Literacy Development & Phonics for English Language Learners

phonicsorg on November 4, 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: 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Phonics for 3-Year-Olds

phonicsorg on October 21, 2024

Parents play one of the most significant roles in a child’s early literacy development. At the age of three, many children are ready to begin exploring the foundations of reading through introductory phonics activities! If you’re wondering how to facilitate early literacy education for your little one, this article is for you. 

Here’s a basic guide to help you understand early phonics concepts, milestones, and activities so you can support your 3-year-old and set them on the path to becoming confident readers!

Should 3-Year-Olds Start Learning Phonics?

Phonics is a method of teaching reading and writing by helping children understand the relationship between letters and sounds. For 3-year-olds, the developmental focus is on phonological awareness – the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken language.

At this age, children are typically in the beginning stages of phonics development. They’re learning to:

  • Recognize and identify letter shapes
  • Associate letters with their corresponding sounds
  • Identify rhyming words
  • Segment words into individual sounds
  • Blend individual sounds to form simple words

It’s important to note that every child develops at their own pace so there’s no “one size fits all” approach to early phonics instruction. While there are general guidelines we’ll go over, your 3-year-old may be at different stages in their phonics journey—and that’s okay!

Phonics Milestones for 3-Year-Olds

By the age of three, most children have developed a significant vocabulary and can understand complex sentences through speech. This foundation sets the stage for early phonics skills. Here are some milestones to keep an eye out for.

  1. Letter Recognition: Your child may start recognizing and naming some letters, especially those in their name.
  2. Sound Awareness: They might begin to identify the initial sounds in words, such as recognizing that “ball” starts with the /b/ sound or “dad” starts with /d/.
  3. Rhyming: Many 3-year-olds begin to enjoy rhyming games and can identify words that rhyme.
  4. Print Awareness: Children at this age often understand that print carries meaning, that alphabetical letters are contained in print materials, and that we read from left to right (if reading English).
  5. Alphabet Song: Most 3-year-olds can sing or recite parts of the alphabet song.

If you’re concerned that your child seems developmentally delayed in any of these early language skills, consider speaking with a pediatrician or specialist in case there are underlying issues. Reasons to seek professional guidance can include if your child shows signs of: 

  • Difficulty recognizing or producing rhymes
  • Struggles with identifying initial sounds in words
  • Shows no interest in letters or print
  • Has trouble following simple verbal instructions

If there is a learning disorder or developmental delay, early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s literacy development.

Fun and Educational Phonics Activities for 3-Year-Olds

Engaging your 3-year-old in phonics activities should be fun and interactive. Here are some age-appropriate activities that can encourage their development, strengthen their budding skills, and create memorable bonding experiences between you and your little one.

1. Letter Sound Introduction

Start by introducing letters and their corresponding sounds. Use visual aids like flashcards or alphabet charts at first (but make sure your child doesn’t rely on them). When introducing a new letter, emphasize its sound and ask your child to repeat it. You can also associate the sound to real-life examples to make it more personal for your child.

2. Alphabet Hopping

Create a fun physical activity by marking letters on the floor using colored paper or tape. Call out a letter and have your child hop to it. Ask them to say the letter’s sound when they land on it. Help them correct mistakes as they go. To make it even more fun, play the game to your child’s favorite song and get their siblings or friends involved!

3. Mystery Box Letter Sounds

Fill a box with objects that start with different letters. Have your child pick an item and identify its initial sound. For example, a dinosaur toy starts with the /d/ sound, a pencil starts with the /p/ sound, and so on. This game helps reinforce the connection between objects and their starting sounds.

4. Rhyming Games

Play simple rhyming games to develop your child’s phonological awareness. For example, you could say a word and ask your child to think of words that rhyme with it. Or you could choose three words and ask which word does not rhyme with the others.

5. Story Time With Phonics Focus

When reading to your child, occasionally point out words that start with a particular sound. This helps them connect the sounds they hear with the letters they see. Engage their interest by using other fun instructional methods during read alouds.

6. Phonics Songs and Videos

Make the most of educational songs and videos that focus on letter sounds. These can be both entertaining and educational for young children. You can find songs and videos online or in many of the latest phonics apps available!

7. Letter Race

If you have magnetic letters, call out a word and have your child find the letter it starts with. This game helps reinforce letter recognition and initial sounds.

Tips for Teaching Phonics to 3-Year-Olds

When introducing phonics to your 3-year-old, keep these tips in mind.

  • Keep it Fun. Learning should be enjoyable. Use games, songs, phonics apps, and playful activities to engage your child in learning.
  • Be Patient. Every child learns at their own pace. Don’t rush or pressure your child to master a concept if they still need to practice.
  • Use Everyday Opportunities. Point out letters and sounds in your daily environment, like on signs or food packaging.
  • Focus on Sounds and Names. While letter names are important, place equal focus on the sounds letters make at this stage. Letter sound knowledge is one of the biggest aspects of successful reading!
  • Encourage Writing. Even if it’s just scribbling, encourage your child to “write.” This helps develop fine motor skills and print awareness, which will help them when it comes time to begin phonics writing lessons in the classroom.
  • Read Together Daily. Regular reading exposes your child to letter-sound relationships naturally.
  • Praise Your Child’s Effort. Celebrate your child’s attempts and progress, no matter how small.

Keep in mind that the goal at this age is to foster a love of language and reading, not to create perfect readers. Enjoy this special time of discovery and play with your child, and watch as they begin to unlock the powerful world of words!

Phonics.org for Early Phonics Games and Resources 

Introducing phonics to your 3-year-old can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By focusing on fun, interactive activities and maintaining a positive approach, you help lay a strong foundation for your child’s future reading success. 
For more information on phonics and early literacy, explore the resources on Phonics.org! We cover topics such as teaching phonics at home, finding the best phonics apps, phonics tips for the classroom, and more. These resources provide additional guidance as you support your child’s phonics journey.

Phonics.org: The Ultimate List of Phonics App Reviews 

phonicsorg on October 14, 2024

The Phonics.org team is dedicated to helping parents and teachers navigate the many different phonics apps and programs for kids. Our literacy experts review and rate the popular programs available so that you can access honest, informed feedback from an educator’s perspective. Special thanks to children’s reading clinician, Jaymi Theissen, for all of the insightful reviews of phonics programs!

We understand the importance of choosing the right resources for your child’s literacy journey, which is why we created Phonics.org. Since the beginning of 2024, we’ve shared nearly 35 programs and apps—as well as their honest ratings—to give a well-rounded perspective on the best, the worst, and the decent learning apps you can play with your kids.

This comprehensive list compiles all our phonics program reviews and ratings, making it easier for you to find the best apps for your young learners. We’ll update this list monthly! In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to the Phonics.org Reviews Page for the latest updates we share!

The Phonics.org Rating Criteria 

Before we look at what all these phonics apps have to offer, here are the simple rating criteria that we use for each program review.

1. Quality of Literacy Instruction

The quality of literacy instruction is one of the most important ratings we look for. There are countless educational apps on the market today—but the question is, are they effective at teaching the right content? 

