phonics instruction Archives - Page 3 of 6

Learn Phonics With Picture Books: A Guide for Preschool Teachers

phonicsorg on February 5, 2025

Teaching phonics to young children can be both fun and effective when you incorporate picture books into your instruction. Picture books naturally engage preschoolers while providing countless opportunities to develop crucial pre-reading skills. In this article, we’ll explore how to strategically use picture books to build phonological awareness and early phonics skills in your classroom.

Why Use Picture Books for Phonics Instruction?

Picture books offer several unique advantages for teaching phonics to preschoolers:

Multi-sensory engagement: Books combine visual, auditory, and interactive elements that help young children connect letters with sounds

Natural context: Children learn phonics patterns within meaningful, engaging stories rather than isolated drill exercises

Built-in repetition: Many picture books contain repetitive patterns that reinforce phonological awareness

Social-emotional connection: Sharing books creates positive associations with reading and phonics learning

Select the Right Books for Phonics Instruction

When choosing picture books for phonics teaching, consider these key factors:

Clear phonological patterns: Look for books that emphasize specific sounds, rhymes, or letter patterns you want to teach

Age-appropriate content: Select stories that match your preschoolers’ interests and attention spans

Quality illustrations: Choose books with clear, engaging pictures that support sound-letter connections

Interactive potential: Find books that encourage participation through predictable patterns or rhythmic text

Top Picture Books for Teaching Early Phonics Skills

Here are some excellent books to get started with, organized by specific phonological skills:

Beginning Sound Awareness:

“Did You Take the B from My -ook?” by Beck and Mark Stanton – Perfect for isolating initial sounds
“Click, Clack, Quackity Quack” by Doreen Cronin – Uses alliteration to highlight beginning sounds
“The Hungry Thing” by Jan Slepian – Features playful sound substitution

Rhyming and Word Families:

“Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae – Emphasizes rhyming patterns through rhythm
“Sheep in a Jeep” by Nancy Shaw – Focuses on the ‘eep’ word family
“See You Later, Alligator” by Sally Hopgood – Introduces rhyming farewell phrases

Letter-Sound Connections:

“The Alphabet Tree” by Leo Lionni – Teaches how letters combine to make words
“There’s an Ant in Anthony” by Bernard Most – Highlights letter patterns within words
“D is for Dress-Up” by Maria Carluccio – Connects letters to familiar vocabulary

Implement Picture Books in Your Phonics Lessons

To maximize learning, try these teaching strategies:

Pre-reading Activities:

Preview the book’s cover and discuss what sounds or letters students might encounter
Practice target sounds or patterns before reading
Set a clear purpose for listening (e.g., “Listen for words that start with /b/”)

During Reading:

Encourage participation by having children complete predictable phrases
Pause to highlight specific phonics patterns
Use gestures or movements to reinforce sound-letter connections
Point to letters while making their sounds

Post-reading Extension Activities:

Create class books using the same phonics pattern
Play sound-matching games with pictures from the story
Have children draw and label pictures featuring target sounds
Act out the story while emphasizing specific sounds

Make It Interactive

Keep your preschoolers engaged with these hands-on activities:

Sound Hunts: Have children identify objects in the book that begin with a target sound
Picture Sorting: Cut out pictures from magazines that match sounds from the story
Movement Activities: Create actions for different sounds or letters encountered in the book
Art Projects: Draw pictures of items from the story that share common sounds

Tips for Success

Remember these key principles when using picture books for phonics instruction:

Keep sessions short and playful to maintain engagement
Reread favorite books multiple times – repetition supports learning
Focus on one phonics feature at a time to avoid overwhelming young learners
Connect sounds to letters naturally within the story context
Celebrate attempts and progress to build confidence

Support All Learners

Differentiate your instruction by:

Providing extra support through small group reading sessions
Using props and manipulatives to reinforce concepts
Offering multiple opportunities to practice skills
Adjusting the pace based on individual student needs

Next Steps for Phonics

Start building your classroom library of phonics-friendly picture books and plan how to incorporate them into your daily routine. Remember that the goal is to make phonics learning enjoyable and meaningful for your preschoolers.

For more phonics teaching resources and picture book recommendations, visit Phonics.org, where we regularly share expert reviews and teaching strategies to support early literacy development.

Remember: The most effective phonics instruction happens when children are engaged and having fun. Picture books provide the perfect vehicle for introducing and reinforcing essential pre-reading skills while fostering a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

Fun Phonics Learning with Dog Man

phonicsorg on February 3, 2025

The Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey has captured the imagination of young readers worldwide. What many parents might not realize is that these entertaining books also offer excellent opportunities for phonics learning and early reading development. Just in time for the movie release, let’s explore how you can use these beloved books to support your child’s reading journey.

The Brilliant Basics: Dog Man’s Building Blocks

The very title “Dog Man” contains fundamental phonics patterns that early readers need to master. Both words are examples of CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) patterns that form the foundation of early reading instruction:

“Dog” demonstrates the short ‘o’ sound between two consonants
“Man” shows the short ‘a’ sound in the same structure

These simple three-letter words are perfect for beginning readers because they follow predictable patterns that children can decode using basic phonics skills.

Creative Word Play in Character Names

One of the clever aspects of Dog Man is how the main character comes to be – when a dog’s head is attached to a man’s body. This unusual situation creates a perfect opportunity to teach compound words and word building. The series takes two simple, decodable words that most early readers can manage (“dog” and “man”) and combines them into something new and entertaining.

This concept helps children understand that:

Words can be broken down into smaller parts
Simple words can join to make new words
Reading can be both educational and fun

Phonemic Patterns Throughout the Series

The Dog Man series is filled with words that reinforce essential phonics patterns:

Short Vowel Sounds

Found in character names and common words throughout the series:

Cat (in Cat Kid)
Flip
Greg
Snap

Consonant Blends

Appearing in action words and sound effects:

Crash
Splash
Growl
Trap

Sight Words

Frequently used throughout the narrative:

The
Was
Said
Were

Making Learning Fun: Dog Man’s Educational Value

What makes Dog Man particularly valuable for reading instruction is how it combines:

Decodable Text with Visual Support

The comic format provides visual context clues that help early readers confirm their decoding attempts. When a child successfully sounds out “g-r-r-r” and then sees an illustration of a growling dog, it reinforces their phonics learning while boosting their confidence.

