| Teaching reading is not easy and it takes time and | | | | The Montessori method has been teaching kids for a |
| commitment so having some fun with phonics will help. | | | | hundred years, it might be old fashioned but it's |
| There are many ways to have fun with phonics. | | | | effective. And you, the parent, have to get involved |
| Ranging from games on the computer to board | | | | with teaching reading as you have to make up the |
| games and worksheets. My favorite is playing around | | | | words and phonic sounds with the sandpaper letters. |
| with Montessori sandpaper letters as kids seem to | | | | Also when your children trace the letters you have to |
| love the feel of the sandpaper as they trace the | | | | show them the correct way to write the letters. |
| words. | | | | Giving your child a head start with reading at school is |
| For free online games I go to as they have a very | | | | possible one of the best things you can do for your |
| good selection but you have to play around on the site | | | | child and first grade phonics is a good place to start. If |
| to find the games your child will like. Another site that | | | | your child is good at reading then school life is easier. |
| has a lot of free stuff is Genkienglish. This site is from | | | | But what first grade phonics do you teach your child |
| a school in Japan and it's in English. Some of the | | | | when it comes to reading. I like to teach them what |
| phonics games and songs are very simple but I think | | | | they are already learning at school. |
| they are very effective. | | | | I use the same book they are using in the classroom |
| Teaching your child to read with phonics will take time | | | | but I add Montessori sandpaper letters. This way the |
| so the more fun you can have with your child will | | | | children can trace the words and phonic sounds they |
| make it easier. With modern technology you can buy a | | | | are learning in the classroom. When children trace the |
| phonics program and after you have shown your child | | | | sandpaper letters they feel the shape of the letter |
| how to use the program, you can let your child go it | | | | therefore when it comes to learn to write they already |
| alone. For busy working parents this situation is ideal | | | | know how to write. Also feeling the texture of the |
| but if you are homeschooling and want to spend time | | | | letter with the sandpaper helps to implant the letter in |
| with your children you could try out the sandpaper | | | | the child's mind. |
| letters. | | | | |