When assessing the type of literacy instruction for phonics apps/programs, we consider features and factors such as: 

  • Which aspect of literacy instruction does the app focus on? 
  • What kind of phonics instruction method is used?
  • Is there research to support the instructional methods used?
  • Are there independent efficacy studies to support the app’s effectiveness?
  • Is the literacy instruction accurate?
    • Accurate phonemes
    • Accurate letter formation
    • Accurate phonics concepts
  • Is there a logical scope and sequence? Do the activities follow the scope and sequence?
  • Do concepts move from easy to more difficult?
  • Is there an appropriate amount of repetition of important concepts?
  • Are there essential pieces of phonics instruction missing?

2. Usability

Usability relates to the user-friendliness, functionality, and navigation of the app or program. When vetting usability ratings, we consider factors including: 

  • Is the app easy to download and start playing?
  • Does the app have adaptive learning options?
  • Are the activities developmentally appropriate?
  • Is it easy to navigate the app?
  • Is the app accessible to diverse learners?
  • Are there any glitches/ads that interfere with learning?
  • Are there elements of tracking progress for parents/teachers?
  • If necessary, how easy is it to access answers from customer support?
  • Is it easy to sign up and/or cancel?

3. Engagement

Engagement rates how entertained and engaged players remain within the app or program. This answers questions like: 

  • Is the app fun for kids to play?
  • Is the app interactive?
  • Is it visually appealing?
  • Are the activities too difficult? Too easy?
  • Do kids want to keep playing the app over time?
  • What feedback mechanisms are used to motivate learners?

List of Phonics Apps for Kids (and Their Ratings)

Below are the apps and programs we’ve reviewed so far. Click on the app of your choice to jump to its summary with the option to explore the full article.

ABC Kids – Tracing and Phonics App

ABC Ride

ABCmouse

Blending Board

Chimp Fu

Duck Duck Moose

Duolingo

Endless Alphabet

Endless Reader

Flocabulary

Foundations A-Z

Hairy Letters

Homer

Hooked on Phonics

Jolly Phonics

Khan Academy

Lalilo

Letter School

Phonics Hero

Phonics Ninja

Pocket Phonics

Poio

Project Read.AI

Read Naturally Live

Readiculous

Reading Eggs

Reading Magic App

Reading Raven

Reading.com

Sesame Street – Alphabet Kitchen

Spelling Magic App

SplashLearn

Starfall ABC

Super Simple Songs

Teach Your Monster to Read

Wonster Words

ABC Kids – Tracing and Phonics App

The ABC Kids Tracing and Phonics app is a cute and fun educational app for pre-readers and early readers. It lacks literacy foundations and contains incorrect letter sounds.

Overall Score: 3

ABC Ride

ABC Ride is an engaging app that combines letter recognition with interactive gameplay. It offers a fun way for children to learn letter names and sounds.

Overall Score: 3.7

ABCmouse

ABCmouse offers a wide range of activities but falls short in providing quality phonics instruction. It emphasizes quantity over quality for new readers.

Overall Score: 2.2

Blending Board

The Blending Board app provides a simple tool for practicing phoneme blending. It offers a straightforward approach to an essential phonics skill.

Overall Score: 3

Chimp Fu

Chimp Fu is a highly engaging app that focuses on syllable instruction. It combines effective literacy instruction with fun gameplay.

Overall Score: 4.3

Duck Duck Moose

The Duck Duck Moose reading app offers basic phonics activities but lacks depth in literacy instruction. It may be suitable for very young learners.

Overall Score: 2

Duolingo

Duolingo’s Learn to Read ABC provides an engaging and user-friendly approach to phonics instruction. It offers a solid foundation for early readers.

Overall Score: 4.3

Endless Alphabet

Endless Alphabet is a visually appealing app that introduces vocabulary but lacks structured phonics instruction. It’s more suitable for entertainment than literacy learning.

Overall Score: 3.3

Endless Reader

Endless Reader builds on Endless Alphabet, offering sight word practice and simple sentences. It’s engaging but lacks comprehensive phonics instruction.

Overall Score: 3.2

Flocabulary

Flocabulary combines music and literacy instruction effectively. It offers a unique and engaging approach to learning phonics and vocabulary.

Overall Score: 4.7

Foundations A-Z

Foundations A-Z provides a structured approach to literacy instruction but may lack engagement for some learners. It offers comprehensive content with room for improvement in usability.

Overall Score: 2.7

Hairy Letters

Hairy Letters offers a fun and effective way to learn letter sounds and formation. It combines quality instruction with engaging visuals.

Overall Score: 4.2

Homer

Homer Learn and Grow provides a well-rounded approach to early literacy. It offers personalized learning paths and engaging content.

Overall Score: 4

Hooked on Phonics

Hooked on Phonics offers a structured approach to phonics instruction. It provides a solid foundation but may lack engagement for some learners.

Overall Score: 3.5

Jolly Phonics

Jolly Phonics is a comprehensive phonics program that combines multisensory learning with systematic instruction. It offers a well-rounded approach to literacy.

Overall Score: 4.2

Khan Academy

Khan Academy Kids offers a wide range of educational content, including reading instruction. It provides engaging activities but may lack depth in phonics instruction.

Overall Score: 3.5

Lalilo

Lalilo provides adaptive phonics instruction but may lack engagement and user-friendliness. It offers personalized learning paths for students.

Overall Score: 2.7

Letter School

LetterSchool focuses on letter formation and recognition. It offers engaging activities but lacks comprehensive phonics instruction.

Overall Score: 3.3

Phonics Hero

Phonics Hero provides a structured approach to phonics instruction with engaging games. It offers a solid foundation for early readers.

Overall Score: 3.7

Phonics Ninja

Phonics Ninja falls short in all aspects of phonics instruction and engagement. It is not recommended for literacy learning.

Overall Score: 1

Pocket Phonics

ABC Pocket Phonics offers basic phonics instruction with letter tracing and sound recognition. It provides a simple approach to early literacy skills.

Overall Score: 3.2

Poio

Poio offers an innovative approach to reading instruction through gameplay. It provides an engaging experience but may lack structured phonics instruction.

Overall Score: 3

Project Read.AI

Project Read.AI utilizes artificial intelligence for personalized reading instruction. It offers adaptive learning but may need improvements in engagement and usability.

Overall Score: 3

Read Naturally Live

Read Naturally Live focuses on fluency development but may lack engagement for some learners. It offers structured practice for reading fluency.

Overall Score: 2.8

Readiculous

Mrs. Wordsmith’s Readiculous offers a fun and effective approach to vocabulary and reading comprehension. It combines quality instruction with engaging content.

Overall Score: 4

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive approach to early literacy instruction. It offers a balance of phonics, sight words, and reading practice.

Overall Score: 3

Reading Raven

Reading Raven offers a comprehensive approach to early literacy skills. It provides engaging activities for letter recognition, phonics, and early reading.

Overall Score: 3.3

Reading.com

Reading.com stands out as a top-tier literacy app, offering high-quality instruction, excellent usability, and engaging content for young readers.