Repetitive Language Patterns

The series often uses repetitive phrases and sound effects, giving children multiple opportunities to practice the same phonics patterns in engaging ways. This repetition is crucial for building reading fluency.

High-Interest Content

The humorous storylines keep children engaged, making them more likely to practice their reading skills willingly. This motivation is essential for reading development.

Using Dog Man for Phonics Practice at Home

Here are some ways to maximize the phonics learning opportunities in Dog Man:

Sound Hunt Activities

Before reading each chapter, encourage your child to:

Find all the words with short ‘a’ sounds like in “man”
Locate words with short ‘o’ sounds like in “dog”
Identify recurring consonant blends

Word Building Games

Use the characters and situations to create word families:

Dog → log → fog
Man → can → fan
Snap → clap → trap

Creative Writing Extension

Encourage your child to create their own character combinations using simple CVC words they can decode, such as:

Cat Man
Pig Dog
Fox Bot

Why It Works: The Educational Foundation

The success of using Dog Man for phonics instruction aligns with research-based principles of effective reading instruction:

Engagement through humor and creativity
Multiple exposures to key phonics patterns
Visual support for decoding attempts
Opportunities for successful independent reading
Built-in motivation for repeated practice

Supporting Your Young Reader

Remember that while Dog Man is entertaining, it’s still important to:

Read together initially to support decoding
Discuss the stories to build comprehension
Point out phonics patterns naturally during reading
Celebrate both reading attempts and successes

Part Man, Part Dog, ALL HERO

Dog Man proves that effective phonics instruction doesn’t have to be dry or boring. By combining fundamental reading patterns with engaging storytelling, these books create an environment where learning to read becomes an adventure rather than a chore.

For more tips on supporting your child’s reading journey through popular literature, visit our other resources at Phonics.org, where we continue to explore fun and effective ways to build strong readers.

Developmental Spelling Patterns – Here’s How Kids Learn to Spell

phonicsorg on January 31, 2025

Just as children progress through stages when learning to walk and talk, they also move through distinct developmental phases when learning to spell. Understanding these patterns can help parents and teachers provide appropriate support and guidance during each stage of literacy development. Let’s explore the fascinating journey of how children learn to spell, from their earliest attempts to their mastery of conventional spelling patterns.

The Science Behind Spelling Development

Research has consistently shown that spelling development follows a predictable pattern. Rather than being a simple process of memorization, spelling acquisition is a complex developmental journey that reflects a child’s growing understanding of the English language’s sound and letter systems. This progression aligns closely with the science of reading, which emphasizes the importance of systematic, explicit instruction in helping children master literacy skills.

The Five Stages of Spelling Development

There are five stages that spellers go through.

1. Precommunicative Stage

During this earliest stage of spelling development, children are beginning to understand that writing conveys meaning, but their attempts don’t yet show awareness of letter-sound relationships. A child in this stage might draw a string of letters like ‘MTBKP’ or ‘PRZY’ to represent a word like ‘dog’ or ‘dinosaur.’ They’re showing us they know that written words use letters, but these symbols aren’t yet connected to specific sounds. You might also notice them writing from right to left or mixing uppercase and lowercase letters randomly – all perfectly normal at this stage.

2. Semiphonetic Stage

As children begin to grasp that letters represent sounds, they enter the semiphonetic stage. This is when you might see your child write “U” for “you” or “B” for “bee.” They’re beginning to make logical connections between sounds and letters, even though they’re only capturing some of the sounds in each word. A child might write “DR” for “dear” or “KT” for “kite,” showing they’re hearing and representing the most prominent sounds in words.

3. Phonetic Stage

The phonetic stage marks exciting progress in understanding sound-symbol relationships. Children at this stage write words exactly as they sound, leading to spellings like “KOM” for “come” or “WUZ” for “was.” While these spellings aren’t conventional, they’re incredibly logical. Think about a child writing “FEBUWERY” for “February” – they’re hearing and representing every sound they perceive in the word, even if the spelling isn’t correct by conventional standards.

4. Transitional Stage

During this crucial phase, children begin incorporating visual patterns and spelling conventions they’ve learned through reading. A child in this stage might write “YOUNITED” for “united” or “INTRESTING” for “interesting.” They understand basic patterns but are still working out the complexities of English spelling. You might see them write “DESERTED” correctly because they know about the -ED ending for past tense, but then overapply this rule by writing “FINDED” instead of “found.”

5. Conventional Stage

The final stage represents mastery of basic spelling conventions and an understanding of more complex patterns. Children now grasp that the past tense of “find” is “found,” not “finded,” and they understand why “receive” is spelled with “ei” after “c.” They’re able to correctly spell most common words and can apply spelling rules to unfamiliar words. They also understand that some words simply need to be memorized because they don’t follow regular patterns, like “colonel” or “yacht.”

Supporting Spelling Development

Creating a supportive environment for spelling development doesn’t require elaborate materials or programs. Instead, focus on providing regular opportunities for authentic writing experiences. When your first grader wants to write a letter to grandma, encourage them to sound out words and make their best attempt. If your third grader is creating a story, let them focus on getting their ideas down first, then help them refine the spelling during the editing process.

During the early stages, resist the urge to correct every misspelling. Instead, celebrate their efforts to connect sounds and letters. When a kindergartener writes “I LV U” for “I love you,” they’re showing a significant understanding of sound-symbol relationships. Acknowledge their success while occasionally modeling the conventional spelling in your own writing.

As children progress, introduce spelling patterns naturally through reading and writing activities. For instance, when a child is learning about the ‘silent e’ pattern, you might help them discover how it changes the sound of the vowel in word pairs like ‘hat/hate’ or ‘pin/pine.’ This kind of explicit instruction helps children understand the logic behind English spelling patterns.

When to Seek Additional Support

While every child develops at their own pace, certain patterns might indicate a need for extra support. If your third grader is still primarily in the phonetic stage, writing “kam” for “came” and “wut” for “what,” it might be worth consulting with their teacher or a reading specialist. Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping children progress through these developmental stages.

The Connection to Reading Success

Understanding developmental spelling patterns is crucial because spelling and reading development are intimately connected. As children learn to analyze words for spelling, they simultaneously develop skills that help them decode words while reading. A child who understands why “boat” is spelled with “oa” is better equipped to read unfamiliar words containing the same pattern, like “float” or “moat.”

