If you are going to teach your child to read with a phonics system you will need a crash course in phonics and phonic instruction

Actually phonics are nothing to be intimidated about, we use them every time we speak. Phonics are a visual representation of the spoken word. It is not really as simple as that, but that is what it is all about. You will

need a decent phonics chart that has all the different combinations.

There are 26 letters in the alphabet, around 44 to 48 different phonic sounds depending on which country you are in and around 108 different combinations. For example these phonic sounds er ar or ure a e i o u as represented in these words upper collar doctor measure zebra garden fossil lion circus all sound the same. Slightly confusing for the child, but this way they only need to learn the 108 different combinations, then they should be able to pronounce any word.

One method of phonic instruction that has a very good track record is synthetic phonics.

This method teaches all the phonic sounds and combinations first then moving onto words. This system is exceptionally good. I think I learnt to read under this system but the system I like now is the Montessori method of teaching reading.

To Homeschooling Parents And Parents of Children who are having Problems Learning to Read

Have A look At Three Free Videos About How to Teach Your Child To Read

Video 1: Introduction To Montessori Reading.

Video 2: How To Make Sandpaper Letters.

Video 3: How To Teach Reading Using Sandpaper Letters

As has been said many times before 'a picture tells a thousand words' and these free videos do just that. They are easier to understand as you can see how to make sandpaper letters then how to teach using them.

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I am using this method to teach my daughter who was struggling with reading but now is getting better. Montessori uses sandpaper letters and the child traces the words and phonic sounds with the sandpaper letters. By feeling the letters, the child seems to be able to remember the words better and also by tracing the letters the child is learning to write. Thereby killing two bids with one stone.

For more information about the Montessori system and other phonics learning methods see our teach reading page.

To have a chat to other parents and to find out more about learning to read go to our forum.

Thank you for your time

Peter Legrove