In order to set young learners up for academic success in their later years, it’s vital for schools to build a strong literacy foundation. Phonics classes play a pivotal role in developing reading and writing skills from an early age. These carefully structured lessons give children the tools they need to navigate the English language.
At The Perse School Singapore, our phonics programme stands out as a cornerstone of our Early Years curriculum, providing pupils in Years 1 and 2 with a foundational literacy tool using accredited phonics scheme. By offering a well-rounded and dynamic approach to literacy, we help cultivate a lifelong passion for learning among our young students.
What Makes Phonics Important?
Phonics involves teaching students to decode letters into their respective sounds, enabling them to read unfamiliar words and ultimately laying the groundwork for their reading and writing abilities. A strong foundation in phonics is essential in ensuring students can read and communicate effectively and confidently.
The essence of phonics lies in the fact that it helps children unlock their ability to learn independently and pronounce words based off sounds alone. By mastering phonics, children gradually enhance their vocabulary and reading skills.
Phonics is regarded as one of the most important first steps that a child takes when learning English, and as such, finding the right program for your child is vital to their growth.
How We Teach Phonics at The Perse School Singapore
At The Perse School Singapore, our Key Stage 1 (KS1) Pupils are trained in their basic skills through our Sounds Write and Kinetic Letters programmes. We make use of a systematic, yet creative approach to teaching phonics, which involves helping our children better understand the process through hands-on and interactive activities, such as games and songs.
We also encourage parents to further support their child’s phonics learning at home, by engaging in simple yet effective activities. One such activity is to regularly read books or flashcards that incorporate phonics, so they get plenty of practice at home. Getting children used to sounding out words and letting them watch educational TV programs can also give them firsthand experience in their home life.
Sounds-Write Programme
Sounds-Write is a highly-regarded phonics reading programme that has been used by thousands of professionals over the last 20 years. Built upon well-established theories of learning and teaching, the programme places great emphasis on developing teacher knowledge, which has been identified as the most influential factor in improving student outcomes. Our team of experienced teachers make use of the resources that it provides, and have plenty of material to share with their pupils.
We maintain a close connection with the founders of the programme, ensuring that our approach is up-to-date. By making sure that our teachers and assistants are well-trained in the method, your child can receive a consistent and firm education in the basics of phonics.
Incorporating the Sounds-Write programme into the curriculum demonstrates our commitment to providing students with an effective and efficient learning experience. It paves the way for the successful development of crucial literacy skills, giving students the opportunity to thrive academically.
Kinetic Letters Programme: Our Pioneering Approach
The Perse School Singapore is the first school in Asia to make use of the Kinetic Letters programme, an innovative approach to teaching handwriting via sensory input. The programme aims to help children develop penmanship an automatic skill, so that writing becomes natural to the pupil and they can put their full focus on reading comprehension. It’s used in multiple levels of schooling across the U.K., with particular success in early years education.
This physical approach not only bolsters writing skills, but also develops concentration and motor abilities. The interactive lessons make use of stories and roleplay to keep interest high among early learners, and is also easy for educators to pick up and follow.
The Kinetic Letters approach helps to raise writing standards across the curriculum while complementing the Sounds-Write programme, allowing both to work together and create a strong foundation of phonics skills in our early learners. This combination ensures that the fundamentals of reading, writing, and handwriting are taught effectively, preparing students for future levels of education.
The Impact of Phonics Education on Children
Phonics education plays a significant role in the early development of a child’s reading skills. By teaching children the relationship between written symbols and sounds, they can systematically learn to decode words and enhance their reading abilities. Failing to do so can have a major impact on their literacy as they grow older, making phonics programmes vital in schools.
Children who engage in phonics education from a young age have consistently shown better progress in developing their reading skills compared to their peers who don’t. This effectiveness is particularly notable in younger learners (4-7 years old), who benefit from the structured, systematic nature of phonics that aligns with their developmental stage. Studies have consistently shown that phonics is more effective than other early reading strategies,
In addition to improving a child’s reading abilities, early exposure to phonics education helps in building a strong foundation for their language development. An ability to read and enjoy literature helps children to improve their vocabulary, writing, and comprehension skills. The difference in reading ability between children who read recreationally, and those who don’t, is equivalent to a full year’s worth of schooling.
The knowledge and skills acquired through phonics enrichment impacts a child’s overall academic performance and educational journey in the long run. It’s vital to get this early start, so they can reap the benefits for many years to come.
An Early Start in English at The Perse School Singapore
With such an important role in a child’s education, learning phonics certainly can’t be neglected. At The Perse School Singapore, we help our pupils build these essential skills early into their education journey. Through our carefully structured programmes, we ensure our young learners develop a strong foundation in the English language.
Contact us to find out more about what we can offer you and your child, or book a tour to come see our campus for yourself! Confidently take the first step to investing in your child’s literacy development.
