Blog entry by John Kenny
Phonics is a method applied in teaching reading and writing of the English language. It aids children in understanding the relationship between various letters (and combinations of letters) and their corresponding sounds. When kids learn phonics, they learn to associate sounds with letters or groups of letters in an alphabetic writing system. This skill provides a foundation for independent and fluent reading, which is vital for a child's educational growth.
The purpose of these prompts is to use the familiarity and love of popular books to engage students and stimulate their creativity. By connecting writing assignments to books they know and enjoy, students feel more inspired and motivated to write. They also learn to better understand character development, narrative style, and thematic content, thereby improving their overall literary skills.
Next, some prompts could tie directly to the themes within the popular books. For instance, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" explores themes like wealth, poverty, and morality. A prompt might ask the students to "Describe a visit to a factory of your choice, it could be a toy factory, a chocolate factory, or simply a factory of dreams. What would it look like? What magical things happen there?"
Phonics hopscotch provides a dynamic and physical way for children to learn phonics. Similar to a regular hopscotch game, each box represents a distinct sound or letter. Kids can hop and pronounce the sound or letter written in each box.
Observational researchers have long been fascinated by the behavior of children in natural settings. A recent study focused on their interactions in playground or school yards, observing them as they actively interacted, played, and improvised. What emerged was a fascinating correlation between how kids spend their time outside the confines of the classroom and how this develops their time management skills.
4. Book Clubs and Reading Groups: Forming book clubs or reading groups with peers and friends can emphasize the social aspect of reading. Along with discussing books, students can share their perspectives and interpret author's views, helping them develop critical thinking skills.
Using these tips and strategies, parents, and educators can help middle schoolers remain motivated to read. It's essential to remember that every child is different and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, a mix of strategies may need to be used to find what truly motivates each student. With the right approach and commitment, encouraging the love for reading in middle schoolers can be successful and rewarding.
KOTY is a Los Angeles-based afterschool and enrichment program, known for its unique approach to child education, focusing, not only on academics, but also on non-traditional areas. A dynamic fusion of play and learning, KOTY's program allows children to engage in various activities like art, sports, and outdoor exploration, devised to target different aspects of child development – cognitive, emotional, social, and physical.
Phonics games are an excellent way for kids to learn, have fun, and improve their reading skills. These games are designed to make learning interactive and enjoyable, while simultaneously helping children recognize and distinguish between different sounds, letters, and words. Moreover, phonics games greatly assist in their early literacy development and can have lasting benefits in their academic journey.
The addition of creative writing to KOTY’s curriculum has multiple advantages. Research indicates that children who engage in creative writing show improved language skills, better comprehension, and enhanced critical thinking abilities. They are also more prepared to tackle complex problems and have an increased capacity for empathy – skills that are increasingly important in our interconnected and rapidly-changing world.
Prompt-based creative writing exercises are uniquely designed to spark children's imaginations, encouraging them to delve into their thoughts and feelings, and express them in a unique way. For instance, a prompt asking children to write about what they would do if they were the president for a day, initiates engagement with societal issues at an age-appropriate level, encouraging empathy and developing problem-solving skills. Another prompt could invite children to create a completely new animal species, fostering not only their creativity but also their knowledge and curiosity about biology and the environment.
Lastly, prompts can be designed to put the student in the author's shoes. For example, "Imagine you are Roald Dahl, and you are now writing the sequel to Matilda. Outline the major plot points of your sequel and provide a brief description of a new character you would introduce."
In phonics card games like the sound snap, cards with written words or pictures are laid out and children need to shout 'snap' when they spot two matching sounds. This game empowers kids to recognize similar sounds and link them to corresponding words or visuals.