Spell it up!

Remember that spelling development is a journey, not a race. Each stage represents important progress in understanding how our written language works. By recognizing and supporting these developmental stages, we can help children become confident, capable writers who understand the complexities of the English spelling system.

For more information about supporting your child’s spelling development, explore our other helpful resources at Phonics.org.

How to Become a Phonics Tutor

phonicsorg on January 16, 2025

Are you passionate about helping children learn to read? Whether you’re a parent who has successfully guided your children through their literacy journey or an educator looking to expand your impact, becoming a phonics tutor can be a rewarding career path. With approximately 67% of fourth graders reading below grade level in the United States, there’s a growing need for qualified phonics tutors who can provide targeted literacy support.

Becoming a successful phonics tutor requires more than just a love of reading – it demands specific knowledge, skills, and dedication to helping students succeed. Let’s explore how you can turn your interest in literacy education into a fulfilling tutoring practice.

Building Your Educational Foundation

The most successful phonics tutors combine formal education with specialized training in reading instruction. While a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field can provide a strong foundation, it’s not always mandatory. What’s crucial is a deep understanding of how children learn to read and the science behind effective reading instruction.

Many aspiring tutors start by obtaining specific training in systematic phonics instruction. Programs like Orton-Gillingham or the Wilson Reading System offer comprehensive training that can set you apart in the field. These programs teach you the structured, systematic approach that can often be most effective for reading instruction.

The field of reading instruction continues to change as new research emerges about how the brain processes written language. Successful tutors stay current with research and continue to expand their knowledge base throughout their careers through professional development opportunities and ongoing education.

Understanding the Art and Science of Phonics Instruction

Effective phonics tutoring goes beyond simply teaching letter sounds. It requires a systematic approach that builds from simple to complex concepts while constantly reinforcing previous learning. This means starting with basic letter-sound relationships and progressively moving toward more complex patterns like diphthongs and irregular words.

A systematic approach begins with assessing a student’s phonemic awareness – the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words. When gaps in this fundamental skill are identified, specific activities can strengthen sound awareness before moving on to letter-sound relationships.

Your tutoring sessions should incorporate multiple learning pathways – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. When teaching any new sound or concept, include activities that engage different senses. This multi-sensory approach helps cement learning and accommodates different learning styles.

Setting Up Your Tutoring Practice

Launching your tutoring practice requires careful planning and organization. First, consider the business structure that best suits your needs. Many tutors start as independent contractors, which offers flexibility and minimal startup costs. As your practice grows, you might consider forming an LLC for additional legal protection and professional credibility.

Creating a professional image is crucial for attracting and retaining clients. This includes developing clear policies about scheduling, payment, and cancellations. Having clear, written guidelines helps set professional expectations and improves client relationships from the start.

Your tutoring space should be organized and welcoming, whether at home or at a learning center. Stock it with essential materials like magnetic letters, decodable texts at various levels, and engaging educational games.

Building Your Client Base

Finding your first clients often requires a multi-faceted approach. Start by networking within your community. Local schools, pediatricians’ offices, and learning centers can be excellent sources of referrals. Many successful tutors also join local parenting groups on social media platforms, where they can share their expertise and connect with families needing support.

Build a professional online presence that highlights your qualifications and approach to teaching. Share your methodology and expertise in reading instruction. Remember that parents are often looking for more than just credentials – they want to know that you can provide a supportive learning environment and demonstrate real results.

The most effective marketing tool in tutoring is student progress. When children become confident readers under your guidance, parents naturally share their experiences with others. Building a reputation for effective instruction leads to sustainable growth through word-of-mouth referrals.

Delivering Effective Instruction

The heart of successful tutoring lies in your ability to deliver effective, individualized instruction. Begin each new student relationship with a thorough assessment to identify specific needs and challenges. This might include evaluating phonemic awareness, letter-sound knowledge, sight word recognition, and reading fluency.

Use assessment data to create a personalized learning plan that addresses students’ specific needs while building on their strengths. Regular progress monitoring helps you adjust instruction and demonstrates value to parents.

Each tutoring session should be carefully structured yet flexible enough to respond to the student’s needs in the moment. A typical 60-minute session should include a systematic review, introduction of new concepts, guided practice, application through reading, and activities to reinforce learning.

Supporting Parents and Students

Success in phonics tutoring extends beyond your sessions with students. Parent education and support play crucial roles in student progress. Take time to explain your approach to parents and provide specific activities they can do at home to reinforce learning.

Regular communication about progress helps maintain parent engagement and support. Consider creating simple progress reports or keeping a shared digital notebook where you document achievements and areas needing additional practice.

Taking the Next Step

Becoming a phonics tutor offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s lives while building a rewarding career. As you begin this journey, remember that effective reading instruction can transform a struggling student into a confident reader. Ready to deepen your understanding of phonics instruction? Regularly check out our blog at Phonics.org for expert insights, teaching strategies, and reviews of educational resources.

Silent Letters and Tricky Words

phonicsorg on January 15, 2025

Picture this: Your young reader is confidently sounding out words when they encounter “knife” for the first time. They try their best: “k-n-if-ee?” The confusion on their face is familiar to every parent and teacher. Why doesn’t English just work the way it’s supposed to? Why do some letters seem to play hide and seek in our words?

Welcome to one of the most fascinating challenges in teaching reading: silent letters and tricky words. While these patterns might seem like frustrating obstacles, they actually offer rich opportunities for teaching when approached systematically.

Understanding the English Spelling System

English is what linguists call a “deep orthography” language. Unlike Spanish or Italian, where letters consistently represent the same sounds, English spelling reflects both the sounds and meanings of words, often preserving their history. This complexity is why systematic instruction is so crucial.

Common Silent Letter Patterns and Where to Find Them

Let’s unpack the basics.

The Silent ‘K’ Family

The silent ‘k’ before ‘n’ appears in many common words children encounter. You’ll find plenty of examples in familiar books:

“The Knight at Dawn” (Magic Tree House series) – featuring “knight”
“Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems – the title itself is a teaching opportunity
“The Gruffalo’s Child” – uses “knew” repeatedly

Teaching tip: Help children notice that ‘k’ is always silent before ‘n’ at the beginning of words. This reliability makes it an excellent pattern to teach early.

