Phonemic Awareness, or Phonic Ears, are the child’s ability to
actually hear the sounds in a word. This is the first step in
learning to read. Much of the new research says that teaching
children this skill can really help the child learn to read!
Let’s start growing those ears
Phonic ears is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in
words. Phonemic awareness is not phonics and it does not involve
reading any words. This means that a three year old can learn to
grow their phonic ears, just as easily as a six year old!
How to teach Phonemic Awareness Skills 1) Blending: What word am
I trying to say? SsssssAaaaaaNnnnnnDdddd. 2) Segmentation (first
sound only): What is the first sound in Run? 3) Segmentation
(last sound only): What is the last sound in Sit? 4) Say it Fast
(complete): Say the sounds for the word H . . . O . . . P. . .
(Pause between each sound.) 5) Say letters, sound at a time: The
letter “M” is eee . . . mmm. The letter “S” is eee . . . sss.
How to grow those phonic ears in Five Minutes a day
One great thing you can do to help your child, or students learn
more about phonemic awareness is read stories outloud to them,
but do it a little differently. One time on every page take a
word that is 3 or 4 letters, and say it a part at a time. Look
below for an example.
Let’s say you are reading a story about Sam, the cat. Here is
what you will say: “Sam the cat was having a very good day.
First his friend gave him M . . . I . . . L . . . K. What did
the friend give Sam? (Child responds) Yes, MILK. Then (keep on
reading.)” Important, you are saying the SOUNDS in the letter
MILK, not the Letter Names.
Once this has become easy, start reading alphabet books with the
child, but do each of the letters, one part at a time. You will
notice that this will help your child learn the SOUNDS that each
letter makes.
Once your child has learned these skills, s/he is ready to start
learning to read! Start today! Teach your child to grow their
phonic ears through these easy tips.
About Author :
Sacha Luria-Smith has been recognized for her teaching success
on National Public Radio and Disney radio. She has also taught
middle school in Oakland, CA. She is the author ofthe website
http://www.home-school-reading.com.
