5 Items to get your child started with phonics based reading
As a parent, one of the most rewarding milestones is witnessing your child learn to read. It’s a skill that unlocks endless opportunities for learning and imagination. Among the many methods available, the phonics approach stands out as one of the most effective and research-supported techniques for teaching children, particularly those aged 4 to 6, to read.
To put it in very simple terms, a phonics based approach to reading requires the child the learn the sounds of the letters (the names of the letters is less important). The child learns a few letter sounds at a time (m, a, t). Once those are mastered, the child should be able to “decode” (or read) simple words that only use those sounds that they have learned (mat). They feel a sense of accomplishment, and another several letter sounds are introduced, until the whole alphabet is completed. Phonics follows a clear and structured progression, which makes it easy for parents to implement. Children build skills incrementally, which fosters confidence and reduces frustration.
There is no sight word memorization in a phonics based approach. Research has shown that a sight word approach leaves kids to guess when they come across a word they don’t know. A phonics based approach gives children the tools to sound out the unknown word. Unlike rote memorization of sight words, phonics equips children with problem-solving skills for reading. When they come across an unfamiliar word, they can use their knowledge of sounds to figure it out.
If you want to get started on your own with a phonics based approach, these are my top recommendations of what to purchase. I own these items, recommend them, and use them with my own children.
My top recommendation is to purchase set 1 of the BOB books, especially if your child is JUST beginning with letter sounds (think pre-k3) You will see that the pictures in the book are MINIMAL and NOT colorful or expressive. This is done on purpose so that the child is not focusing on the photo for context, and has to rely on sounding out the word.
This is the workbook that goes along with the BOB books.
Alpha catch phonics game. We enjoy playing this game because it is very hands on and you can give your child movement while learning. We use a few letters at a time (the letter sounds that we’re working on).
Week-by-week phonics packets (K-3). Many worksheets require the child to listen to the sound and identify it.
Any variation of letter sound flashcards. You can even find these at the dollar store. My kids destroy them often so we have had several sets. Lol. When we use these, I pick a few (the few sounds that we are working on) and I say “what sound does this letter make?!”
Additionally..
Although designed for children with dyslexia, this workbook is good for any child nonetheless, to help distinguish between those tricky letters b,d,p, and q. Recommended for 6+
Happy learning! And remember, this is only a very simple list to get you started with an idea of what to do at home to help encourage your child when they are beginning to read. This is not meant to be an end all be all, nor do I know it all! So please do your own research or consult with your child’s teacher.
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