Why Phonics Books for Kids Are a Smart Choice for Home-Based Learning

Children's learning does not cease when the school day has come to a close. Important experiences for learning can take place at home – when a child is reading a story with a parent, identifying letters on the front of a package, or attempting to spell a word they know. These are small learning opportunities which lead to significant early learning skills. Phonics Books for Kids can help make home based learning more meaningful to children, by explaining the sounds of letters, how to make simple words and building a solid basis to read.

Why is it important to be able to use phonics learning at home?

The teaching method to make children learn the connection between letters and the sounds that they stand for is called phonics. As children learn these connections they will be able to use them to read and spell simple words.

For instance, if a child has mastered the sounds of m, a and p, then they can practise blending these sounds to sound out the word “map.” This makes reading more of a skill object children will be able to gradually work out, rather than a word by word memorisation.

Parents can be engaged in extended home activities that gradually build on these ideas, through short, natural activities. Don't have to set up a classroom system. A few minutes of patience, a little incentive and the right teaching tools can help to get started.

There are 5 reasons why Reading A-Z's Phonics Books for Kids are great for home teaching.

1. Kinder are able to learn at their own speed.

Each child is unique and learns in his or her own way. Some learn quickly the sounds of the letters, others will require more time and repetitions. Phonics Books for Kids enable parents to review challenging sounds, practise sounds they have already mastered and advance to the next sounds as appropriate.

This is a great flexibility and helps children to learn without stress and develop their confidence.

2. They help make daily practice easier.

In order to develop a habit of reading, you don't have to study for long periods of time at a time. The amount of time spent can vary based on the child's attention span, but can be as short as 10-15 minutes to do a few sounds, a few words, or a short reading activity.

Through regular practice children are repeated to practice the things they have learned and become comfortable using their reading skills.

3. They Promote Independent Reasoning.

If kids come across a word that they do not recognize, they can practice identifying the letters, sounding out the letters and sounding the word. This provides them with useful tools with which to tackle new words rather than waiting for the adult to give them the answer.

Children will be more willing to read independently with patient assistance.

4. They Support Reading & Spelling Together

Close relationship between reading and spelling. This helps children to link sounds to letters, and provides them with a helpful foundation for reading words and for trying to write words.

Opportunities to support these connections can be had in structured tasks throughout the child's study of the phonics study book.These connections can be supported through structured tasks throughout the child's study of their suitable phonics study book. Parents can review what they have learned by having the children find an initial sound in a familiar word or by looking for words that start with the same sound.

5. They support parents to be involved in learning

Parents need not be professional teachers in order to help their child take steps to learn to read. A phonics book can be a good place to begin with practising sounds, reading examples that the child and you can hear together and to identify where a child may need further support and understanding.

Parents also have opportunities to celebrate progress no matter how small through these shared activities.

The effective use of Phonics Books to support home learning.

The book you choose should be at the right level of difficulty for your child and practice should be manageable. When selecting phonics books for the preschool children, the following should be taken into mind:

• Letter sounds need to be taught in an easy to understand way.

• Activities to be carried out gradually to move from basic sounds, to blending, to reading simple words.

• Children need opportunities to revisit concepts - plenty of practice:

• Activities are presented in a clear manner with organised pages.

• Choose a book that will give him a challenge he can do without frustration.

Don't work through activities to complete a book. It is better to learn a few sounds very well, than to go ahead without understanding them well.

Here are some ideas for making phonic learning fun at home:

Useful books to get started on phonics work, but you can practice phonics during the day with your children. Look for items that start with a sound, do a rhyming game or read some simple words on familiar packaging with your child.

You can also read words in turn and have your child give the meaning of the word. Be easygoing, non-judgemental and supportive.

If a child enjoys learning, he/she will want to go back and do it again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the use of phonics books appropriate for homework?

Yes. They have a structured program of activities, which parents can use to introduce letter sounds, blending and early reading. Select a resource that is at your child's learning level.

2. When can a child begin to learn phonics?

Children are able to make a start in learning about letters and sounds in the preschool years and as interest and readiness allow. Use simple activities, and build up to more challenging ideas.

3. How many minutes per day / week should be spent on developing phonics skills at home?

A 10-minute routine each day will help as a first step. The length of time will vary from child to child – around 10-15 minutes might be appropriate for many children, but take into account their interest, age and attention span.

4. Do parents need to have a teaching qualification to teach phonics?

Parents can help with early phonics practice by providing appropriate books, articulating sounds well and reading with their children. If a child is consistently having difficulties then advice from their teacher might be useful.

Conclusion

Learning from home doesn't have to be difficult. With the help of appropriate materials and a little consistency, parents can make it easier for their children to feel comfortable with the letters, sounds and basic words. Phonics Books for Kids can help to build these skills in a hands-on manner, and promote consistent reading habits and self reliance. Do small activities, go at your child's speed and let learning be a positive part of your child's life.