Overall Score: 4.8

Sesame Street – Alphabet Kitchen

Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen combines familiar characters with letter recognition and phonics activities. It offers an engaging introduction to early literacy skills.

Overall Score: 3.8

SplashLearn

SplashLearn offers a range of reading activities but may lack depth in phonics instruction. It provides an interactive learning experience for early readers.

Overall Score: 2.8

Starfall ABC

Starfall ABC offers basic letter recognition and phonics activities. It provides a simple introduction to early literacy skills but may lack engagement for some learners.

Overall Score: 3

Super Simple Songs

Super Simple Songs uses music to teach early literacy concepts. It offers an engaging and fun approach to learning letters and sounds.

Overall Score: 3.8

Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read offers a gamified approach to phonics instruction. It provides a structured learning path with engaging characters and activities.

Overall Score: 3.2

Wonster Words

Wonster Words focuses on vocabulary development with some phonics elements. It offers engaging animations but may lack comprehensive literacy instruction.

Overall Score: 3

Phonics.org Reviews & Ratings: Special Compilations and Recommendations 

On occasion, we also share “Top 3” or “Top 5” lists of various phonics programs based on topic, merit, or category. You can read these specific recommendations (or warnings to stay away from!) below:

These lists provide a quick overview of the best and worst apps we’ve reviewed, helping you make informed decisions about your child’s literacy education.

Subscribe to Phonics.org for More!

To get the latest reviews directly to your inbox, subscribe to the Phonics.org email list below!

When Do Children Start Writing Sentences?

phonicsorg on October 4, 2024

Learning how to write is a gradual process for children. If you’re a parent of a young student who’s learning phonics, you might wonder if their writing progress is on track. One big question parents have about their kindergarteners or early elementary schoolers is, “When do children learn to write?”

Writing fluently and accurately is the result of various foundational literacy skills that are developed over time. To help students build upon these skills to the level of writing full sentences, it’s important to understand how they get there. 

Let’s explore when children typically begin writing sentences fluently—and the developmental milestones it takes for them to get there. 

From Early Literacy to Writing Fluently

Before children can write sentences, they need to master several prerequisite skills. These core literacy abilities often develop during the preschool years and lay the foundation for what ultimately becomes advanced writing. They include:

  1. Letter recognition—Being able to identify and name the letters of the alphabet
  2. Phonemic awareness—Manipulating speech sounds in spoken words
  3. Fine motor skills—Physical abilities that enable the hand to hold and manipulate writing tools
  4. Basic vocabulary—Building an ongoing repertoire of words that are used in speaking and writing
  5. Transcription skills—Handwriting and spelling
  6. Composition—Forming ideas, thoughts, and words before structuring them into writing

In literacy development, none of these skills develop in isolation. Rather, they often overlap and reinforce each other throughout the learning process. For example, as young children learn to recognize alphabetical letters, they also learn to associate individual letters with corresponding speech sounds. They may also begin tracing these letters to learn how to write the ones they’re learning.

Stages of Children’s Writing Development 

Children typically start writing their first letters and words around age 4 or 5. However, every child’s transcription and spelling skills develop at their own pace. It’s inevitable for there to be variation in the timeframe in which these skills emerge.

Preschool Writing Skills

You’ll notice many preschoolers (ages 3-5) participate in “pretend writing” where they mimic the act of writing even if they’re not forming actual letters on the page. They’ll scribble on paper during imaginative play, pretending to write something. 

This phase is productive and meaningful! It shows that the child understands the purpose of writing and making connections to everyday life. It’s also helping them develop the fine motor skills necessary for actual writing.

When children are around 4 or 5, many will start writing some recognizable letters—usually, the first letter of their first name. This is an exciting time, too, as they start to see themselves as capable writers.

Kindergarten Writing Skills

In kindergarten (ages 5-6), many kids make significant progress in their writing abilities. At this stage, they typically start writing things like:

  • Their first name
  • Simple words such as ‘sun,’ ‘dog,’ ‘ball,’ etc.
  • Short phrases like, “I like cats”

During this time, it is important to directly teach writing skills like printing and spelling. Kids benefit from lots of encouragement as they begin to learn these important skills. At this stage, children may use invented spelling- using their limited phonics knowledge to spell new or unknown words. Encourage your child to write freely, even if the results are not always correct. 

At What Age Can Kids Write Sentences?

As a general guideline, many children begin writing simple sentences during their first year of formal schooling, typically in kindergarten. This milestone usually occurs around age 5 or 6, though some children may start earlier or later. 

First Sentences

A child’s first sentences are short and basic, usually reflecting the child’s immediate world and interests in some way.

Examples might include:

  • “I like cats.”
  • “The sun is big.”
  • “My mom is fun.”

These sentence-writing experiences are crucial for children to build confidence. They represent a big cognitive leap as kids begin to put words together to express complete thoughts.

Elementary School Writing Progression 

As children become more comfortable with writing simple sentences, they gradually progress to more complex structures. This often follows a pattern:

  1. Simple sentences (age 5-6): Short, straightforward statements that may lack context.
  2. Compound sentences (age 6-7): Joining two simple sentences with conjunctions like “and” or “but.”
  3. Complex sentences (age 7-8): Including dependent clauses with words like “because” or “when.”

This progression through elementary school isn’t fixed. No child becomes a brilliant poet once they learn to write complex sentences. In fact, children may move back and forth between these levels as they experiment with language and literacy. It’s all part of the process.

Factors That Impact Sentence-Writing Development

Why do some kids pick up writing easily whereas others struggle and need additional support? All kinds of things can influence a child’s writing advancement. Here are some notable factors.

Level of Exposure to Reading and Writing

Kids who grow up surrounded by healthy examples of fluent reading and skillful writing often develop these skills earlier. Reading aloud to your child exposes them to a nourishing variety of sentence structures and vocabulary, which they can then incorporate into their own thinking and writing.

Individual Development of the Child

Every child’s unique cognitive and motor skill development plays a role in their writing outcomes. Some children may have advanced language skills but struggle with the physical act of transcription, while others might be the opposite.

Educational Environment

The instructional methods a child receives at school and in other learning environments can influence when they begin writing sentences. Structured educational approaches that prioritize direct instruction in printing, spelling, and practice in sentence writing will be more beneficial to young learners.  

Home Environment

The level of literacy engagement in a child’s home environment significantly impacts their reading and writing development. Homes are where writing should be modeled and encouraged in meaningful (and accurate) ways. 

Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Writing Progress 

There are many ways to encourage your kids as they learn to write sentences. Creating a supportive environment that values writing is one of the most important things! It can make a big difference in not only your child’s progress but also their attitude towards writing. Here are a few tips to follow.

Practice Foundational Writing Skills Often

Make writing materials readily available and create opportunities for writing to encourage your child to practice their skills. Provide various writing materials and offer a range of tools like pencils, crayons, markers, and different types of paper. 

Make sure your child can hold a writing utensil properly using the tripod grip, even when coloring and learning to “scribble” pretend words. Practice correct letter formations when using writing utensils and when using manipulatives (like writing in sand or using a finger to write on a touchscreen tablet). 

