to learning the sounds and letters within words. This method of teaching kids was first used in 1570 by John Hart. Before that, teachers used the ABC method to teach reading and writing to students.
How to teach phonics to kids?
Keeping students engaged in the learning process is vital for every teacher. However, this process may become cumbersome when teachers provide classes to young kids. If they want to engage their students in the learning process and want them to use the phonics classes to the maximum, they can use the tips mentioned below.
Know the subject in detail
Teaching phonics is a straightforward process that does not require much effort. However, before including this teaching method in the curriculum, teachers must understand how their school approaches this tool. If a teacher is wondering how to teach phonics to kids, they need to know that synthetic phonics is the most used approach in the classrooms. In this process, the sounds are taught in a particular order so children can easily learn new words and their pronunciation. Teachers are requested to do their research before teaching phonics to students. Try to be consistent with the approach that a school follows so that students can develop their skills easily.
Plan ahead
Plan the sessions before taking classes on phonics. Understand how to proceed further when teaching vocabulary to students. Spend time understanding the concepts and have a clear overview of the lessons taught in the class.
Get the right pace
When teaching phonics to young kids, do not stuff their minds with all information at once. Keeping children engaged during the process should be the priority for any teacher. Teachers can take a few minutes from the total class time to conduct a phonics lesson. Moreover, the lesson should be followed by an activity so students get the time to grasp the concepts. Teachers should set a pace for themselves when conducting classes on alphabetic codes. They can keep up the pace and continue using the model to help their students succeed.
Engage in fun activities
Keeping young students engaged in the learning activities may seem difficult for teachers. As kids lose interest soon, ensuring their concentration does not break becomes crucial. During the lesson, teachers should provide opportunities for students to respond to questions and share their views about the lessons or topics learned.
Use valuable resources
Before teaching alphabetic orders to students, teachers need to prepare themselves for the class. To prepare for the class, teachers can use valuable resources and books. Moreover, they can also read blogs and other online resources to know more about how to teach phonics to kids.
How to practice phonics at home?
Parents can help their kids practice phonics at home with the help of the tips mentioned below.
- Team up with the teacher to understand how to enhance reading abilities in children. Parents can ask questions or share their concerns with the teachers.
- Help children read daily and set a reading schedule for them. If the child gets stuck in the middle of a word or sentence, encourage them to say it aloud.
- Encourage children to read aloud. Moreover, narrate a story in different voices to keep children engaged in the story.
The tips mentioned above will help parents encourage their children to learn new words and improve their vocabulary and pronunciation. Motivate children to give their best and support their overall development.
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