The Roadmap to Reading
Phonics teaches people to read by correlating sounds with symbols in an alphabetic writing system. It is the fastest way of getting your child to read.
To read English successfully, children need to make sense out of the sounds they hear. Learning to hear is the first step towards learning to read. From there on, the steps are simple and the association of sounds with letters comes easily after.
Phonics along with vocabulary instructions breaks a concept for a child in a way that she understands it. It helps children develop Phonemic Awareness (PA). PA is the ability to focus on and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. It forms the base for reading. Observe yourself when you are reading and realise that you can hear the sounds of the words in your head.
It is better than rote learning as it helps children understand the code of written language instead of just memorising it. We, at Little Genius, have devised a curriculum that teaches children various levels of phonics according to their age group and capabilities. This curriculum is made on the basis of what your child MUST be able to do with every passing year.
- At the age of 3-3.5 years, children must learn to associate sounds with the written aspects. They also must know how to put sounds together by the time they are 4-4.5 years old.
- From 4.5-5 years, children learn how to combine sounds. These include blends, digraphs, diphthongs and triphthongs.
- From here on, children move forward to learn phonic rules and form phrases with the correct syntax with each level demanding and challenging more. This helps children form sentences and build vocabulary.
- With better and stronger vocabulary, children start reading and writing creatively and progress towards becoming public speakers.
- Public speaking hones their confidence as they start feeling better about representing themselves to the world.
When children start reading, they gain essential knowledge and skills to go ahead and conquer the world. Here are some benefits of reading:
- Builds vocabulary
- Promotes a healthy sleep cycle
- Strengthens the recognition of sounds, symbols and signs
- Facilitates entertainment
- Forms bonds
- Builds focus and confidence
- Develops cognitive skills and empathy
Here are some tips from Janet Shah herself to raise readers!
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Mary Ellen Chase said, 'There is no substitute for books in the life of a child'. The Little Genius phonics classes make reading fun and easy for children and keep the spirit of curiosity alive!