The Quiet ‘W’ Club

Words where ‘w’ is silent before ‘r’ offer another consistent pattern:

“The Wreck of the Zephyr” by Chris Van Allsburg
“The Wrong Side of the Bed” by Edward Ardizzone
“Write On, Ruby!” by Joe Berger

Teaching tip: Create a classroom “Silent Letter Word Wall” where students can collect these words as they find them in their reading.

The Ghost ‘GH’ Pattern

This pattern appears in many high-frequency words. Look for it in:

“Night Night, Little Pookie” by Sandra Boynton
“Light Up the Night” by Jean Reidy
“Noises of the Night” by Alana Pidwerbeski

Teaching tip: Group these words by sound patterns:

‘ight’ as in light, night, right, sight
‘ough’ as in though, through, dough
‘aught’ as in caught, taught, daughter

The Silent ‘B’ Brigade

Find these words in books like:

“Lamb” by John Butler
“Climbing Mountains” series
“The Comb” by McCully

Teaching tip: Create memorable phrases: “The lamb was too numb to climb to the top of the comb.”

Teaching Through Text: A Systematic Approach

As you can tell from our examples, we love a good read-aloud and see it as a way to systematize instruction around silent letters and tricky words.

Level 1: Initial Pattern Recognition

Start with simple, high-frequency words containing one pattern. For example, when teaching silent ‘k’, begin with:

know
knee
knot

Use decodable texts specifically written to include these patterns. “The Storybook Knight” by Helen Docherty introduces silent ‘k’ words in a controlled, systematic way.

Level 2: Pattern Combinations

Once basic patterns are mastered, introduce texts with multiple patterns. “The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight” by Helen Docherty combines silent ‘k’ and ‘gh’ patterns naturally.

Level 3: Complex Applications

Advanced readers can handle texts with multiple irregular patterns. “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle contains numerous examples of silent letters and irregular patterns, making it perfect for upper elementary pattern study.

Supporting Struggling Readers

For example, a teacher might notice that a student is struggling with irregular word patterns. To support the student, the teacher could implement a systematic approach like this:

Pattern Introduction

Monday: Introduce a new letter pattern with explicit instruction
Tuesday-Wednesday: Guided practice with decodable texts
Thursday: Pattern-based games and activities
Friday: Review and assessment

Visual Supports

Color-coding regular and irregular parts of words
Creating pattern-based word walls
Using graphic organizers to group similar patterns

Multisensory Practice

Tracing letters while saying sounds
Building words with magnetic letters
Creating movement-based pattern games

By breaking down complex patterns into manageable steps, this approach could offer consistent support for students as they work to master irregular word patterns.

Making It Stick: Effective Practice Activities

Let’s make things more fun. Here are some ways you can practice those tricky words with the students in your class.

The Pattern Detective

Have students become pattern detectives, searching for specific irregular patterns in their reading. Create a classroom chart where students can add words they discover containing target patterns.

Word Sort Centers

Create sorting activities where students group words by pattern:

‘igh’ words (high, sigh, light)
‘kn’ words (knock, knit, knob)
‘mb’ words (lamb, climb, comb)

Pattern Stories

Encourage students to write stories using words with target patterns. For example, “The Knight’s Night” might incorporate both ‘kn’ and ‘igh’ patterns.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Keep track of progress through:

Regular pattern checks
Reading fluency assessments
Writing samples
Word recognition games

When to Seek Additional Support

Consider extra help if a student:

Struggles to recognize patterns after systematic instruction
Shows limited progress in pattern application
Demonstrates anxiety about reading irregular words
Avoids reading activities

Silent, Tricky, but Possible

Remember, mastering irregular patterns is a journey, not a race. Success comes through:

Systematic instruction
Regular practice
Patient support
Consistent review

The key is maintaining a balance between explicit instruction and engaging practice. By making pattern learning systematic and fun, we can help every reader master these challenging aspects of English.

Digraphs and Trigraphs: A Parent’s Guide

phonicsorg on December 13, 2024

Is your child starting to read words with letter combinations like ‘sh’ or ‘ch’? Congratulations—you’re entering the exciting world of digraphs and trigraphs! While these terms might sound technical, they’re not too tricky. The terms describe “letter teams” that work together to make a single sound. Let’s explore how you can help your child master these important reading building blocks at home.

What Are Digraphs? Think “Letter Teams”

Think of digraphs as two letters that are best friends – they stick together to make one special sound. Unlike when letters blend (like ‘st’ in “stop,” where you hear both sounds), digraphs create an entirely new sound.

Common Digraphs in Early Reading

Let’s look at some letter teams your child will encounter in their early reading journey:

Team ‘sh’ – Makes the quiet “shhh” sound

Words to practice: ship, shop, fish, dish
Fun practice: Play “quiet time” and make the “shhh” sound together when reading these words

Team ‘ch’ – Makes the “choo-choo” train sound

Words to practice: chair, cheese, lunch, beach
Fun practice: Pretend to be a train while sounding out these words

Team ‘th’ – Stick out your tongue for this one!

Words to practice: this, that, with, path
Fun practice: Make funny faces in the mirror while practicing the ‘th’ sound

Team ‘wh’ – The questioning sound

Words to practice: what, when, where, which
Fun practice: Play “Twenty Questions” using lots of ‘wh’ words

These digraphs introduce important sounds in early reading.

Special Vowel Teams

Just like consonants, vowels can team up to make new sounds. Here are some common ones:

Team ‘ee’ – Makes the long E sound

Words to practice: tree, seed, feet, green
Fun practice: Go on a nature walk and spot things with the ‘ee’ sound

Team ‘oa’ – Makes the long O sound

Words to practice: boat, goat, road, soap
Fun practice: Go on a “road trip” around the house, finding things with the ‘oa’ sound

Exploring these vowel teams adds a playful twist to learning, helping your child uncover the formula behind new sounds.

What About Trigraphs? The Three-Letter Teams

Sometimes, three letters join forces to make one sound. These are called trigraphs, and while they’re less common, they’re important to know:

Team ‘tch’ – Found at the ends of words

Words to practice: catch, watch, match
Fun practice: Play catch while practicing words with ‘tch’

Team ‘igh’ – Makes the long I sound

Words to practice: light, night, bright
Fun practice: Take turns turning the lights on and off while saying ‘igh’ words

Trigraphs open the door to even more reading adventures — perfect for growing your child’s confidence.

