Recently, we hosted a Phonics Coffee Afternoon in Pre school to provide parents with insight into our phonics program at BMH. This event fostered valuable discussions on the essential role of phonics in early literacy development.
Phonics is a crucial building block for literacy. It helps children develop foundational reading skills, enabling them to decode words and build confidence in their reading abilities. By understanding the relationships between letters and sounds, children gain essential tools for tackling new texts.
* English teachers give course presentations
In addition to enhancing reading skills, phonics improves spelling. As students learn phonemes, they become more accurate in writing, reinforcing the connection between reading and spelling—key components of overall literacy.
Phonics significantly impacts reading fluency. A strong grasp of phonics allows children to read smoothly, enabling them to focus on comprehension rather than getting stuck on decoding. This efficient decoding makes reading an enjoyable experience.
Moreover, mastering phonics boosts students' confidence. This sense of accomplishment encourages them to tackle more challenging tasks, positively influencing their overall attitude toward learning.
Assessments are vital to our phonics program. They help identify student proficiency levels, allowing us to tailor instruction to individual needs. By understanding where each child stands, we can implement effective teaching strategies and focus on specific areas needing attention.
Timely interventions are possible through early recognition of difficulties, preventing wider gaps in learning. Continuous assessments also guide curriculum adjustments, ensuring our program remains responsive to our students' evolving needs.
Differentiated Phonics Classes
Based on assessment results, students are placed in differentiated phonics classes. In Level 2, students learn 23 phonemes and begin blending them into simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, along with a few tricky sight words.
Level 3 expands the curriculum to include blending, digraphs, and trigraphs, where students practice segmenting words and writing sentences to enhance fluency. By Level 4, students are expected to know all 44 phonemes and demonstrate confidence in reading, blending, and segmenting more complex words.
How Parents Can Support Phonics Learning at Home
How Parents Can Support Phonics Learning at Home
If parents want to support phonics learning at home, here are some effective strategies.
· Setting aside time each day to read together can reinforce important skills, especially with books that include phonics concepts.
· Listening to phonics songs sent by teachers in the ManageBac posts can also help reinforce sounds and letter recognition.
· Parents can practice phonics sounds in everyday situations by identifying sounds and letters found in the environment—like those on signs or packaging—making learning engaging and relevant.
To motivate students, we’ve implemented a phonics rewards system, encouraging active participation with stamps awarded in phonics booklets and badges for completions during assembly.
Our discussions highlight that phonics is foundational to literacy development. As one quote reminds us, "Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible."
Thank you to everyone who attended! Together, we are helping our children build a strong foundation for their future learning!
