What is the difference between ‘a blend’ (‘blend’ as a noun) and ‘to blend’ (as a verb)? Now that most schools are getting used to using synthetic phonics programmes, some old terms are being dropped and new terms are introduced. So, how do we now use the word ‘blend’: as a noun or a verb?
Read MoreApproaches to Teaching Reading
Are ‘tricky’ words and high-frequency words the same?
These days, we hear a lot about ‘tricky’ words, phonically ‘irregular’ words, ‘sight’ words and ‘high-frequency’ words. Do all these terms mean the same thing?
Read MoreWhy the ‘A, B, C’ song is not helpful to beginner readers
Many young children learn to sing the ‘A, B, C’ song in nursery or at home. This song teaches them the names and the order of the letters of the alphabet. It’s a great way to store the alphabetic order of letters in our long-term memories. I still use the alphabet song when using a […]
Read MoreShould fluent readers be taught phonics?
Some children get the hang of reading easily and become fluent readers. Is there any point in taking them through a structured phonics programme?
Read MoreHow to say the sounds of letters in Synthetic Phonics
Most schools in the UK are now following a synthetic phonics programme. All such programmes teach children to pronounce letters in a slightly new and different way. This is called ‘precise pronunciation’ or ‘pure sounds’. Some staff members and parents may find they are not sure about this new pronunciation, as they were not taught […]
Read MoreWhy is English spelling such a headache?
Some languages have a ‘transparent’ phonic code. Take Italian or Spanish: the phonic code is simple and consistent. Once you have mastered the sounds for the letters of the alphabet, you can read and spell. The graphemes (written spellings of a sound) are reliable as they always represent the same sounds! Why is learning to […]
Read MoreSynthetic Phonics – a ‘back to basics’ approach to reading?
We often hear people calling for a ‘back to basics’ approach in education. But is synthetic phonics really backwards-looking, or has it some new elements that differ from how reading was taught in the past?
Read MoreSchools white paper – good news for phonics
Some of us may not agree with the coalition’s plans for free schools but, for us phonics enthusiasts, it looks like some good things may come of the new schools white paper.
Read MoreHow to split a multi-syllable word
There are a number of ways to split a multi-syllabic word. It really depends on your approach; there are no hard-and-fast rules. Here are a number of ways to go about it.
Read MoreWhy we need to teach children how to split multisyllabic words
Most words in the English language have more than one syllable, and knowing how to split them up is an important skill children need to learn. In the past, phonics programmes have not put enough emphasis on this skill. Why is it important?
Read More