When your child is learning to read, phonics materials (books, e-books, CDs, DVDs) are some of the best materials you can provide. Phonics materials bridge the gap from learning the alphabet to the first book your kid reads on their own!
What is phonics?
Phonics is part of the science of reading method for teaching beginners how to read and write by connecting written language to the sounds of spoken language to the letters, syllables, or letter groups.
The individual letter sounds of the alphabet are the first phonics most kids learn, followed by,
- beginning consonant sound blends, such as ch- and fl-
- ending consonant sounds like -ic and -ty
- short vowels (son, spin)
- long vowels (fan, feet)
- diphthongs (cow, toy)
- vowel blends (stair, light)
- silent e (plum vs. plume)
What is the science of reading?
Developed over decades, the science of reading is the collected research from multiple fields of study using methods that confirm and disprove theories on how children best learn to read, which helps create best practices in teaching. In developmental order, these theories include:
- Phonics - linking written letters to their sounds (A in apple or awesome)
- Phonological awareness - the ability to recognize that spoken words are made up of individual sound parts (sounding out syllables in a word),
- Phonemic awareness - the ability to identify and manipulate (play around with) individual sounds in spoken words (rhyming words),
- Fluency - the ability to read words, phrases, sentences, and stories accurately, at typical speech rate (speed) and with expression and inflection,
- Vocabulary - knowing the meaning of words and using them correctly,
- Comprehension - the ability to understand and retain written stories and instructions.
The National Center on Improving Literacy, says that because research on the learning and teaching of reading is ongoing and more or less constant, teaching best practices must evolve as populations, communities, and approaches evolve.
What are phonics books/materials?
Phonics books (decodables) is an umbrella term for specifically designed materials that support children as they learn to read, first with help, and then on their own. Texts focus on each stage of early literacy and are often identified by number or letter in a progressive order (for example Stage 1, Level B). There are different types of phonics books, each with its own approach, but in general, they follow the progressive practice of the science of reading method: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Thus, beginning readers first learn sounds, then sight words and simple nouns, and progress on to complex and compound words, sentences, paragraphs, and, eventually, to read whole stories and books!
Don't kids learn to read in kindergarten?
Yes, most kids do learn to read after they are in school, but evidence shows that having exposure to phonics before school gives children a learning boost and ensures that they don't fall behind in academics.
Children do not need to know how to read before going to school. They just need to be given support and guidance. As your child's first teacher, you can make a huge difference in their lives by starting them on the best path to literacy!
Check out these phonics titles for helping your child learn to read!
Early Literacy: Phonics
Phonics books bridge the gap from learning the alphabet to the first book your kid reads on their own! Includes books, ebooks, audio/read-a-longs CDs, DVDs, and titles for parents and caregivers. Most titles are part of series. Some offer multiple titles at the same level, while others level up as your child becomes a more independent reader.
Also, check out this list of picture books that teach phonics:
An important part of early literacy is hearing and saying rhyming words and sight words. Help your child learn by reading aloud these pictures books that make phonics fun!
Add a comment to: Early Literacy: Phonics Are Proven Building Blocks for Reading Success