How to Make Phonics Lessons Fun!

Online phonics programs for kindergarten can certainly make it easier to ensure your students are receiving instruction in the basic building blocks of language. But isn’t school more than just “the three Rs”?

The best online phonics program are engaging and educational, but nothing can replace the experience of a classroom full of peers with a caring teacher in charge. Ideally, online phonics programs can be incorporated into classroom instruction to provide variety and engage students in the learning process. These resources provide immediate reward and reinforcement using colorful graphics and verbal praise and provide each student with individualized instruction. Combined with whole class or small group activities they can be used along with traditional manipulatives to “electrify" the learning experience.

Even the best online phonics program can't recreate the same level of peer interaction that traditional teacher-led phonics games can provide. Therefore, it is important to use a blended approach of in-person and computer assisted instruction to maximize student learning. Here are some activities that work well and are lots of fun!

● Call and Response: This is an old method of teaching that is often used by research-based phonics programs to help children isolate sounds. When the whole class calls out the response, it becomes a community event. Or take turns shouting out in silly voices (kids get to pick the voices)

● Guess the Word: This activity is fun for kids on a computer screen and encourages social skills when played in class. Simply cover part of a word and have them figure out the answer. This makes a great small group activity and children can make up their own puzzles for others to guess.

● Do It with Rhythm: Phonics programs for kindergarten include a good deal of repetition. To make these activities more appealing to young minds, try adding a rhythm when you are performing whole class vocal practice. Appeal to audio learners and liven up your classroom.

● Use Manipulatives: Research based phonics programs include activities encouraging beginning readers to put together letters and sounds to create new words. Add in manipulatives like word dominoes, stickers, even boards and markers and you are reaching a whole new set of learning skills. Have students work with partners to make up new words to share with the class.

● Celebrate Learning: Introduce a daily phonics routine with a special sign, sound, or action. Make a colourful sign that reads “Letter of the Day!!!!” or introduce phonics time in a special way, maybe have the class stamp their feet. As this becomes part of their classroom routine, they will remind you when it’s time to begin!

Essential Skills offers the best online phonics programs, but to make the most out of your student’s learning time, be sure to offer a balanced blend of quiet individual focus, and interchange with peers and teachers. Discover the best online phonics programs for schools today!