Don’t Forget About Reading Together

Additionally, reading with your child exposes children to proper sentence structure and vocabulary, aiding their writing development. Make reading a daily habit! 

Choose a variety of books to introduce your child to different writing styles and formats. Discuss the stories together to aid in reading comprehension and fluency. You can also point out interesting sentences, drawing attention to how lines are constructed and what they mean. 

Start Spelling With Phonetically Simple Words

Encourage writing phonetically simple words. Usually, children start by spelling CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words such as ‘dog’. Using CVC words that are meaningful to your child is also important. Words like ‘mom’, ‘dad’, or ‘sis’ are easier to spell and can hold deep meaning for children. Ensure children are confident with identifying the letter sounds in the words before spelling practice.  

Fun Writing and Phonics Resources for Elementary Kids

To raise competent and curious writers, the goal is not just to teach kids writing skills. The goal is also about fostering a love of stories and self-expression through the written word.

Wherever your child might be on their literacy journey, Phonics.org has fun resources to help you support them. From articles on reading and writing instruction to honest reviews of the latest phonics apps, our literacy team is here to help parents and teachers find all the resources they need. Check out the Phonics.org platform for more and subscribe to get all the latest updates!

Basic Transcription Skills in Spelling and Writing

phonicsorg on September 20, 2024

Transcription skills are a big part of a child’s journey into literacy, playing a crucial role in both reading and writing development. As parents and educators, understanding these skills can significantly impact how we support young learners. Let’s explore what transcription skills are, how they develop, and why they’re essential for literacy.

What Are Transcription Skills?

Transcription skills describe the ability to convert spoken language into written form. In early literacy, these skills mainly involve spelling and handwriting. They are the basic tools that allow children to put their thoughts onto paper, forming the bridge between ideas and written expression.

1. Handwriting

Handwriting is important in transcription as it connects a child’s knowledge of letters and language to their writing abilities. The ability to print letters quickly and accurately frees up mental energy to focus on spelling. 

Proficiency in handwriting involves:

  • Correct pencil grasp
  • Proper letter formation using writing strokes
  • Developing legibility
  • Building writing fluency and speed

Note: For older students, keyboard typing is another (more advanced) form of transcription.

2. Spelling

Once handwriting skills become automatic, more cognitive energy can be spent on developing spelling skills. Spelling involves encoding spoken language into written form. 

Spelling requires:

  • Knowledge of how the English language and writing system works 
  • Understanding of the alphabetic principle—that letters and letter patterns represent language sounds
  • Phonemic awareness (the ability to segment words into individual sounds)
  • Phonics knowledge (how sounds are represented by letters)
  • Morphological awareness (understanding the smallest units of meaning in language)

The Importance of Transcription Skills in Literacy Development

Joan Sedita’s (2019) Writing Rope visually represents how five core writing skills or “strands” combine to produce skilled writing. These strands are:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Syntax
  • Text Structure
  • Writing Craft
  • Transcription 

The transcription strand is composed of handwriting and spelling. For young children who are just beginning to write, transcription often takes up a lot of their working memory. This leaves little room for generating ideas or organizing thoughts. As transcription skills become easier and more automatic, children can dedicate more mental energy to the content and structure of their writing, leading to more complex and accurate outcomes.

How Children Develop Transcription Skills

Transcription skills develop gradually through direct instruction and practice as children progress through their early years of phonics education. Initially, children focus on mastering the mechanics of writing, such as holding a pencil correctly and forming letters on paper. As they become more proficient, their attention shifts to spelling and the more complex aspects of writing.

Supporting the Development of Transcription Skills in Kids

To help children develop strong transcription skills, focus on the main aspects involved in learning.

1. Explicit Instruction

Provide direct, systematic instruction in phonics and spelling patterns. This approach helps children understand the logic behind English spelling.

2. Regular Practice

Consistent practice is key to developing fluency in transcription skills. Incorporate daily writing activities that focus on both handwriting and spelling.

3. Apply to Phonics Instruction 

Teach spelling and handwriting alongside phonics lessons. Encoding (spelling) reinforces decoding (reading) skills and vice versa. 

4. Multisensory Activities 

For beginners, introduce activities that use multiple senses in spelling instruction. For example, have children trace letters while saying their sounds, form letters in sand, or use manipulatives to build words.

5. Word Study

Use word sorting activities to help children recognize spelling patterns and word structures. This encourages better transcription skills and spelling proficiency. 

6. Leverage Technology 

While handwriting is important, you might want to consider introducing keyboarding skills as children progress. This prepares them for digital writing tasks and can support those who struggle with handwriting. More importantly, many standardized tests in school today require basic keyboard skills, even in early elementary classrooms. 

7. Expect Differentiation

Recognize that students may have varying abilities in spelling and handwriting, even within the same grade level. Some kids might pick up transcription early whereas others may require repetition and support, especially if they’re struggling with fine motor skills or phonics concepts. 

The Role of Handwriting and Composition in Transcription Skills

It’s important to note the significant role handwriting plays in transcription skills. Fluent handwriting allows children to focus more on the content of their writing rather than the mechanics. Moreover, the act of forming letters by hand has been linked to improved letter recognition and reading development.

As children develop their transcription skills, it’s crucial to balance this with composition instruction. Research suggests that a combined approach, teaching both transcription and high-level composing skills, is most effective in improving overall writing ability.

The Impact of Transcription Skills on Writing Development

Because transcription skills are not automatic, they must be mastered first before a child can eloquently write. Fluent transcription skills free up a child’s mental resources, allowing them to concentrate on expressing their ideas effectively. 

The long-term implications of handwriting and spelling instruction are huge. If students don’t develop fluency in transcription skills by grade 3, it can significantly limit their writing development in later grades. This underscores the importance of early intervention and consistent practice to ensure that transcription skills become second nature, setting the foundation for more advanced writing tasks as children progress through their academic careers.

Grade-Level Expectations

It’s important to understand grade-level expectations for transcription skills. While every child develops at their own pace, these standard writing milestones can help parents and teachers identify if a child is struggling and needs extra support. 

  • Early Grades (K-2): Emphasize basic handwriting development and phonetic spelling to build foundational skills.
  • Middle Grades (3-5): Focus on refining handwriting, enhancing spelling accuracy, and introducing keyboarding to prepare for digital writing.
  • Upper Grades (6+): Continue supporting handwriting and spelling while placing greater emphasis on keyboarding skills to facilitate efficient writing in various contexts.

These expectations help ensure that children develop the necessary transcription skills at each stage of their literacy journey.

Helping Kids Learn Handwriting and Spelling During Phonics Instruction 

Transcription skills form the basis of writing development. By focusing on these skills early, we can help children become more confident and proficient writers. As educators and parents, it’s crucial to provide explicit instruction and ample practice opportunities in both spelling and handwriting.

To learn more about supporting your child’s writing journey and for additional tips on developing transcription skills, visit Phonics.org! Our resources can help you nurture the essential building blocks for literacy in young learners.

