Phonics

Phonics is the understanding of the link between written letters and the sounds they represent.

Why is it important?

Decoding new words: Students learn to break words into sounds and blend them, unlocking new vocabulary and text.
Building fluency: As decoding becomes automatic, less mental energy is used on sounding out, freeing up working memory for comprehension.
Improving spelling: Understanding letter-sound patterns directly supports accurate spelling.
Foundational skill: It's a strong predictor of reading success and comprehension, essential for all learning.
Effective for diverse learners: High-quality phonics helps nearly all children, including those with dyslexia.
Long-term benefits: Develops confidence, independence, a love of reading, and supports digital literacy and academic achievement.

How can I support this skill at home?

Letter Detective

For this game, you'll need some index cards with alphabet letters or words written on them. Hide the index cards around your home.

For example:

Tell your child how many cards are hidden. When your child finds a card, they have to say the letter sound OR read the word aloud to you.

Phonics Headbands

For this game, you’ll need some letters or words written on flash cards.

For example:

Place your cards face down. Choose one and place it on your forehead. Have your child say the letter sound (or segment each sound in the word) for you to ‘guess’ the letter (or word). Then switch!

Phonics Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a fun way to practice skills by finding letters and sounds in the real world and books.

For example:

Choose a letter and have them look in books, magazines, or on any type of print you might have in your home. You can also do this in the car; they can search for the letter on billboards and signs!

Sensory Writing

Practicing writing letters and words

is an important part of phonics. Give your child a variety of fun writing materials so they can explore writing.

For example:

Have your child paint, write in shaving cream spread thinly on a table, trace in sand - or any other type of material that sounds fun. After they've written a letter or word, have them tell you the letter sound or read the word to you.