Fun Ways to Practice at Home

Here are even more at-home activities that strengthen reading skills through interactive and hands-on exercises:

1. Letter Team Treasure Hunt

Give your child a magazine or children’s book
Pick a digraph to hunt for
Have them circle or highlight every word they find that contains that letter team

2. Sound Sort Game

Write words with different digraphs on sticky notes
Help your child sort them into groups by their letter teams
Make it fun by turning it into a race or matching game

3. Memory Match

Create pairs of cards with matching digraph words
Play a traditional memory game
When they find a match, have them read the word

4. Letter Team Art

Pick a digraph or trigraph to focus on
Draw pictures of things that contain that sound
Label the pictures together

By facilitating these activities, you’ll provide plenty of chances to practice and reinforce your child’s understanding of digraphs and trigraphs.

When Your Child Gets Stuck

It’s perfectly normal for kids to need extra help with these letter teams. Here are some tips for tricky moments:

Break it down: Point to the letter team and remind them it makes one sound
Use a reminder: “Remember, ‘sh’ makes the quiet sound!”
Make it physical: Use hand motions for different sounds
Stay positive: Celebrate their efforts and progress

With patience and consistent encouragement, your child will gradually gain confidence in mastering these letter teams.

Let’s Grow There… Together

Want to make learning digraphs and trigraphs even more engaging? Browse the Phonics.org blog: it’s chock-full of reading app reviews and fun ideas to support your child’s reading journey.

How to Find a Phonics Tutor: Tips for Parents

phonicsorg on December 6, 2024

Phonics is a major aspect of your child’s early education. It equips them with the skills they need to read, write, and learn. Foundational skills like decoding, vocabulary, and reading comprehension will carry them through their academic journey as well as the rest of their life! Therefore, if your child is struggling with their phonics education, you might want to consider getting them a phonics tutor or literacy specialist.

In this article, we explore some of the options available to support struggling readers. A skilled tutor can offer personalized instruction, boost your child’s confidence, and make a lasting impact on your student’s learning. Learn what to look for in a phonics tutor and how to navigate the process!

When Should You Get a Phonics Tutor for Your Child?

There are some signs that your child could use one-on-one support from a phonics tutor. Some signs are obvious, whereas others might be subtle. Knowing these signs is the first step to addressing potential literacy difficulties your child is experiencing.

Difficulty recognizing letters and sounds: If your child struggles to identify individual letters or associate them with their corresponding speech sounds, this may indicate a need for phonics intervention.
Trouble blending sounds to form words: Children who can identify letter sounds but have difficulty combining them to read whole words may benefit from targeted phonics instruction.
Avoiding reading activities: If your child constantly avoids reading or becomes frustrated during literacy tasks, it could be a sign of underlying challenges.
Low confidence in reading and writing: A child who expresses doubt or low self-esteem in their ability to read or shows anxiety around phonics activities may need additional support.

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to addressing reading or writing difficulties. Research has consistently shown that addressing reading challenges in the early years—ideally, by grade three—can prevent more significant issues from developing later on.

What Makes a Good Phonics Tutor?

When searching for a phonics tutor, consider the following qualities.

Qualifications and Training

There are several types of tutors you can consider, from reading specialists to one-on-one tutors that supplement your child’s instruction in the classroom.

Look for certified educators with reputable credentials and specific training in systematic phonics instruction.
Seek tutors who are familiar with evidence-based literacy practices, particularly those aligned with the science of reading.
Contact a certified reading specialist or clinician if your child has been diagnosed with a specific learning disorder.

Teaching Approach

While there are several different types of phonics instructional methods, there are proven strategies that work for most children. Below are some of the factors to look for.

Explicit and systematic instruction: Effective phonics tutors use a structured approach that systematically introduces and reinforces phonics concepts.
Multisensory techniques: Good tutors incorporate visual, auditory, and hands-on activities to engage children in many activities that reinforce phonics skills.
Individualized instruction: The ability to tailor lessons based on a child’s specific needs and learning pace is important for effective phonics tutoring.

Tools and Resources

A good phonics tutor will typically provide helpful resources and practice tools for your child to continue at home! Examples include:

Decodable texts: Tutors should be familiar with and utilize texts that align with the phonics skills being taught.
Phoneme-grapheme mapping: Effective tutors use strategies that help children understand the relationship between sounds and letters.
Interactive tools: The use of technology and hands-on materials can enhance engagement and reinforce phonics concepts.

Where to Find a Phonics Tutor

There are several avenues you can explore when searching for a qualified phonics tutor. Don’t know where to start? Here are some suggestions.

Local Resources

If you’re looking for an in-person tutor to help your child with their phonics skills, local resources are a great place to start. This can include:

Your child’s school
The local library
Educational centers
Tutoring programs
Nonprofit literacy organizations
Pediatrician offices
Child psychologists

There are also online directories to locate tutors and specialists for children with conditions like dyslexia, autism, or ADHD.

Online Platforms

With the luxury of remote and hybrid learning today, there are also online options to consider. In this case, your child can receive quality tutoring via video calls from the comfort of your own home.

Websites like Tutor.com and SylvanLearning.com connect families with qualified tutors on a variety of subjects, including phonics and reading. Virtual tutoring from these sites is flexible and convenient for children who may not otherwise have access to specialists locally.

Direct Recommendations

Some of the best services are found through referrals and word-of-mouth. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ask your friends, neighbors, local parenting groups, and your child’s teachers if they know of a qualified phonics tutor. Online forums like Facebook groups and social media can also be a helpful resource.

Phonics Programs to Help With Tutoring

To complement one-on-one tutoring, consider incorporating structured phonics programs that can be implemented at home.

Research-Based Programs

Effective phonics programs offer a systematic progression from simple to complex phonics concepts. These programs typically:

Introduce letter-sound relationships in a logical sequence
Provide ample practice opportunities for each skill
Include regular assessments to monitor progress
Obtain a professional reading assessment to diagnose areas of concern

Supplemental Materials

In addition to a core phonics program, effective tutoring often incorporates:

Decodable texts: These books are specifically designed to reinforce the phonics skills being taught, allowing children to practice reading words with familiar sound patterns.
Dictation activities: Regular dictation exercises help children apply their phonics knowledge to spelling and writing.
Cumulative review: Consistent review of previously learned concepts helps solidify phonics skills and promotes long-term retention.
Digital programs: Certain online programs or phonics apps can be helpful additions to support your child’s literacy development. Check out some helpful reviews at Phonics.org.

