These days, phonics learning is gaining popularity among parents for the language development of their children. If you want to know all about phonics and why your child should learn it, then here are all the deets you need.
What is Phonics?
Phonics is a method to teach children to read and write using the sounds of alphabets or letters. There are 44 unique sounds to 26 alphabets. It is easier for children to understand when they can associate spoken words with sounds and sounds with letters. They can join the sounds of alphabets to make words. For example, ‘ay’ as in play, ‘ew’ as in screw, ‘ph’ as in elephant.
What is the Best Time to Introduce Phonics?
If your kids can identify all alphabets, then they are ready for phonics. This is usually around 3 to 5 years of age.
Why are the Benefits of Phonics?
Apart from the fact that phonics makes lays the foundation for kids to learn to read and write, there are several other reasons why it is important.
- Builds Vocabulary
Children who learn phonics adapt to reading books at an early age. They can explore new words on their own without depending on adults and increase their vocabulary.
- Learn Spellings Easily
Most children struggle with spellings even after they move to higher classes. Consequently, they end up mugging the spellings and then commit silly mistakes. Phonics helps kids identify words based on their sounds and remember spellings in a better way.
- Increases Speed of Writing
Once kids develop awareness about sound to symbol recognition, their reading fluency gets better and they can decode words quickly. This in turn helps them to write at a faster speed.
- Exercises Brain
A Standford University study shows that phonics instructions activate the left hemisphere of the brain. For the uninitiated, the left side of the brain is associated with logic and language comprehension. Phonics requires kids to apply their minds to reasoning and develop analytical thinking.
- Aids Quick Learning for Non-English Speakers
Children whose native language is non-English or who want to pick up the right accent of the English language can easily learn the language with phonics.
- Supports Speech and Language Development in Special Children
Kids with dyslexia or any other special need can overcome their barriers to speech and language development with ease with the help of phonics.
How to Teach Phonics?
These days, there are many books, activities, games, videos, worksheets and other resources available for parents to teach phonics to children. Another alternative is to enrol your kids in phonics classes under the guidance of professional teachers or certified instructors
Phonics is a proven and fun technique for children to develop their English reading and writing skills. It would pay off in the long run in the academic success of your kids.