Top 5 Reading Apps for Kids

Jaymi Thiessen on September 13, 2024

With so many educational apps available, it can be tricky to figure out which ones are high quality and which apps are merely entertaining. In this article, we explore the top 5 educational apps for literacy that have been highly rated by reading specialists.

All of the apps mentioned have been reviewed and rated based on the following general criteria:

  • Usability: Ease of use, adaptive learning options, accessibility for diverse learners, and customer support.
  • Engagement: Interactive, quality of visual graphics, level of entertainment, and player motivation.
  • Quality of Literacy Instruction: Research-based teaching methods, type of instruction, plan for phonics instruction, and efficacy.

Are you curious how other literacy apps measure up against this top 5 list? Check out the detailed reviews on other apps at phonics.org! 

1. Reading.com 

Reading.com is an educational app designed to teach early literacy skills through a research-based approach. It uses the efficient synthetic phonics method to teach children to blend individual letter sounds to read words. 

The Reading.com app also excels in providing a structured, sequential learning path for kids with the 99 lessons moving from easiest to most difficult. The app emphasizes interactive and engaging methods, including games, songs, and visual aids to maintain motivation. It features unique tools such as a sliding bar for blending sounds and delayed picture reveals in books to encourage word reading over guessing. 

Reading.com scores highly on all review criteria including usability, engagement, and quality of literacy instruction. It’s also highly rated by parents of early readers. Overall, it’s an effective and fun learning tool to use with your child as they learn how to read!

2. Jolly Phonics App

The Jolly Phonics app focuses on teaching letter names, letter sounds, letter formation, phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding. It features well-organized lessons and games that emphasize phonics skills through a sequential, structured approach.

The app offers customizable settings, although some features may not always function consistently. Jolly Phonics provides engaging content through positive reinforcement, stories, actions, and songs. 

Watch out, though. While Jolly Phonics is initially engaging, the games can become a little repetitive. The app also doesn’t include practice with reading phrases or sentences for fluency and comprehension.

3. HOMER Learn & Grow App

HOMER is an educational app designed for children ages 2 to 8, offering a wide range of activities aimed at developing reading, math, social-emotional skills, creativity, and critical thinking. 

The app provides a personalized learning path, starting with an introductory quiz to tailor the content to each child’s developmental level. It features systematic instruction, progressing from simpler to more complex skills, although it could improve in transparency with parents and educators about the plan for phonics instruction.

The HOMER app excels in phonemic awareness instruction, introducing letter sounds accurately and providing practice with short vowels and sound articulation exercises. However, the letter formation instruction could be improved. While in-app texts are available to practice reading fluency some of the texts could be more easily read by early readers. 

Overall, HOMER Learn & Grow is a valuable tool for early literacy development. However, it could benefit from improvements in letter formation accuracy and early reading material.

4. Readiculous App

Readiculous is a literacy app that focuses on foundational literacy skills through a research-based approach.The app is user-friendly, featuring intuitive navigation and gameplay, though it has limitations such as a lack of repeatable instructions and customizable sound effects, which could be problematic for some users. 

The Readiculous app excels in visual appeal with delightful animations and engaging rewards. It effectively uses direct instruction for teaching letter names and sounds, uses a systematic approach to phonics, and incorporates phonemic awareness through blending activities. 

Overall, Readiculous provides a strong foundation in literacy skills but may benefit from enhancements in active engagement and instructional clarity.

5. Duolingo ABC App

Duolingo ABC is a cost-free and ad-free app designed for children aged 3-8. It’s aimed to build language and literacy skills in American English. 

It offers ten themed levels with clear lesson goals and a digital library of books that can be accessed anytime. The app is exceptionally user-friendly and engages young learners through charming graphics, interactive stories, and motivating rewards. 

The app employs systematic and sequential instruction, focusing on letter sounds, letter formation, and word reading. It uses various methods for spelling and enhances language comprehension with interactive features. 

However, this app could improve—especially in areas such as voice recognition accuracy, continuous blending practice, and the alignment of word-building activities with a child’s current skills. Additionally, incorporating more decodable books for early readers could enhance the app’s effectiveness. Overall, Learn to Read: Duolingo ABC offers a solid foundation for literacy development with room for refinement.

Final Thoughts: The Top 5 Reading Apps Rated by Phonics.org

Every child’s literacy education will set them up for life. Early reading education has an ongoing impact on their future social, emotional, and physical health! This is why choosing a quality literacy app for supplemental practice at home is so important.

Choosing an effective literacy app can be challenging, though. There’s an overwhelming variety of reading apps on the market today. Look for apps that are easy to play and developmentally appropriate for your child. You also want to look for apps with a high level of quality instruction that is backed by research.

Reading.com, Jolly Phonics, HOMER, Readiculous, and Duolingo ABC are all great apps to start with. Each app is engaging, easy to use, and implements high-quality literacy strategies with various degrees of success. 

If you’re looking for an app for your child, begin your search with these apps and start your child off on the right foot. See how other literacy apps compare with the other reviews at phonics.org. 

When Can Kids Write Their Name?

phonicsorg on September 6, 2024

If you’re a parent, you likely anticipate your child’s developmental milestones with awe and excitement. One of the most memorable milestones in a child’s life is when they begin to express themselves through pen and paper—and especially when they learn to write their own name! This early literacy skill marks the beginning of your child’s writing experiences that will carry them through school and life.

So, when can kids write their names? And what can you do to encourage their learning? Let’s look at this fascinating developmental process and consider some of the ways you can support your child as they become rooted in language and self-identity.

Childhood Developmental Stages of Name Writing

Children go through several learning stages as they begin to learn how to write. Since a child’s name is one of the first words they ever learn how to write, recognizing these different stages can help you recognize their progress and provide the necessary support.

While the following stages are typical of many children, remember that every child develops at their own pace. Some kids might learn letter-writing quickly and easily with basic guidance, whereas others may develop slowly and require extra support. There’s no “perfect” timeline to aim for here—it varies from child to child. 

Scribbling Stage (1-2 years)

By 12-18 months old, many toddlers have the dexterity and curiosity to scribble. They can sit up on their own, hold objects in a fist, and create loose movements with a writing utensil, making random marks on paper.

While these scribbles don’t yet resemble anything legible, they represent your little one’s first attempt at communication through writing. It’s helping them build the essential motor skills they’ll need to one day write words and sentences.

Making Shapes Stage (3-4 years)

By age three, kids can typically produce markings on paper that resemble common shapes. These include circles, triangles, lines, dots, and curves. Early-developing children might make “controlled scribbles” that result in sloppy shapes, whereas kids with more practice might begin drawing whole circles and straight lines.

Writing Random Letters Stage (3.5-4.5 years)

When kids begin recognizing their first alphabetical letters and copying them onto paper (around 3-5 years old), they go through phases of writing random letters. They’re at the point where they understand that writing involves alphabetical symbols, but they might not be able to replicate individual symbols from memory with any set purpose yet. 

It’s common for children at this stage to write letters backward or upside down, confuse certain shapes in letters, or write random letters for fun. 

Semiphonetic Stage (4.5-5 years)

Writing whole words and sentences requires confidence in letter-sound correspondences—in other words, being able to connect alphabetical letters and the sounds they represent. This is a crucial phonetic skill, making up a big part of early phonics education. 