Phonics.org: Your Go-To Resource for Phonics Tips

Finding the right phonics tutor can be a significant milestone in your child’s literacy development. By recognizing the signs that your child may need additional support, understanding what qualities to look for in a tutor, and exploring your best options, you can take proactive steps to support your child’s reading journey.

As you begin your search for a phonics tutor, make an effort to interview potential tutors, asking about their qualifications, teaching approach, and experience with phonics instruction. In the meantime, explore more educational phonics resources and tips at Phonics.org where we share honest reviews from literacy experts!

Words With the Schwa Sound & How to Teach It

phonicsorg on November 22, 2024

The schwa sound is an essential concept in phonics instruction. However, it can be challenging for both teachers and students. As the most common vowel sound in English, mastering the schwa is required to develop strong reading and spelling skills.

In this article, we’ll explore what the schwa sound is, go over a list of words containing the schwa sound, and offer a few strategies for teaching this important phonetic element to kids.

What is the Schwa Sound?

The schwa sound is an unstressed vowel sound that occurs in many English words. It’s represented by the symbol /ə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet and is often described as sounding like a short, neutral “uh” sound. Also known as a “lazy vowel,” schwa can be represented by any vowel grapheme (a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y), making it particularly tricky for young learners.

Depending on the word and the English dialect, the schwa sound can vary slightly. This is another reason why it can sometimes be tricky to identify. No matter what vowel it’s represented by, the schwa sounds like a relaxed /ŭ/.

Common Words With the Schwa Sound

Whether you need a refresh on the schwa sound or want to help familiarize your students with this phonics rule, it’s helpful to go over the many different examples. Here’s a list of words containing schwa sounds, organized by the vowel letter representing the schwa. Notice that in conversation and in reading, the schwa sound is unstressed.

Schwa represented by ‘a’

about
banana
sofa
zebra

Schwa represented by ‘e’

problem
travel
open
chicken

Schwa represented by ‘i’

pencil
family
possible
animal

Schwa represented by ‘o’

lemon
police
second
freedom

Schwa represented by ‘u’

supply
album
focus
suggest

Schwa represented by ‘y’

syringe
martyr
analysis
vinyl

Teaching the Schwa Sound

Like other phonics concepts, teaching the schwa sound effectively requires a systematic approach. Here are some strategies teachers and parents can use to help kids grasp this rule.

1. Introduce the Concept of Stressed and Unstressed Syllables

It’s helpful for students to understand syllable stress before learning schwa sounds. Explain that in multisyllabic words, some syllables are pronounced more strongly (stressed) than others (unstressed)—for example, the word “open.”

To teach stressed and unstressed syllables, have students clap or tap the syllables in words, emphasizing the stressed syllable with a louder clap or stronger tap.

It can also be helpful to compare words that are spelled the same but have a different stress. For example, the word “record” can be pronounced as re-CORD (I’ll record this song for you) or RE-cord (Keep a record of your notes). The stress of the word changes based on its meaning and use in sentences.

2. Demonstrate the Schwa Sound

Demonstrate how the schwa sound is produced by relaxing the mouth and making a neutral “uh” sound. Emphasize that this sound can be spelled using any vowel. To help with this, you can have students circle the unstressed letter sound in a list of words. As a team (or as a class), create a schwa sound list where you go through different words with schwa sounds and then group them by vowel.

3. Practice Identifying Schwa Sounds in Real Life

Provide students with opportunities to recognize schwa sounds in familiar words. Play “Vowel Sound Detectives” where students listen to words and raise their hand when they hear a schwa or the “lazy vowel” sound. Additionally, if a new or unfamiliar word comes up, ask a child which vowel they think is the lazy vowel and use it as a learning opportunity.

More than 90% of multisyllabic words in the English language have a schwa sound! Additionally, the more syllables that are in a word indicate that there are going to be more schwa sounds. A word like “elemental” has two schwa sounds.

4. Connect Schwa to Spelling Patterns

Help students understand that the schwa sound often occurs in unstressed syllables and can make spelling challenging sometimes. Encourage kids to exaggerate the pronunciation of unstressed syllables to help them remember their spelling.

5. Practice Reading and Writing Schwa Words

Whether in class or at home, provide opportunities for students to encounter and use words with schwa sounds in context. Create sentences or short paragraphs filled with schwa words for students to read aloud and write. Discuss the differences in vowel sounds during reading and writing exercises.

Help Kids Identify the Schwa Sound in Phonics Instruction

Research has consistently shown that explicit, systematic phonics instruction is crucial for children to develop strong literacy skills. When teaching the schwa sound, it’s recommended that educators:

Clearly explain what the schwa sound is and how it functions in words.
Provide plenty of examples and non-examples in sequential order, starting with the easiest and moving to more difficult examples.
Model the correct pronunciation and identification of the schwa sound when it comes up in classroom (or at-home) reading practice.
Offer guided practice with immediate feedback as children practice the schwa sound or ask questions about how schwa-containing words are pronounced.
Gradually release responsibility to students for independent practice.

Note that some students may struggle to hear the difference between schwa and short vowel sounds. To help with this, exaggerate the contrast between stressed and unstressed syllables to make the schwa more apparent.

Additionally, students often spell words with schwa sounds incorrectly, especially in early elementary. Try to teach word families and morphological connections to help students remember correct spellings (e.g., “nation” vs. “national”). Compare examples of unstressed syllables that maintain their full vowel sound—for example, the first two ‘o’s in “photocopy” are full vowel sounds, whereas the third ‘o’ is a schwa sound.

Explore More Phonics Education Tips at Phonics.org!

The schwa sound is an important part of the English language and is necessary to learn during phonics skill development. By using effective strategies and activities in phonics instruction, you can help students master this tricky piece of English phonology with confidence.

For more interesting resources and tips on teaching phonics effectively, follow Phonics.org! Our expert-reviewed resources support teachers and parents in delivering high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction to children.

