Things You'll Need:
- Alphabet flash cards Word flash cards
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Step 1
Begin familiarizing preschool children with phonics by showing them a letter of the alphabet and asking them to repeat the name of the letter. Use alphabet flashcards and present one or two letters each day, telling the child the name of the letter and then asking him to say it. Make it a fun game and don't overdo it. If the child does not catch on, wait a couple of months and try again.
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Step 2
Teach very young children to say the alphabet, in addition to singing it. Most children learn the song version first, but being able to recite the alphabet, especially while pointing to each letter on a chart, encourages the child to recognize the name of the printed letter.
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Step 3
Start working on the sounds represented by the letters of the alphabet after the young child can identify the letters by name. For example, once the child knows the name of the "L," show her the letter, say the name and then make the sound of a word that begins with the letter "L." Exaggerate the sound two or three times to emphasize it. If you're using the word "lemon," pronounce it "la..la...la...lemon" to reinforce the sound of the "L."
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Step 4
Reinforce the sounds of words by using rhyming techniques. At this point, it's imperative to use words the child can say and then see in written form. Point to the word "cat" and then the word "hat," saying the words and asking the child to repeat them. Add more rhyming words when the child repeats them easily. You can purchase phonic flashcards, make your own or download and print free ones. (See Resources.)
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Step 5
Remove the images associated with the printed words to build a child's vocabulary. By the time a child reaches kindergarten age, she is ready to recognize simple three-letter words and read them. Gradually introduce the word without the supporting image.
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Step 6
Introduce blended sounds at age 5 or 6. When the child can recognize the sound of a singular letter, you may begin practicing blended sounds, such as those made by combining two or three letters, such as "sh" or "tr." Start by using ones commonly found at the beginning of words.
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Step 7
Add letter combinations and their respective sounds as the child masters the former lessons. Before a child can recognize and differentiate between language rules, he must have a solid understanding of the basic alphabet sounds and how they relate to the printed word.
