Are shop bought Phonics resources truly the best choice for your children?
While shop bought Phonics resources may appear appealing and affordable, it is crucial to thoroughly assess their effectiveness before choosing them for your children's learning. These resources often come with certain limitations and drawbacks that can impact their usefulness.
One common issue with shop bought Phonics resources is their reliance on eye-catching images to represent phonemes. While visually engaging, these images may not always accurately correspond to the correct sound of the letter. For instance, the letter "i" being represented by an image of ice can be misleading for children who are learning Phonics. It is essential for children to first learn the letter sounds before the letter names, as this foundation greatly aids in word building and blending during the early stages of reading.
Furthermore, these resources often cover phonemes from different phases of Phonics, making it challenging for children who are just starting their Phonics journey to grasp the information presented. Phonics instruction typically follows a systematic progression, introducing phonemes and concepts in a specific order to build upon prior knowledge. When resources jump between different phases, it can disrupt the logical sequence of learning and hinder a child's progress.
Another consideration is that Phonics teaching methods have evolved and advanced over the years. As a result, some of the digraphs and phonetic patterns listed in store-bought resources may no longer be taught in the same way or be part of current Phonics curricula. It is vital for children to have consistency between their school and home environments, using resources that align with their classroom learning. Inconsistencies can confuse children and impede their progress, so it's important to ensure that the resources you choose are up-to-date and in line with current Phonics teaching methods.
On the other hand, resources designed and created by fully qualified and experienced teachers offer distinct advantages. These resources are meticulously developed to align with established Phonics schemes used in schools. They are specifically tailored to enhance learning, build confidence, and promote progress in Phonics. By using these teacher-created resources, you can provide your children with a seamless learning experience that complements their classroom instruction. The expertise and knowledge of these teachers ensure that the resources effectively reinforce the concepts being taught and support the child's overall development.
Ultimately, when deciding on Phonics resources for your children, it is essential to consider their individual needs, the quality of the resources, and their alignment with the child's classroom learning. Evaluating the effectiveness and suitability of store-bought resources, taking into account these factors, can help you make an informed decision that best supports your children's Phonics learning journey.
At Sounds Fun Resources, all of our unique products use phonetic words and objects that can be decoded and read independently with repeated use. Once children’s confidence has grown in this area, they will be able to use these skills to build their own CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. ⠀
This video is an example of a child who has consistently used our resources. They are confident with the pure sounds and can successfully read CVC words. They wanted (and needed) a challenge so Flashcards Pack 5 were used, these cover Phase 3 Phonics. This was the first time they had seen and used this resource. To say we are impressed is an understatement, as this child is only in Reception. They have proved that our products and use of phonetic objects, support word building and reading. ⠀
If you’re not sure what to buy a little one in your life, please do reach out and let us advise you on how to give the gift of learning.⠀
⠀
Check out our website for full product information and how Sounds Fun Resources is the best choice in supporting you and your children with Phonics success.