Phonics and Handwriting: Make It Fun!

phonicsorg on November 16, 2024

Phonics and handwriting are closely intertwined. Because phonics is how children learn to read and write, handwriting is an inevitable skill that learners must develop in order to build a strong literacy foundation.

Let’s take a look at the inseparable relationship between phonics and handwriting for kids. We’ll provide a list of fun and engaging activities that encourage proper handwriting skills while reinforcing phonics concepts!

The Connection Between Phonics and Handwriting

Phonics instruction teaches children the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes) in written language. Handwriting, on the other hand (no pun intended), focuses on the physical act of forming letters and words on paper to communicate ideas. These two skills are technically distinct but they surely complement—and reinforce—each other in several ways.

Letter-sound correspondence: As children learn to associate sounds with letters through phonics, they simultaneously practice writing those letters, strengthening the connection between sound and symbol.
Muscle memory: The act of writing alphabetical letters helps children internalize the shapes and forms, making it easier to recognize them when reading.
Phonemic awareness: Handwriting practice can reinforce phonemic awareness skills, which is the ability to identify and manipulate speech sounds. Phonemic awareness is required for segmenting words into individual sounds when children begin to spell.
Spelling: As children learn to encode (spell) words using their phonics knowledge, they also practice writing those words, improving both skills simultaneously.
Reading fluency: Improved handwriting skills can lead to stronger letter recognition skills, contributing to reading fluency and comprehension.

Studies have also found that children who begin learning handwriting in preschool and kindergarten often experience better reading and writing outcomes as they progress academically.

Fun Phonics Handwriting Activities to Encourage Learning

Now that we see the relationship between phonics and handwriting instruction, let’s look at some engaging activities that can make learning both skills fun and effective.

1. Sensory Letter Formation

Materials: Shaving cream, sand, or finger paint.

How to play: Spread the sensory material on a flat surface, whether it be a large piece of paper on a table or a washable board. Introduce a letter or letter sound and have your child write the letter in the material while saying the sound aloud. This multi-sensory approach reinforces the connection between sound and symbol while practicing proper letter formation.

2. Phonics Hopscotch

Materials: Chalk and outdoor space.

How to play: Draw a hopscotch grid on the pavement, writing a different letter in each square. Call out a word and have children hop on the letters that spell the word, saying each sound as they land. This activity combines physical movement with spelling and letter recognition.

3. Letter Label Hunt

Materials: Sticky notes and markers.

How to play: Write various letters on sticky notes and place them around the room. Call out a letter sound and instruct children to go find and retrieve the corresponding letter. Do this until the sequence of letter sounds spells out a word (for example, calling out the sounds /c/ /a/ /t/ /s/ to spell the word ‘cats’). When your child collects all the sticky notes back, they must arrange the whole word. When they get it correct, have them write (or trace) the whole word on a piece of paper. This encourages listening, phonics, and handwriting skills.

4. Phonics Air Writing

Materials: None.

How to play: Call out a letter sound and have children “write” the shape of the corresponding letter in the air using their fingers. Encourage them to make large, exaggerated movements and say the sound as they write. This activity helps children visualize letter formation while reinforcing sound-symbol relationships and can be done anywhere!

5. Word Building With Play Dough

Materials: Playdough or clay.

How to play: Give your child a handful of play dough and call out a simple word. Have them form the letters of the word using the playdough, saying each sound as they create the letter. This tactile activity reinforces letter formation and phonemic awareness.

6. Phonics Painting

Materials: Paintbrushes, water, chalkboard, or sidewalk.

How to play: Have children paint or draw letters on a chalkboard or sidewalk using water and paintbrushes. Call out individual letters and have your child paint them while saying the sounds aloud. This activity combines fine motor skills with phonics practice, two skills involved in handwriting.

7. Letter Formation Obstacle Course

Materials: Various household items (e.g., rope, hula hoops, cushions, and toys).

How to play: Create a DIY obstacle course using household items, with each station representing a different letter. As children navigate the course, they must try to form the letter with their body at each station while saying its sound. This full-body activity reinforces letter shapes and sounds in a fun, silly, and physical way.

8. Phonics Scavenger Hunt

Materials: Small objects from around the house or classroom.

How to play: Hide objects around the room that begin with different letter sounds (/b/ for ‘ball,’ /g/ for ‘gum,’ etc.). Give your child a list of letter sounds to find and then have them search for objects that begin with each sound. Have them write down the name of each object they discover, focusing on proper letter formation. This activity combines phonics, handwriting, and problem-solving skills.

9. Sound Sorting

Materials: Magazine cutouts or printed pictures and large paper.

How to play: Give your child a variety of pictures and have them sort them based on their initial sounds. As they sort, have them write the corresponding letter sounds next to each picture, focusing on proper letter formation. For example, they’d write ‘p’ for perfume, ‘ch’ for chips, and ‘v’ for vegetables. This activity reinforces both phonemic awareness and handwriting skills with a fun visual focus.

10. Phonics Tic-Tac-Toe

Materials: Paper and writing utensils.

How to play: Create a tic-tac-toe grid and fill each square with a different alphabetical letter. Players take turns saying a word that begins with one of the letters and writing it in the corresponding square. The first player to get three in a row wins. This game combines strategy with phonics and handwriting practice.

Making Phonics and Handwriting Instruction Effective

To make the most out of combining phonics and handwriting practice, keep these tips in mind.

Start with proper pencil grip: Teach children the correct way to hold a pencil using a tripod grip to ensure comfort and control during writing activities.
Use a systematic approach: Introduce letters and sounds in a logical sequence, building on previously learned skills.
Initiate lots of practice: Offer frequent, short practice sessions rather than long, infrequent ones.
Try multi-sensory activities: Kids learn best when engaged. Incorporating multiple senses (sight, sound, and touch) can capture attention and interest while reinforcing learning.
Make it fun: Use entertaining games, songs, and activities to keep your child engaged and motivated.
Provide immediate feedback: Gently correct letter formation, handwriting, and letter sound mistakes as your child practices. This prevents bad habits from forming.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and praise your child’s improvements, no matter how small. This builds confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

By combining phonics and handwriting instruction through fun, engaging activities, you can help children develop strong foundational literacy skills that serve them for life.

Are you looking for more ways to make phonics and handwriting instruction effective for kids? Follow Phonics.org for expert reviews of phonics programs, activity ideas, and resources to support your child’s literacy journey. Together, we can help children become confident readers and writers, setting them up for lifelong success!

