1. What is phonics?

2. Two main elements Blending Recognising the letter sounds in a written word, for example c-u-p, and merging or synthesising them in the order in which they are written to pronounce the word ‘cup’ Segmenting Identifying the individual sounds in a spoken word (e.g. h-i-m) and writing down or manipulating letters for each sound to form the word ‘him’

3. Teaching phonics requires a technical skill in enunciation Phonemes should be articulated clearly and precisely-please follow the address/link. c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P- eTO8L3t40 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P- eTO8L3t40 Enunciation

4. 5 basic skills Letter sounds Letter formation Blending Segmenting Tricky words

5. Reading together School reading books Reading books from home Library books Newspapers Magazines Comics Cereal packets Game instructions Etc, etc, etc

6. Letter formation See it: flash cards Feel it: textured letters (sandpaper, ‘squidgy’ letters, string letters) Write it: in the air, using paint, using water on the ground, in mud, snow, bath bubbles, sand…

7. Pencil grip Tripod grip ‘Froggy legs’ movement

8. Independent writing The children need to know: The 44 letter sounds How to hear the sounds in words One way of writing the letters for the sounds What they want to say

9. What games can you play at home? Sound/action/word recognition games Show your child a sound and ask them to complete the action, say the sound, or give an object that begins with that sound Turn a set of ‘sound’ cards face up, you complete an action or say a sound and ask your child to find the correct card to match it Show an object and ask your child to find the beginning sound, or show the action Quick recall of words that they are shown Use the words in a sentence. Orally or written Lots of variety is best

10. Other games to play Spot the sound/letter/word Pairs game Snap Reading words Building words and sentences Letter/word/sentence bingo

11. Parents Support from home is invaluable in helping your child learn to read and write. Keep them motivated and excited about learning Verbal praise and rewards such as stickers, are excellent encouragers Every child is different and children learn/progress at different rates. Do not become frustrated – keep going. It will eventually pay off, we promise!!! Thank you for such a great turn-out at the meeting. Have fun with it! Mrs Stuart and Mrs Allison