COURSE OUTLINE

- Introduction of letter-sound through story and song
- recap of previously taught sounds
- introduction of letter-sound song and movement
- learn how to write letter-sound
- 'look and see' - find objects using the letter-sound of the day
- Two activities developing letter-sound identification by sight and sound
- letter-sound song before saying goodbye

COURSE SUMMARY

In this three week course, we will focus on a new letter sound each lesson. They will be introduced in the following order: s a t i p n. To begin with, we will only learn the sound of the letter and not the actual name (ssssss instead of ess for s).

I will begin each class with a fun story where the sound and related action are incorporated into it. For example, the ‘s’ story is about a snake and the children will be encouraged to make the ‘ssss’ sound of the snake and weaving their hand into the ‘s’ shape. The children are then told that this is the letter sound for today.

We will then look at a flashcard for this sound and drill the sound and motion. I will check if everyone has correct pronunciation as well as the correct motion for the sound. Then I will introduce the song.

I will then ask everyone what other ‘s’ words they know. This is a fun sharing activity and we can talk a little about the ‘s’ word (eg. snails - “Who likes snails?”, “are snails fast or slow?”), with constant repetition and reinforcement of the sound.

Following on from this, we will do a couple of activities that develop letter-sound identification, this could be a maze, or matching pictures to the correct sounds, amongst other activities.

Finally, we will finish the class with the song for the letter sound. I will sing it first and then encourage everyone to join in the second time.

From the second class onwards I will do a quick recap of each sound and motion by showing the letter sound flashcard and asking the learners what sound it is.

WHAT IS JOLLY PHONICS?

When teachers first started to develop the Jolly Phonics Program in 1975 they saw a huge reduction in children who had problems with reading and word recognition when using the traditional whole word reading method. To try something different they started introducing letter sounds first and as a result, saw a remarkable decrease in the number of children who struggled with reading.

Since then many studies have shown that a child reads much faster when they know the letter sounds and can work out the word for themselves. Writing independently begins a lot earlier and the ability to spell accurately develops faster.

Jolly Phonics teaches children the letter sounds first and relates the letters sounds to symbols (eg., s and a picture and sound of a snake). This helps them easier understand the alphabetic code for both writing and reading.

For reading and writing, children should be fluent in the sounds of each letter. This approach allows children to start learning from a young age and gives them a solid foundation for becoming a confident reader and writer.

INCLUSIVITY

This is an inclusive class, meaning students of all abilities are welcome. If a student is unable to communicate verbally they are welcome to use the chat. If your student has any other needs that require accommodations please let me know and we will work together to make sure your student gets the best class experience possible.