Did you know that over 390 million children are still unable to read a basic sentence by the age of five? While there are many contributing factors to this global problem, phonics plays an important role. So, it only stands to reason that home-based phonics exercises will benefit any child. Let’s examine eight engaging suggestions.
Refrigerator Magnets
While this might be a traditional approach, it can still work wonders. Ask your child to construct words from these magnets and when they are incorrect, provide a hint or two as may be needed.
Singing
Singing is another powerful way to combine different words and sounds together. However, the benefit here that additional elements such as tempo and rhythm will provide your child with a different approach to learn phonics aside from standard educational materials.
Pancake Letters
Cut out a series of circles from brown construction paper. Write a word on the back of each “pancake”. Then, provide your child with a spatula. Once each is flipped over, ask them to pronounce the word that appears.
Clay Words
Another hands-on activity to consider involves the use of standard modelling clay. Ask your child to shape pre-rolled pieces into different letters and then, to construct words. Not only is this highly engrossing, but parents can employ the Educater EYFS assessment guide to record how their child progresses outside of scholastic settings.
Newspaper Scavenger Hunts
Grab an old newspaper or magazine and choose a specific word. Phonics-related keywords such as “and”, “the”, and “of” tend to be the most useful. Ask your child to highlight each one as it appears. He or she can then attempt to decipher the meaning of the associated sentence.
Flashlight Spelling Games
Using the same set of refrigerator magnets mentioned earlier, turn off the lights and give your child a torch. Ask him or her to identify specific letters by using the beam of the torch.
Letter Swat
First, obtain a handful of sticky pads. Assign a letter to each one. Provide your child with a fly swatter. When you make the sound associated with each letter, the child can then “swat” the appropriate piece of paper.
Chalk Word Walks
Using a piece of sidewalk chalk, write down one or more words that your child already understands. Then, encourage them to walk along each word while pronouncing the letters as they progress. This activity is particularly beneficial when the weather becomes warmer or in the event that your child needs to release any built-up energy.
These eight suggestions are all easy to implement and yet, they can offer up a great deal of fun along the way. There is no reason why phonics should be solely associated with rot memorisation and sensations of boredom. Children who are able to appreciate such basic principles will undoubtedly excel when they begin moving on to more advanced subject matter.