-
·
ow ou Worksheet and How to Teach the Spelling Rule
It’s 1:17 on a Tuesday afternoon … You’ve just handed out ow ou worksheets and you’re standing at the whiteboard. You have written the words: cow and house. “Okay, everyone,” you say. “Who can tell me why cow is spelled o-w but house is spelled o-u? A few hands go up. You call on Mia.…
-
·
Our Remarkable Brains – Neuroplasticity and Phonics
In this post: What is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s remarkable, lifelong ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. Far from being a hardwired, static organ, your brain is dynamic and adaptable. When you learn a new skill, like reading through phonics, or practice an activity repeatedly, you are literally rewiring its circuits—strengthening…
-
·
Beyond One Size Fits All: A Guide to the Different Learning Styles
In this post: Read on to find out about the different learning styles. Imagine this: You’re trying to explain fractions to your child. You carefully talk through the concept, but you’re met with a blank stare. Frustrated, you draw a pizza, slicing it into halves and quarters. Suddenly, their eyes light up. “Oh! So if…
-
·
How to Teach the Consonant Digraph TH
In this post: Wondering how to teach the consonant digraph th? The English language is filled with unique sound combinations that can challenge early readers. Among these, digraphs stand out as particularly important building blocks for phonemic awareness and reading fluency. The “th” digraph appears in numerous high-frequency words and represents sounds that don’t exist…
-
·
Teaching Phonics to Kindergarten Kids
In this post: When I first began teaching phonics to my kindergarten class, I noticed that some children struggled while others grasped the concepts effortlessly. The difference often came down to approach—not just what was taught, but how it was presented. Teaching phonics to kindergarten kids requires patience, creativity, and an understanding of how young…
-
·
Teaching High Frequency Words
In this post: Understanding High-Frequency Words High frequency words are those that appear most often in written texts. Words like “the,” “and,” “is,” and “it” are examples. Because these words are so common, young readers need to recognise them quickly and effortlessly. Mastering high frequency words is crucial because it allows children to read more…
-
·
How to Teach the Consonant Digraph CH
In this post: What Exactly is a Consonant Digraph? Simply put, it’s a pair of consonants that combine to form a single sound. The digraph CH can produce sounds like in “chocolate,” “school,” and, occasionally, “chef.” Understanding these sounds is crucial for young learners as they embark on their reading journey. The Importance of Teaching…
-
·
How to Teach Vowels
In this post: Vowel sounds form the foundation of clear speech and effective reading skills For parents and teachers, helping children master these sounds can unlock better communication and boost literacy development. This guide offers practical strategies to help young learners confidently recognise, pronounce, and use vowel sounds. Read on to find out how to…
