Did you know that learning just 10 sounds can unlock a child's ability to read up to 21,650 five-sound words? Here's why the right approach to phonics makes all the difference.
You may remember learning phonics in kindergarten – it’s a method used to teach children how to read and understand written language by associating sounds with letters or groups of letters. In short, phonics is when you learn that certain letters put together make certain sounds. It’s about understanding the relationship between the sounds of spoken language and the letters or letter combinations used to represent those sounds in written form. It’s a foundational skill that helps children become confident readers and spellers. But for those of us whose children find it challenging to grasp this in school and require extra support, where should we seek help?
This is where tutors like Vicky Guna come in. Vicky started her own programme, Vicky’s Phonics, after noticing that the gap between what is expected from students and what they achieve gets increasingly wider. Vicky aims to transform literacy education with her personalised play-based phonics approach. Here she shares why it’s important to change the way we view phonics and how to suss out a programme that’s suitable for your child.
One child’s struggle with literacy
My journey as a literacy teacher started all by chance when I was a 20-year-old completing a diploma and preparing to begin my degree in Early Childhood Education. I was informed via email of a tuition assignment to teach a K2 expat student. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a literacy teacher so naturally, I applied and got the assignment.
On the first lesson, the child’s parent told me, “My son does not like going to school because his friends laugh at his English. We are not good (in English) so we cannot help him. We just want to see him happy in school and do his best.” That parent’s words struck a chord with me because they mirrored my own childhood struggles with literacy. I vividly recall the frustration and pressure of feeling inadequate in language skills, and how it overshadowed my eagerness to learn.
What if I told you that the theoretical knowledge that is often imparted to children is not sufficient to excel as it is typically not transformed to tacit knowledge? Tacit knowledge, in this case, refers to the knowledge and skills the child gains through meaningful experiences. With better care, we could build tacit knowledge at a young age – as young as three to four years old – to raise strong readers and writers.
A new play-based approach to phonics: doing away with rote learning
Many of us go through repetition to learn – spell a word 30 times to recall how to string the word together, read sight words after sight words to memorise how each word is verbalised/read. This works perfectly well in a classroom setting but dissolves when we are faced with problems that go beyond learning that is memorised. This is why play-based phonics is such a great tool to utilise to avoid mindless repetition and rote learning.
The difference between learning words and learning sounds
If a child memorises 10 words, then he can read just those 10 words, but if a child can learn 10 sounds, then he will be able to read 350 three-sound words, 4,320 four-sound words and a whopping 21,650 five-sound words. This mastery of phonics translates into a deeper understanding of language and literacy. Rather than relying solely on memorisation, they grasp the underlying concepts of how words are formed and can apply this knowledge to decipher new words they encounter. This ability to understand and apply concepts not only empowers them academically but also equips them with critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Play-based phonics offers a pathway forward — a way to meet the rising educational demands without sacrificing the joy of learning. By engaging children in meaningful, hands-on activities, we can instil a deep understanding of phonics principles that goes beyond rote memorisation.
What to look out for in a good phonics class
When considering a private phonics tutor or enrichment centre, it’s important to understand that while there are many options in Singapore, not all are equally effective. Here are some key factors to look for:
1. A tutor/tuition centre that creates engaging activities
It’s crucial for a phonics program to offer activities that captivate children’s interest and make learning enjoyable. While occasional activity sheets are acceptable, the program should include a variety of hands-on, interactive, and fun activities. These could involve games, crafts, and storytelling to keep children motivated and engaged in their learning journey. After all, we learn best when we are genuinely interested and involved in the learning process!
2. Small group tuition
Next, children would benefit from ability-based segregation when it comes to choosing a phonics enrichment centre. Grouping students based on their phonics abilities rather than age ensures that each child receives instruction at an appropriate level, is challenged adequately, and is provided with the necessary support to succeed. This would be especially useful for children who are struggling to cope with their expected age group’s learning outcomes.
While grouping children according to ability might initially seem like slowing down the rate at which children can progress, such programmes definitely aid in accelerating learning and helping children eventually catch up with their peers in the long run. By addressing individual learning needs and providing targeted instruction, these programmes would guide children to bridge the gap and eventually match the phonics skills of their same-age peers. This approach also prevents students from feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by material that is too advanced for them.
3. Use of multi-sensory techniques in class
In both one-on-one and group settings, finding a programme that employs differentiated learning would be especially useful. It is essential for the program to employ multi-sensory techniques to accommodate different learning styles and interests. This could involve incorporating movement activities, music, hands-on manipulatives, and sensory experiences into phonics lessons. By engaging multiple senses, children are more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding of phonics concepts as opposed to simply sitting down and passively listening to the teacher convey concepts.
4. Regular assessments to measure child’s progress
Choosing a programme that has regular testing and progress updates would also be crucial. Regular assessments are essential to track a child’s progress and identify areas where they may need additional support. A good programme should conduct assessments at regular intervals to measure a child’s phonics skills and provide timely feedback to parents. This feedback helps parents understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to support their child’s learning effectively.
5. Pay attention to how the tutor/centre assesses learning
Lastly, it’s important to notice the tutor’s or centre’s assessment practices. The way a programme assesses learning can significantly impact a child’s progress. Avoid programmes that rely solely on memorisation or repetitive readings of familiar texts, as these methods do not accurately measure a child’s phonics skills. Instead, look for assessments that require children to apply their phonics knowledge in new contexts, such as decoding unfamiliar words or demonstrating comprehension of phonics rules in their reading and writing. By assessing phonics skills authentically, the programme can provide meaningful feedback that supports continued growth and development.
By considering these factors, parents can choose a phonics enrichment programme or tutor that offers effective instruction, supports individualised learning, and helps your child to foster a love for literacy.
Thank you for sharing your insights, Vicky! Vicky’s Phonics currently offers Individualised Play-Based Phonics Programmes for kids from the preschool age. Keep up to date with her on Instagram @vickys.phonics and you may even learn a thing or two about phonics yourselves, parents!
