Question 1

What do kids study in a phonics class?

Accepted Answer

Phonics reading programme can help your child learn to read by explaining letter sounds. By breaking words down into individual sounds, children begin to read words with greater ease and confidence.

Phonics programs generally cover:
- Phonological awareness: Learning to identify and manipulate sounds in spoken language.
- Letter-sound relationships: Understanding the connection between letters and the sounds they make.
- Blending and segmenting: Skills needed to decode and sound out words (blending) and break words down into individual sounds (segmenting).
- Phonics rules: Learning the common patterns of sound-symbol relationships in English.
- Vocabulary building: Expanding children's word knowledge.
- Comprehension strategies: Developing an understanding of what is being read.
- Speech mechanics: Practicing intonation, pronunciation, and articulation to develop clear and natural-sounding speech.

Question 2

How much do phonics and reading classes cost in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

The fees typically depend on the children age and location, as well as the experience and qualifications of the teacher. The average cost of English language phonics lessons in Singapore is $20-50 per hour with tutors and $50-80 with teachers. Some teachers may also charge extra for materials, such as books or worksheets.

Question 3

What are 5 basic phonics skills?

Accepted Answer

1. Decoding the letters in order to read a word
2. Letter-sound comprehension
3. Phonemic awareness
4. Phonics knowledge
5. Fluency in reading.

Question 4

When should a child learn phonics?

Accepted Answer

Your child should start learning phonics as early as possible, preferably in preschool. In a fun and engaging environment, young kids can be taught pre-reading skills starting from 2 years old with the help of songs, nursery rhymes, poems, phonic games and other activities. It could be a great foundation for their future communication skills and literacy journey.

Programmes for primary school students later focus on learning writing to achieve basic literacy.

Question 5

What is systematic synthetic phonics?

Accepted Answer

Systematic synthetic phonics programme teach children the basics of reading by creating a link between letters and the phonemes they represent. This way students focus on the sound rather than spelling.

Question 6

How to choose the right phonics class for my child?

Accepted Answer

Parents should consider these factors:
- Your child's age and current literacy level: Programs cater to different age groups and skill levels.
- Learning style: Some programs are more play-based, while others are more structured. Choose one that aligns with your child's learning preferences.
- Your goals: Do you want a program that focuses on basic phonics skills, reading fluency, or addressing specific learning needs?

Don't hesitate to contact program providers to discuss their curriculum and approach.

Before enrolling your child in a phonics program, a reading assessment can be an invaluable tool. This assessment, whether a literacy assessment, proficiency assessment, or simply a reading assessment, can pinpoint your child's current reading level and identify any areas that might require extra support. With this knowledge, you can choose a program that aligns with their specific needs and provides the right level of challenge to ensure a smooth progression.

Phonics Classes

Adeline Zhang

Stella

Little Readers Programme

Nur Atiqah

Rumchawanwong Jean

Gurvindar Kaur

Maltrish Kaur

Rena Er

Rachel Lim

Ummi Tasfia

Ezara Tan

Ruquyah Gandhi

Tarandeep Nayyar

Mel Riley

Bishakha Dutta

Advanced Montessori International

Kinta Perjaya

Germaine Ong

MS CHEN

JW Educentre