When children enter the phonetic stage of writing (typically by age 4 or 5), they’ll start writing the first letter of their name correctly. Then, they may include other letters they hear when their name is pronounced, even if those letters aren’t in the proper spelling of their name. Other kids, however, are explicitly taught their name from the beginning, and learn to practice spelling their whole name from memory. 

Name Writing Mastery (5-6 years)

The most common age at which children can write their whole names legibly is around 5-6 years old. At this point, they ideally know letter formations and can produce their name with proper capitalization and spelling. Name-writing is especially focused on during kindergarten. In school, it’s often expected that students know how to write their names by the end of this grade.

Things That Impact Children’s Name-Writing Milestones

A few things impact a child’s writing development early on. Whether your child is struggling to write their first letters or you notice them behind the rest of the kids in their class, consider these factors.

  • Fine motor skills are the physical ability to control small muscles and joints such as hands, fingers, and wrists. Writing involves these fine motor skills. Children who are susceptible to fine motor difficulties might struggle with writing.
  • Letter recognition is a required skill for learning to write. Your child must know (or currently be learning) the alphabet to determine what certain letters look like and be able to reproduce them. 
  • Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds of speech. This is involved in “sounding out” words to transcribe them into writing. It’s been proven that children who struggle with phonological awareness are likely to have reading and writing difficulties. 
  • The amount of exposure and practice your child receives to letters, reading, and writing can heavily influence their development. This is one reason why parents are encouraged to create a literacy-rich environment and facilitate practice with their children during early literacy. 

Signs Your Child is Ready to Write Their Name

Some signs that indicate your child is ready to practice writing their name include:

  • They show interest in drawing and writing
  • They’re learning to hold a writing utensil correctly (tripod grip)
  • They’re learning the alphabet
  • They recognize or point out some letters in print 
  • They try to copy shapes and letters on paper

If you notice your child taking an interest in writing, it’s likely time to help them learn to write their name!

How to Encourage Your Child to Begin Writing

Fostering your child’s interest in writing needs to be fun and educational. Here are some tips to encourage them and nurture their budding literacy skills.

  • Make Writing Approachable: Set up your child’s space with plenty of writing materials so they can easily grab a crayon and paper to draw or write when they want to. You can also provide alphabet cards, letter tracing worksheets, and books to encourage a literacy-rich environment. 
  • Model Fluent Writing: Let your child watch you as you write on a piece of paper. Explain what you’re doing as you write your name (or theirs), making it interesting and educational for them. 
  • Practice—and Make it Fun: Provide plenty of practice activities and get creative with it. Pencils and paper are necessary, however, feel free to include alternative writing exercises using finger paint, clay, dry-erase boards, sand, and fun utensils (such as glitter pens or scented markers).
  • Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge your child’s attempts at writing, even if it isn’t legible or accurate yet. Offer kindness and patience as you help them practice, correcting mistakes as they go.

Children’s Name Writing as Part of Phonics Education 

Kids learn to write their names as part of early phonics education. They must first learn how to connect sounds with letters, understand basic decoding and encoding concepts, and practice literacy skills in a supportive, systematic instructional environment.

While classroom instruction is foundational to your child’s reading and writing, a lot of their earlier phonics exposure begins at home. Learning to talk, building a vocabulary, strengthening their phonemic awareness, and observing literate adults in their lives are all beneficial before entering formal literacy instruction. 
To prepare your child to become a strong reader and writer, make phonics instruction fun and effective early on. At Phonics.org, we provide a library of resources to help families understand phonics education for kids. Check out our phonics tips for parents to help your child at every phase of literacy development.

How Does Oral Language Support Children’s Writing? 

phonicsorg on August 30, 2024

How Does Oral Language Support Children’s Writing? 

KW: how does oral language support children’s writing

Oral language is an amazing human ability that young children develop naturally over time through listening and mimicking the people around them. Children typically learn to speak their native language with hardly any formal instruction. However, when it comes to literacy, formal instruction is crucial to children’s development—even for writing skills! 

One thing that is sometimes overlooked in early literacy development is how oral language skills connect to reading and writing abilities. The ability to speak, manipulate verbal sounds, and understand spoken language plays a significant role in a child’s writing progress. So, how does oral language support children’s writing? More importantly, what do parents and teachers need to know about the link between these two skills in order to support their students’ academic success? 

Speech as the Foundations of Language and Literacy

Oral language encompasses the ability to speak and comprehend spoken words. It involves skills like phonemic awareness, vocabulary, grammar, expression/inflection, sentence structure, and the relevant application of language in social settings. 

Children often begin to develop oral language from infancy, far sooner than when they begin to receive formal education. They go through several noticeable milestones.

  1. Babies start making simple sounds (or “cooing”) around 2 months old. Then, they often start babbling various consonant-vowel sounds (“babababa” or “mimimi”) around 4-6 months old.
  2. A baby may start saying their first words at 10-14 months old (such as “mama,” “dada,” “ball,” or “hot”).
  3. Toddlers around 2 years old begin putting together simple phrases or sentences (for example, “I want that,” “Doggy sit,” or “Mommy bye-bye”).
  4. As kids develop, their verbal language skills gradually become more sophisticated. Before the age of five, many English-speaking children can say most speech sounds except for more complex ones like /r/, /ch/, and /th/. 

All of these subtle yet powerful language milestones help lay the foundation for a child’s literacy development. Strong oral language abilities can contribute to strong reading and writing skills. 

How Speaking Translates to Early Writing Skills

Transitioning from speaking to early writing and reading is a major milestone in a child’s life. Language is the bridge that connects spoken words to words in print, whether in books or written on paper. This connection is crucial for developing writing skills. 

Vocabulary and Expression 

A rich vocabulary is important if children are to become effective writers. Kids who are exposed to a wide variety of words in everyday conversations are often better prepared to use words in writing. Storytelling and verbal dialogue can enhance children’s ability to express ideas coherently and creatively. 

Encourage your child’s vocabulary development by talking about a wide variety of topics. Use new words with them in context and answer their questions about unfamiliar words. You can also follow the common phrase, “Talk, Read, Sing!” that is a recommended motto for early language and vocabulary development. Make sure you engage in each of these things every day with your child for meaningful (and fun) vocab support.

Sentence Structure and Grammar

The grammar and syntax children use when speaking form the basis for how they write words and sentences. When kids hear and speak correct grammar verbally, they’re more likely to carry over these rules and practices when writing. 

Support children’s grammar for speaking and writing by modeling proper word pronunciations and grammatically correct sentences in conversations. Gently correct your child’s grammatical errors when they reach the age of more sophisticated speech. Additionally, you can play word games that focus on sentence construction.

Printing and Spelling

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and use the different sounds in spoken language. It plays a foundational role in learning to read and write. Phonological awareness is how people identify rhymes, syllabicate, differentiate specific phonemes, and emphasize spoken words when speaking. 

Segmentation is an important phonological skill related to spelling. It involves breaking a word into its individual sounds. Then children can connect the sounds to their associated letters to learn to spell. 

