We've put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you make the right choices for your child. We hope we've included everything but if we haven't please let us know!
Q. What is phonics?
A. English spelling is based upon what's known as the alphabetic principle. This means that letters represent the sounds of the language. There are 71 basic letter and letter combinations in English and they represent 44 sounds, known as phonemes. In order to be able to read well, children need to learn the sounds as well as the letters that represent them. Phonics is a highly effective method of teaching reading that makes sure children learn this.
Q. What is phonemic awareness and why is it important?
A. Children need to be able to make a distinction between one letter sound in a word and another before they can learn the phonic rules. Having phonemic awareness means that a child can hear the sounds in words; can distinguish between them and can progress to learning how to read through good phonics instruction.
Q. What is the difference between phonics and ‘look and say’?
A. Good phonics teaching is explicit and systematic. Children are taught the 71 letter and letter combinations and the sounds they make in words. They then apply them to reading and writing. In the 'look and say' approach, phonics is not taught in this way. Beginner readers are expected to infer, learn and apply the rules themselves through constant exposure to words and language.
Q: What is the difference between phonics, synthetic phonics and analytic phonics?
A. Phonics teaches that letters and letter combinations have associated sounds that need to be learned. In synthetic phonics these associations are taught first and the sounds and their associated letters/letter combinations are then put together (or synthesised) to form words. In analytic phonics children are taught whole words and they then analyse their constituent parts to make further words.
Q: Why should children learn to read with synthetic phonics?
A. Synthetic phonics is the approach currently recommended by many departments of education around the English-speaking world. We believe that it is the only approach that works well with children of all abilities and backgrounds. It builds children’s confidence and teaches them to read and write quickly and well for life.
Q. Is learning to write important?
A. In synthetic phonics the process of synthesising is a two-way thing. Children learn the sounds that letters and letter combinations make and then blend them together to make words. They are also taught to segment words so they can read them. Since English is a written language, teaching children to write is essential. Most synthetic phonics programmes teach writing skills as well as reading skills and Letterland is no exception.
Q: Do all words follow the rules?
A. No they don't. There are lots of words in English that don't conform to the usual spelling and sound rules. They are usually taught as 'sight words', which means that children simply have to learn how they look, how they sound and what they mean.
Q. What are mnemonics?
A. Mnemonics are simple memory aids that are used in education to remind children of something. Verbal mnemonics are often used to remind children of what's in a list, for example. Visual mnemonics give pictoral clues rather than verbal ones. The US and UK governments both recommend the use of mnemonics in phonics teaching.
Q: I am not a teacher, so how do I know I will be teaching my child correctly?
A. Our books all contain useful guides for parents and teachers, tips on how to use the books and additional recommended titles so you can be sure you’re doing the right thing.
Q. What are the best storybooks to read to my child?
A. Reading to and with your child from a young age will help develop their vocabulary as well as foster a love and understanding of books. We recommend the ABC Book and Alphabet Adventures for reading together and the ABC Board Book for toddlers who can hold a book themselves.
Q: My child seems to show no interest in learning to read– how can I encourage him/her?
A. Children should not be forced to read if they are not ready for it. Most children will learn to read eventually and even those who start later than others can catch up provided the foundations for learning are present. Why not try picture books and songs and rhymes to encourage a love of words, or our Action Songs CD to get him or her singing along at home?
Q: My child is having reading difficulties at school – how can I help her/him?
A. Patience and dedication are essential in this situation. Try to make reading and writing fun rather than a chore and never shout or get angry. When you read school books together, try sounding out the letters with your child to help them get to grips with the phonic rules and provide them with plenty of encouragement and love along the way. You could even try our Living ABC or ABC Adventures software to provide an alternative route to learning.
Q. My child has Dyslexia. How can Letterland help him/her with learning literacy?
A. There is no reason why children with Dyslexia can’t learn to read and write using Letterland. A good grasp of the phonic rules is even more important for children with reading difficulties. Ask your child’s teacher’s advice about how you can provide support at home.
Q. How can I use Letterland to improve my child’s handwriting skills?
A. We publish lots of books to develop your child’s handwriting skills. Why not try the First Handwriting Activity Book, the Handwriting Songs CD or even the Letterland Magazine, which will help your child develop the hand-eye coordination skills they need to write properly.
Q. Why does Letterland teach letter sounds before letter names?
A. We do not teach the letter names since they are not essential for reading and can sometimes interfere with the process of learning to read. Letter sounds are the basis of any good phonics teaching programme and have to be learned so that words can be built up for spelling or broken down for reading.
Q. My child is only 2 years old. Is it too soon to start teaching her/him to read?
A. This depends on whether your child is ready for it or not. Most children will love to hear stories and sing songs at aged two and many will be happy to sit and look at the pictures in a book. Why not try a mini Board Book or the Alphabet Songs CD to start them on the right road to reading. And remember, make it fun!
Why not help us help other parents and add your questions to the list above? Email info@letterland.com with your comments, questions and suggestions.