Phonics: What works and what they'll use

Determing what works and what kids actually use when they are learning with phonics instruction is really important. When teaching reading, view phonics as a tool to assist in decoding words with the end goal of making meaning. Research shows phonics instruction is most affective within a meaning-based system. Learning all of the phonics rules are not an end within themselves, but rather a means to improving the rate of reading and understanding of the text. The phonics rules work on average less than 50% of the time anyway.

Here are some of the things that we've found helpful:

• Playing sound/letter games
• Rhyming exercises with dancing, singing, and reciting
• Analyzing syllables by clapping, snapping or otherwise putting action to the words to break them apart
• Stretching out sounds in words to hear individual phonemes
• Using picture cards to match similar sounds
• Manipulating sounds in words with hands-on activities
• Point out features by pointing to individual aspects while reading to demonstrate how print works.
• Transposing children's spoken words into written symbols through dictation and providing children opportunities to write.
• Looking at words in print and imagining how it’s spelled and copying new words.

There is an amazing collection of free, phonics activities and games at the Florida Center for Reading Research.  Scroll down through the sections below to find activities that will help your child.

K-1-Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
2-3-Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
4-5-Advanced Phonics

Wishing you homeschool blessings,