Help your child strengthen their phonological awareness skills and spelling skills so they can accurately manipulate and connect language sounds with writing. 

Learning and Organizing Information

Writing coherently is a way to organize ideas and stories. Children must have some level of knowledge of how ideas are communicated in speech before implementing them into writing. Help your students learn to sequence events, thoughts, expressions, and connections logically so they can develop strong organization in their writing.

Encourage children to retell stories from beginning to end, using their own words. Talk about the sequence of events in daily activities and see if your child can make meaningful connections between pieces of information.  

How Can Parents and Teachers Support Verbal and Written Language Development? 

There are many ways to equip children to become strong, literate learners. It starts with strong verbal language practice and becomes more robust with explicit phonics instruction. 

To cover the basics, here are some tips:

  • Have meaningful conversations with your child. Make a point to ask open-ended questions, encourage your child to express his or her thoughts, and get inquisitive about what your child means if something is unclear. 
  • Read aloud with your child. When kids are exposed to a literacy-rich environment, they develop positive attitudes toward reading and writing. Make reading time fun, enjoyable, and emotionally positive, letting your child be an active participant in read-alouds.
  • Model good listening skills. Show your child what it looks like to pay attention when others are speaking and how to practice active listening. 
  • Play phonics games together. Make phonics practice fun with some easy and simple at-home games. Phonics instruction supports transcription skills like spelling, which makes writing possible.
  • Practice oral rehearsal. Once your child begins practicing writing, encourage them to read their own writing. This helps kids catch any errors they made and reinforces the connection between reading and writing.

If your child is significantly struggling with oral language or with writing, one of the best ways you can support them is by seeking guidance from a professional. Speech, reading, or writing difficulties can sometimes be a sign of learning disorders that need to be addressed.

Phonics.org: Helping Kids Learn to Read and Write 

The special link between oral language and literacy shouldn’t be underestimated. When children are equipped with effective spoken language skills, they receive a solid foundation for becoming proficient readers, writers, and students for life. 

Helping kids develop their language and literacy skills requires time, patience, engagement, and proven instructional strategies. Whether your child is in school or learning the very first phonics concepts at home, it’s important to be intentional about their literacy development every day. 

Interested in learning how to give your child the best phonics education possible? Follow Phonics.org where we share expert-written program reviews, educational resources, and fun activities for academic success!

How to Help Preschoolers Develop Pre-Writing Skills 

phonicsorg on August 23, 2024

How to Help Preschoolers Develop Pre-Writing Skills 

KW: how can you help preschool children develop pre-writing skills

Along with early reading concepts, one of the most important skills a child learns in preschool is early writing. Pre-writing skills are the set of abilities a child first needs to begin the process of learning how to write. These skills involve fine motor skills, sensorimotor skills, and visual processing, among other important abilities children typically develop in their early years. 

Pre-writing skills are essential for children and can even solidify their reading skills. Because handwriting is so important in school, learning these basic skills early acts as a stepping stone for your child’s future academic success.

As a parent or educator, it’s important to understand how writing develops so that you can identify milestones as well as spot any developmental delays early on. So, how can you help preschool children develop pre-writing skills? Keep reading to learn more.

The Skills That Help Children Learn How to Write 

While learning how to write might seem like a simple and straightforward process, there are actually several developmental skills that go into it. Learning to hold a writing utensil properly is a challenge for many children!

Pre-writing skills are the skills kids need before they begin successfully learning how to write. Examples of these foundational skills include:

  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Motor control
  • Motor planning 
  • Wrist stability
  • Visual perception 
  • Drawing
  • Copying
  • Posture
  • Grip

It’s important to remember that writing—just like reading—is a rather sophisticated skill. It’s nearly impossible for humans to pick up on these skills naturally or with ease. We must be directly taught, beginning with the most basic skills and working our way up. Therefore, forcing a child to transition into writing can crush their drive in literacy development. Every child learns at their own pace, so take it slow and allow them to get familiar with writing. 

Developing Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills are a person’s ability to coordinate and use smaller muscles and joints in their fingers, hands, and wrists to perform controlled tasks. These skills begin to develop early in a child’s life and then strengthen gradually over time. During the pre-writing phase, children need fine motor skills to begin holding a pencil correctly and navigating their wrists and hands smoothly. 

By three years old, many kids can use fine motor skills to:

  • Copy basic shapes with fingers or markers
  • Use eating utensils to feed themselves
  • Stack items with precision
  • Put together puzzles on their own
  • Dress themselves with little help
  • Scribble and color in coloring books with ease

To help a child develop fine motor skills for writing, start by identifying their hand preference. Children typically show signs of a dominant hand around age two or three, so pay attention to which hand they use to reach for toys, eat with a spoon or fork, throw a ball, or do other daily activities. Their dominant hand is likely the hand they’ll begin writing with. 

Pencil Grasp Development

Children need to learn how to hold a writing utensil correctly. This is one of the most important parts of tying in fine motor skills with writing development. Therefore, when your child begins practicing pre-writing skills, it’s advisable to start them off with regular-sized utensils so they can play around with gripping and grasping in order to write. 

While some educators used to start young children off with thicker pencils, this can make it more difficult to learn proper pencil grasp. Imagine how hard it would be to write with a large carrot! Focus on showing your child how to use the dynamic tripod grasp, which is ideal for preventing pain and discomfort once they learn how to write. If a child still has difficulty after kindergarten, pencil grips or help from an occupational therapist can help. 

Supporting Visual Processing and Memory

Pre-writing involves sight and memory, as well. Many children develop visual processing skills through play and natural development. Kids need to be able to see, interpret, process, remember, and coordinate the letters and shapes they are presented with. This is true not only for writing and reading but for about 75% of all learning! 

It is important to have your child’s eyes checked regularly to ensure they can see well. You can also support kids’ visual processing and hand-eye coordination by playing games and engaging them in physical activities that require sight. For example, playing a game of “catch” is a common option. You can also play games that “cross the midline,” which means being aware of the invisible line that runs between the two halves and hemispheres of the body—so reaching across the body right and left. 

Encouraging Letter Recognition and Letter Formation

Letter recognition is the ability to identify alphabetical letters by their shape and name. Before being able to write, children need to know how to recognize, copy, and remember the shapes of letters. This is a fundamental skill for not only writing but also reading. 

Hands-on shapes and modeling clay can be used to create or build letters and play with their general shapes. When it comes to printing, explicitly teach children how to form letters properly. Check and make sure that you’re familiar with proper letter formation advised by occupational therapists and commonly used by most educators. Proper letter formation should eventually become automatic so your child can save cognitive room for spelling and later expressing ideas! 

Fostering Creativity and Critical Thinking

Problem-solving and creative thinking are two other skills that contribute to pre-writing. The stronger a child’s problem-solving and curiosity, the more likely they are to digest and solidify new information when it comes time to learn writing. Similarly, when a child is encouraged to pursue their creativity, they’re able to express themselves in new ways when practicing pre-writing and early writing concepts. 

