| lashcards to help children learn | | | | One of the great things about flashcards is that they |
| Flashcards are effective for children of really any age. | | | | are fun and effective. Children don't think they are |
| However one of the areas they are most often used | | | | working too hard, an important factor of successful |
| is in the early years of school. They are generally | | | | learning. When used as an effective teaching |
| thought an excellent way to improve phonics and | | | | programme they are very useful. |
| spelling abilities. | | | | There are lots of ways of using flashcards both with |
| In the UK they are used extensively for KS1, KS2, KS3 | | | | individuals and groups. Google will give lots of simple |
| and in the Scottish Curriculum for excellence in the | | | | ideas. An easy way is just recognition. Get a small |
| early years. This trend is also followed in other places | | | | group together and lay the cards face down. Next get |
| like the America although the set of words used can | | | | the children to turn them over one at a time and say |
| vary. Governments generally publish a set of sounds | | | | the word. If they don't know it then suggest the others |
| and words for teachers to use. | | | | help. This not only builds vocabulary but also helps with |
| Flashcards take a variety of forms. They can be | | | | group building. |
| cards that are professionally made but more often | | | | One idea to help kids is to print each child out a set of |
| they are sourced from the Internet and then laminated | | | | cards or at least cards for the areas they have |
| prior to use. This is generally a cheap alternative and | | | | difficulty with. The child can then take the cards away |
| also ensures that you get exactly what you want. | | | | and practise with their parents. This involves the |
| The internet is a great source of cards. You'll find | | | | parents in the whole learning to read cycle which can |
| many places on the web that offer them for free, for | | | | help build success. |
| example Learning Huddle .com has 117,800 alphabet | | | | Remember that flashcards are not the only thing a |
| cars that can be printed out. Probably more than you'll | | | | child needs to do. They need to be persuaded of the |
| ever need and they're free! However Learning Huddle | | | | value of reading by seeing their parents enjoying |
| isn't the only site with free cards you just need to type | | | | reading. They need to know just how important it is in |
| into Google and you'll find lots of sites offering both | | | | life. |
| paid for and free cards. | | | | |