Literacy Development & Phonics for English Language Learners

phonicsorg on October 31, 2024

English Language Learners (ELLs) face unique challenges when developing literacy skills in a new language. The type of phonics instruction provided to ELL students plays a crucial role in their ability to read and write in English! So, how does phonics work for ELL students?

In this article, we explore how students learn English as an additional language and what type of phonics instruction works best. Let’s consider the science behind it as well as some strategies for educators and parents to support kids’ literacy development.

Understanding Phonics for English Language Learners

Phonics instruction is essential for all early readers. It holds particular importance for ELL students. Research has consistently shown that explicit, systematic phonics instruction benefits English Language Learners because it helps them develop crucial skills like letter-sound correspondence and decoding to encourage reading proficiency.

Learning to read and write does not happen naturally. Kids need to be taught through direct instruction and lots of practice. Depending on the child’s native language, they may even have to learn an entirely new alphabet system (or orthography). Consider the amount of learning involved in adopting a Latin-script letter alphabet in addition to an alphabet of symbols (such as Chinese characters). It’s a long journey!

When this is the case, children not only need to learn a new language but must first develop new phonemic awareness. Phonemic awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of a spoken language. This skill is fundamental for learning phonics and can be particularly challenging for English Language Learners, especially if certain sounds don’t exist in their native language.

ELL Phonics Challenges

ELL students often encounter several obstacles when learning English phonics.The biggest challenges include:

Sound differences: English may contain phonemes that don’t exist in the student’s native tongue. For example, only about 8% of the world’s languages contain the /th/ sound (symbolized as θ and ð in the International Phonetic Alphabet). Similarly, many new phonemes can be challenging sounds to pronounce and practice.
Alphabet familiarity: Students may need to learn a new alphabet system. A child who speaks a Latin-based language—such as Spanish—might carry over some phonemes from their native language (for example, /m/ and /d/ in Spanish and English) but may need to learn new letter-sound correspondences. For instance, in Spanish, ‘i’ is often pronounced /ee/ whereas in English, it’s the hard or soft /i/ sound.
Vocabulary limitations: ELL students might lack a robust English vocabulary since they’re still learning the language. This can hinder comprehension during phonics instruction and early reading.
Interference from native language: Students may apply phonics rules from their first language to English, which may contradict or confuse their literacy learning.

To address these challenges, educators should use a multi-faceted approach. This includes providing explicit, systematic instruction of letter-sound relationships. It also suggests using visual aids to reinforce concepts and pre-teaching important vocabulary terms to support comprehension. Additionally, conducting contrastive analysis between English and native language sounds can help.

The Science of Reading and ELL Phonics Instruction

The science of reading emphasizes the importance of systematic, explicit phonics instruction for all learners, including ELLs. Research has shown that this approach is particularly beneficial for ELL students, as it provides a clear structure for learning the complex sound-symbol relationships in English.

A systematic approach to phonics instruction for ELLs should include:

Teaching letter-sound correspondences in a logical sequence
Providing ample opportunities for practice and application
Integrating phonics instruction with other literacy components (vocabulary, comprehension, fluency)
Regularly assessing progress and adjusting instruction accordingly

Additionally, ELL students can benefit from leveraging their first language skills when learning English phonics. Educators can help students make connections between their native language and English, particularly when there are similarities in sound-symbol relationships.

Encouraging English Literacy Development for ELL Students

Supporting ELL students in their literacy journey extends beyond phonics instruction. Here are some strategies to encourage overall English literacy development!

Incorporate culturally relevant materials: Use books, stories, and resources that reflect students’ cultural backgrounds to increase engagement and comprehension.
Encourage oral language development: Provide ample opportunities for speaking and listening in English through discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities.
Use technology: Use educational apps and software designed for ELL students to reinforce phonics and literacy skills.
Implement peer tutoring: Pair ELL students with native English speakers for mutual learning and language practice.
Involve families: Provide resources and guidance for parents to support their child’s literacy development at home.

Addressing Specific Phonics Challenges for Young ELLs

To effectively address common challenges in ELL phonics instruction, use these strategies that focus on both phonics and vocabulary development.

Tackle Problematic Sounds

Provide extra practice with English sounds that don’t exist in students’ native languages, using contrastive analysis and focused listening exercises.

Encourage Letter Recognition

For students unfamiliar with the Roman alphabet, dedicate additional time to letter recognition activities, incorporating multisensory approaches to reinforce learning.

Strengthen Sound-Symbol Relationships

Explicitly teach connections between letters and sounds, especially for irregular words, using visual aids and mnemonic devices to support retention.

Play With Word Families

Group words with similar phonetic patterns to help students recognize and apply phonics rules, facilitating pattern recognition and generalization. Don’t rely on word families, though.

Integrate Phonics in Context

Teach phonics skills within meaningful reading and writing activities, allowing students to apply their learning in authentic contexts.

Support Vocabulary Growth

Pre-teach important vocabulary before phonics lessons, use visual aids and realia when helpful, provide multiple exposures to new words, and encourage active use of vocabulary in speaking and writing activities.

Ongoing Assessments to Observe ELL Progress in Phonics

Regular assessment is necessary for tracking ELL students’ progress in phonics and overall literacy development. You can:

Use formative assessments to monitor ongoing progress and adjust instruction.
Implement running records to assess decoding skills and fluency.
Conduct regular phonemic awareness practices to ensure students are developing crucial sound discrimination skills.
Assess both isolated phonics skills and their application in connected text.

ELL Phonics Resources for Parents and Teachers

To support ELL students in their phonics journey, educators and parents can access various resources that exist. These include:

TEFL Organization: Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) helps people learn how to properly teach English to individuals who speak different languages.
TESOL International: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) provides professional development and resources for educators working with ELL students.
NCELA: The National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) offers a library of resources and research on ELL education.
Phonics.org: A hub for phonics education reviews and resources that share expert insights on effective phonics programs and strategies.

By using evidence-based strategies and applying the resources available, educators and parents can support ELL students in developing strong phonics skills and overall literacy proficiency.
Want to stay informed on the latest developments in phonics instruction and ELL education? Follow along at Phonics.org! Our literacy specialists and educational articles help you navigate the world of phonics so that you can support your ELL students on their path to literacy success.