Instead of giving kids exercises that require one-way responses, ask them for their opinions and observations. For example, instead of telling children to write the ABCs, ask them how they would write the alphabet if they invented it. In this way, they can show off their artistic side and learn to make decisions independent of what they’ve been exposed to. It can be a helpful gateway into teaching letters and writing!

The Role of Pre-Writing in Phonics

Phonics breaks down the English language into speech sounds and correlates those sounds with alphabetical letters. When children learn phonics, they’ll eventually write down sounds they hear in order to spell in addition to sounding out what they read. 

A 2022 study shows that when children are introduced to phonics early, it helps them understand the link between letters and phonemes (speech sounds). For example, when a child that understands sees the letter “b” at the beginning of a word, they know it’s a /b/ sound. This is the foundation for learning to spell, which is an important pre-writing skill. 

Phonics education lays the foundation for strong literacy skills in children. Kids’ brains are like sponges that absorb new information. So when you introduce them to phonics early, they’ll learn important literacy skills that’ll make it easier for them to read and write.

More Tips for Reading and Writing Readiness 

There are a lot of important skills that kids learn in the preschool phase. To raise a literate child, you need to provide them with the necessary (and effective) reading and writing readiness skills so they can go into kindergarten ready for explicit phonics instruction. Pre-writing encourages creativity, confidence, and critical thinking, some of the most important skills in cognitive development.

Encourage your children to improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, visual perception, and letter recognition early on. For more tips on reading and writing development, follow Phonics.org!

Simple 10-Minute Phonics Lessons for Busy Parents

phonicsorg on August 16, 2024

If your child is learning phonics, you might be wondering how to help them practice at home. Phonics practice sets the foundation for how future reading skills are developed. But when family life is busy and you have multiple kids in school, it can be hard to find the time to sit down and dedicate the time a child needs to strengthen their phonics knowledge.

Thankfully, there are quick and simple ways you can still incorporate phonics lessons at home without spending hours focused on studying. In this article, we share some approachable, 10-minute phonics lessons that busy parents like you can include in their daily routines.

8 Short Phonics Lessons You Can Do Anywhere

Even if it’s just ten minutes per day, consistent phonics practices can help your child along their literacy journey. Consistency is key. At Phonics.org, we share effective activities and phonics apps that young learners love.

You can fit these activities into small, 10-20 minute pockets of downtime at home while also making it fun for your kids. Practice during breakfast, while waiting for dinner to be ready, during car rides, while standing in line at the mall, or even while waiting in a medical office. The goal is to make phonics a meaningful part of your child’s life. 

Lesson 1: Letter Sound Matching

Matching letter sounds is a simple way to reinforce letter-sound correspondences for kids who are early in their phonics education. You can play with alphabet cards, pictures, objects in the room, or even verbal names of family and friends. 

Ask your child to say the word of the picture, letter, object, or name you are presenting to them. Then, see if they can identify the letter sound the first letter makes, such as /d/ for dog. If they pick up on the concept easily, see if they can come up with another word that begins with the same letter sound—in the case of /d/, they could say a word like “dentist” or “duck.” Repeat with as many words as you can in 10-20 minutes.

Lesson 2: Rhyming Words

This word match is a great activity for curious, active kiddos. It helps young children develop their phonemic awareness through rhyming. All you need are household items or objects your child can identify in their surroundings. 

Choose a simple word like “cat” and then ask your child to go and look for words that rhyme with it. They might point out a hat, a mat, or a baseball bat. If there are no items that rhyme in your physical surroundings, ask if they can come up with a rhyming word on their own.

Lesson 3: Blending Sounds 

Blending is when a child combines every letter sound in a word to pronounce the full word. To practice blending, gather a set of alphabet cards, plastic fridge magnets, or letter blocks. Choose letters that will spell simple words such as “sit,” “dad,” or “hot.” Present one letter at a time and have your child sound it out, then place the next letter and have them sound it out, and so on. Once the full word is spelled, ask your child to blend the whole word together. Help them if they get stuck. 

Lesson 4: Sort the Word Families 

Sorting word families helps kids recognize word patterns and sound segments. You can do this mini-phonics lesson by using alphabet cards or a list of written words that are appropriate for your child’s skill level. In random order, write out words from the same “families” (such as words ending in -at, -ig, -an, -in, etc.). Have your child go through and read the words out loud, offering guidance if they need it. After they read the words, help them go through the list again and circle each word family in a different colored pencil. For example, words ending in ‘-in’ would be circled green and words ending in ‘-ar’ would be circled in pink. 

Lesson 5: Identify the Initial Sound

Phonics scavenger hunts help kids identify the initial sounds in everyday objects. This includes household items, items in TV shows, and pictures in children’s books. Give your child a specific phoneme (sound of speech) and have them look for items that start with that sound. This could be sounds like /sh/, /oo/, /l/, /s/, or /p/. 

Lesson 6: Words With Deleted Letters

This short phonics lesson helps kids manipulate sounds in words and can be done anywhere. All it requires is some verbal communication and play. To do this activity, say a word and ask your child to repeat it without a specific sound—such as “cat” without the /c/ sound. They’ll say, “at.” Play around with this game and make it fun! See if they can figure out how to say “pepper” without /p/ or “banana” without /a/. Let them choose words for you to say and then delete one sound, too.

Lesson 7: Phonics Memory Cards

Memory games are another fun activity to play at home with minimal supplies. You can create homemade cards with alphabetical letters on one set and a picture representing each letter sound on another set of cards. Place the cards randomly on a surface and have your child flip over a card, one by one, and then see how many pairs they can correctly match. 

Lesson 8: Read and Draw

To connect phonics skills to reading comprehension, this phonics read-and-draw activity is simple and only requires a pencil and paper. Write out simple sentences using words that follow phonics patterns your child is familiar with. Have them read the sentence and then draw a picture to illustrate what it means. For example, “The dog ran” or “A ball is flat.” This is a great mini-lesson and practice for children who enjoy art and are gaining new reading skills quickly.

More Resources for Parents Helping Their Kids Learn Phonics

To help you and your child get the most out of simple, time-saving phonics lessons like the ones mentioned above, check out the resources recommended by Phonics.org.

  • Phonics learning apps: Many free and affordable learning apps incorporate phonics lessons to give your child a variety of tools to practice with. Digital phonics programs are a great way to supplement classroom and face-to-face learning!
  • Printable worksheets: You can find educational worksheets to print out at home for more phonics practice with your child. 
  • Decodable books: Decodable books help your child reinforce the concepts they learn when beginning to read. Reading.com has many effective decodable books in its app which can make reading practice effective and fun. 
  • Phonics program reviews: Find the best digital phonics lessons that can help your child master their early phonics skills. The Phonics.org reviews page contains honest, expert-vetter program reviews that assess usability, quality of instruction, and engagement. 

Practicing phonics for ten minutes a day is better than no practice at all. So if your household is hectic and you think you can’t prioritize these lessons at home, don’t worry—you can do it! Start small, do a little bit daily, and use the resources available to you and your child. 

To learn more about helping your child with their phonics education, follow us at Phonics.org to stay updated on the latest tips, program reviews, and research. 

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