All About Teaching and Learning Phonics

[tamarind]

For parents who are new to my blog, here is a guide.


From birth to 3 years old :
First Step - Teaching A B C
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-step-teaching-b-c.html

Wonderful books that can grab the attention of kids who cannot sit still
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/09/wonderful-books-for-kids-from-birth-to.html

From 3 years old to 5 years old :
Phonics is essential for kids to learn to read. How to teach phonics by using a matching/grouping game :
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-teach-phonics.html

Phonics is not only important for reading, it is very important for spelling :
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/05/spelling.html

It is also very important to teach sight words using a good reader. The Peter and Jane series has been around for more than 40 years, and has taught millions of children to read.
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2008/12/key-words-with-ladybird.html

How to make reading interesting by using activities :
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/05/make-learning-phonics-and-reading.html

How to develop a love for reading by acting out the story:
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2010/02/developing-love-for-reading.html

How do I manage to find the time to teach
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-do-i-manage-to-find-time-to-teach.html

From 6 years old :
If your kids are able to complete the Peter and Jane series by the age of 5 years old, they will be able to read these books before they turn 6 years old.
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/09/books-they-love.html
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/02/great-books-for-confident-readers.html

[autumnbronze]

Thank you Tamarind, for sharing

[tamarind]

autumnbronze:

Thank you Tamarind, for sharing

autumnbronze and all,
Thanks for sharing too !

[tamarind]

My friend asked me how much time do I spend reading to my kids everyday. I told her that I have not been reading to my kids since they were able to read independently, before they turned 5 years old. Not that I don't want to, it is just that I really cannot manage to do so, both my mind and body are so tired after work. Everyday, I ask them to read to me instead That is so much better for me. My kids also have a deeper understanding of the story, and they remember the details much better as they read every word out loud. It is wonderful to listen to my kids read the classics of children's literature to me, and I find myself learning a lot, together with them. Reading is not only about preparing for exams. Checkout my new page, about the important lessons that we can learn from books, and the books that all children should read :


http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2010/03/importance-of-reading-books.html

[tamarind]

I just found out that the book 1a and 1b of the Peter and Jane series are available at the National Library.


1a - Play with us
http://newarrivals.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=12856138

1b - Look at this
http://newarrivals.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=12856142

If you cannot find a book, just click Recommend a Book and enter the information of the book. The library will find it for you, or they may order it for you.

[Happybirdks]

I’ve also seen the P&J series selling at the 2nd hand bookfair in Thomson Plaza.


Some are going for only $1 each! The condition is quite okay. The better state ones are going for only $1.90.

I go there regularly, about twice a week. Can help check out if anyone interested. If I am not wrong the fair is ending soon this week.

[tamarind]

Happybirdks:

I've also seen the P&J series selling at the 2nd hand bookfair in Thomson Plaza.


Some are going for only $1 each! The condition is quite okay. The better state ones are going for only $1.90.

I go there regularly, about twice a week. Can help check out if anyone interested. If I am not wrong the fair is ending soon this week.

Thanks for the information

I found out about this because a mommy from India was reading my blog. The Peter and Jane books cost only SGD 2 each, brand new, from India online bookstores. Anyone has friends going to India, can ask them to buy :
http://www.infibeam.com/Books/info/william-murray/play-with-us/9781844223602.html

[autumnbronze]

Happybirdks:

I've also seen the P&J series selling at the 2nd hand bookfair in Thomson Plaza.


Some are going for only $1 each! The condition is quite okay. The better state ones are going for only $1.90.

I go there regularly, about twice a week. Can help check out if anyone interested. If I am not wrong the fair is ending soon this week.

Yes, agree with Happybirdks ...

But must really hunt cuz I find that the staff don't even though what they are selling and don't even know where they are placed. Book fair will be on till 22nd of March.

[tamarind]

tamarind:

I just found out that the book 1a and 1b of the Peter and Jane series are available at the National Library.


1a - Play with us
http://newarrivals.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=12856138

1b - Look at this
http://newarrivals.nlb.gov.sg/item_holding.aspx?bid=12856142

If you cannot find a book, just click Recommend a Book and enter the information of the book. The library will find it for you, or they may order it for you.

Forgot to add that besides book 1a and 1b, the rest of books in the Peter and Jane series should be also available in the library. Read my blog for more information about how to use the Peter and Jane series :
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2008/12/key-words-with-ladybird.html

Also here is how to search for the Leapfrog DVDs :

http://www.nlb.gov.sg/

Click Search Catalogue, Advanced Search.

Enter Keywords : leapfrog letter factory
This will list the locations of the Letter Factory DVD, excellent for teaching the letter sounds.

Enter Keywords : leapfrog talking words factory
This will list Talking Words Factory and Talking Words Factory 2. Both are excellent for teaching phonics.

Entery Keywords : leapfrog storybook factory
This will list Learn to read at the storybook factory, excellent for teaching punctuation and how to read a story book fluently.

Also visit this free and excellent website for learning phonics :
http://www.starfall.com/

My girl's primary school is using starfall.com to teach phonics !

My blog lists more materials for practicising phonics :
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-teach-phonics.html

Even if parents have no knowledge on phonics, you can just use the above free resources to teach your kids phonics and reading. Learning phonics and reading can be completely free in Singapore. And your kids may even learn to read much better than those who attended enrichment classes
http://tamarindphonics.blogspot.com/2009/09/books-they-love.html

These excellent resources are also great for very busy working mommies like me who can afford only very little time to teach our kids.

[tamarind]

I came across this very nice video :


How to Prepare Your Child for Reading:
Learn how to prepare your child for the elements of reading and writing. Babies love books and should be exposed to books at a very young age. Watch the Go-To Mom tips on when and how to read to your child.
http://www.articlesbase.com/videos/5min/77388412