For many new parents, helping their children learn how to sound out words and begin to read can become a difficult and frustrating task. Phonics is one of the cornerstones of early childhood learning, and having a good understanding of how different letters can sound sets a child up for future success in school. If you’re in this situation, here are a few tips to help your phonics practice go smoothly.

3 Tips for Teaching Kids Phonics

1. Start With First Letters

It’s almost always easiest to start small, and phonics is no different. Instead of trying to teach your child whole words—which can be frustrating for both parents and child and can be too much for a young learner—start with just the first letter of words. Whenever you’re reading together or practicing, ask your child what sound a letter makes, but stick to the first letter of each word. This will give them the opportunity to learn lots of different sounds without the added pressure of reading the whole word. Once your child has picked up on different first letters, they may try to read further letters of their own accord, and you can encourage this. 

2. Read Every Day

Putting your studies into practice is the best way to help your child learn, and you can do this by reading with them every day and helping them develop a love for reading and stories. Doing this will help them learn while having fun, and it will also inspire them to read on their own. A child’s determination is a powerful thing, and if they want to read on their own, they will work harder to learn how. 

3. Play Games With Your Words

Children revel in word games, but they’re not just simple fun. They can also teach many lessons about the language in use. Start with a word your child recognizes when reading and take turns finding words that rhyme with it. Once you’ve run out of rhymes, start over with a new word. You can also play alliteration games, trying to find as many words as possible that start with the same sound. Once you’ve named a few words with the same starting sound, try to make sentences using as many words with that starting sound as possible.

For help with early childhood learning, reach out to Northern Lights Preschool & Child Care in Anchorage, AK. These early childhood learning experts and child care professionals pride themselves on effective and unique learning techniques as well as flexible hours to accommodate all types of schedules. Learn more about their services online, and call (907) 274-2040 to inquire about their schedule.