English is a complex language, known for its lack of phonetic consistency. While some words are easy to spell, others can be quite challenging, especially when two or three letters come together and produce different sounds. Therefore, it’s beneficial to introduce children to these linguistic wonders at a young age when they are receptive to learning.
To facilitate this process, we begin by introducing the pink and blue sounds. Once the child becomes familiar with these sounds, we gradually move on to phonetic reading. Subsequently, we introduce phonograms, as they serve as additional sound symbols for children. These phonograms are introduced one by one in a continuous manner. The Phonogram box comprises two sets of letters: one set in black and the other in red. It also contains packets with picture cards, each representing a specific phonogram.
There are numerous phonograms that children will encounter during their learning journey. One method of presenting phonograms is through the use of Three Period Name Lessons, where phonograms are introduced alongside green sandpaper letters. Once the child has engaged with the sandpaper letters, we introduce the Phonogram box, accompanied by the corresponding picture cards. For instance, we explain to the child that combining the letters ‘a’ and ‘i’ creates a new sound, represented by the phonogram ‘ai’. We follow a similar approach when introducing other phonograms. During Phonogram box exercises, the child focuses on one phonogram per day, utilizing the red letterbox.
The Phonogram box consists of two sets of letters: black and red. Additionally, it contains packets with picture cards, each featuring a distinct phonogram.
This learning process helps children become comfortable with different sounds represented by the same letters, such as in words like “pie” and “believe.” Similarly, they also become accustomed to the same sounds represented by different letters, as seen in words like “die,” “sigh,” and “fly.”
Incorporating phonograms into early education provides several benefits. First and foremost, it enhances a child’s phonemic awareness, allowing them to recognize and manipulate individual sounds in words. This foundational skill lays the groundwork for improved reading and spelling abilities. Furthermore, by introducing phonograms gradually, children develop a systematic approach to decoding words, making their reading experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Research has shown that explicit instruction in phonograms significantly contributes to children’s reading development. By incorporating phonograms into language lessons, we equip children with the necessary tools to tackle the complexities of English spelling and pronunciation. As they progress in their education, they will encounter a wider range of phonograms, expanding their understanding of the language and bolstering their literacy skills.
In conclusion, early exposure to phonograms in the form of the Phonogram box provides young learners with valuable insights into the complexities of the English language. By gradually introducing these sound symbols and engaging children in activities that foster phonemic awareness, we set them on a path towards strong reading and spelling abilities. The Phonogram box, with its black and red letter sets and accompanying picture cards, serves as an engaging and effective tool for phonogram instruction. So let’s embark on this phonetic adventure and equip our children with the skills they need to navigate the fascinating world of English phonograms.
