Resources for Parents and Educators
At Play Phonics, we believe that learning to read should be an exciting adventure. To support both parents and educators on this journey, we’ve put together a few key resources that will help make phonics learning even more effective and fun!
What is Phonics?
Phonics is a method of teaching children to read and write by connecting spoken sounds with written letters. Unlike the traditional approach of teaching the alphabet, phonics focuses on the sounds that letters make. Instead of saying "A" as in "ay," we say the sound it makes: "a" (as in "apple").
Here’s how it works:
We teach children to hear the sounds in words. For example, the word cat has the sounds: c-a-t.
We help children match those sounds to the right letters: c makes the sound "k", a makes the sound "ah", and t makes the sound "t".
We teach children to blend the sounds together to read words. In cat, they blend "c" + "a" + "t" to say the word.
We also show them how to break words into sounds for spelling. For example, in dog, they break it into d + o + g.
As children master phonics, they gain confidence and independence in reading—no guessing required!
Rather than memorising whole words, phonics encourages children to decode unfamiliar words by using their knowledge of sounds and letters. This is the foundation for becoming a strong, confident reader.
Why Sound Pronunciation Matters
Accurate sound pronunciation is the foundation of phonics learning. It’s essential that children learn each letter by its sound, not its letter name. For example, the letter ‘a’ should be pronounced as a (as in ant), rather than ai (as in aim).
It’s also crucial to avoid adding a “uh” sound to the end of sounds. For instance:
mmmm (not muh)
fffff (not fuh)
ssss (not suh)
Getting these sounds right from the start makes a huge difference when children begin to blend and segment words. Proper pronunciation helps them decode and construct words with ease, supporting their reading and writing skills as they progress.
How to Bring a Story to Life
Reading aloud should be a magical experience—a moment of connection, excitement, and wonder. The way you tell the story can make all the difference. Remember, phonics isn’t just about technical skills like blending sounds and decoding words. While those skills are essential, the ultimate goal is to help children fall in love with reading and understand the deeper meanings in stories. This is why we want to share our tips for bringing a story to life.
Create a Cosy, Calm Space:
Before you start, set the scene. Create a comfortable reading spot where children can feel relaxed and engaged. Let them look at the book cover and wonder with you:
“I wonder what this story is about?” or “Who do you think drew these pictures?” It’s a great way to spark curiosity.Go Big with Expression:
Don’t be afraid to let loose with your voice and energy! Even a simple “Oh wow!” or “Uh-oh!” can make a world of difference. Children respond beautifully to the dramatic, and that’s exactly how you’ll bring the pages to life. Remember, you might feel a little silly at first—but it’s worth it.Use Pauses and Interactive Moments:
Pause occasionally to ask questions, make sound effects, or encourage children to join in with a repeated phrase or action. Invite them to make predictions or add their own ideas about the story. These little moments of interaction make the experience so much more engaging.Support and Encourage:
Some children, especially younger or non-verbal children, may need a little extra help connecting with the story. A quiet prompt like “Do you think it’s cold?” or using a “book buddy” soft toy can guide them into the narrative and help them engage with the story in their own way.Be Playful:
Most importantly, embrace the playful, fun side of storytelling. Pretend you're on a stage or reading a bedtime story on CBeebies—it’s not about being perfect; it’s about building that connection with the children. The more you let go and enjoy the moment, the more children will be drawn in.
Tip: Practice makes perfect! It’s okay if you feel a little unsure at first. Try reading a picture book at home and practice before Storytime to boost your confidence.
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