Teaching your child how to read can be an enjoyable process, but for many it can also be fraught with problems.The teaching process has a set number of rules which parents can follow in order to make the process a success.

Phonics is currently the recognised method of teaching reading in the UK.It is defined as knowing that the letters and the sounds they make have an association with each other.
Once the child has mastered the single letter he or she is able to move on to short words. Whilst on paper this process sounds simple it can be quite a challenge for the child.We all know that the alphabet is made up of twenty six letters, but are you aware that these letters make 44 different sounds? For many children this is where the confusion starts.

Learning Phonics

Understanding the various sounds a letter makes is the first part of the learning process.For example, recognising the sound the letter c makes when used in the word cat.When this has been mastered the child begins to learn how the sounds change depending on the other letters within the word.So for example, the letter c makes a specific sound when used alone, but when used as “ch” makes a completely different sound.Eventually, when the child is able to use phonics, they will be able to decode new words and see the link between the letters, sounds and the words.

For many children, learning to read with phonics starts at school age However, you can introduce them to reading at home.There are plenty of fun phonics books available to buy so you can start teaching your child how to read at home.Colourful alphabet phonics books are ideal for those starting out on the learning journey so look out for these in particular.As would be the case in school, give your child plenty of time to practice and understand. Don not rush them.