Easy Ways to Teach Digraphs…
April 20, 2023
Educational institutions were thrust into online education due to the pandemic, though after two years students have returned to offline classes there has been an irreversible shift in the learning system. Educators have acknowledged the shift in learning methods. There is increased acceptance of distance courses and online education.
The pandemic made learning difficult for young students who were just beginning their studies. Educators failed to engage the students virtually. Children crave a more physically engaging learning environment. Though there is an advantage in learning from home as the children can be taught through online classes suiting their learning style and pace.
Before children can be introduced to the written text they need to have the skill to read and pronounce it. This is where phonics comes into play.
Phonics is the study of language where a new language is learned by getting familiar with alphabet sounds. Later, with the knowledge of each alphabet sounds can be combined to read unfamiliar words. Knowing the alphabet sounds helps in spelling words too.
For example: While learning the alphabet kids learn the sound of a, c, t, and b, they can easily build up words on their own with the skill of combing known alphabet sounds. Like ‘cat’, ‘bat’, and ‘at’.
Well! before children can start reading it is crucial they know phonics. Learning phonics is a systematic method. Preschoolers were taught through online phonics classes during the pandemic.
Students are taught vowel sounds, and group vowels but not each alphabet sounds. Because of it, they are forced to memorize the pronunciation as well as their spelling. On the other hand, when students are taught phonics right from preschool they are familiar with each alphabet sound. With that knowledge, they easily develop the skill to read unfamiliar words by blending alphabet sounds. As new learners, most words are unfamiliar to children. When they try to read a new word they use their knowledge of alphabet sounds. It helps them in producing the correct sound of the word. And also draws their attention to the detailed combination of the letters used in the word.
Knowing phonics allows children to learn language by recognizing previously unfamiliar words faster next time. Online phonics classes are one of the best ways to get started with the fundamentals of learning a language.
Phonics relies on language learning through the practice of decoding alphabet sounds. In online phonics classes, children are taught by practice through exercise, tasks, and assessments. This leads them to constantly learn new words through practice thus enriching their vocabulary.
As a parent, you look for the best learning method out there, and especially in a homeschooling program the knowledge of phonics is crucial. Homeschooled kids rarely get the chance to socialize with their age group and this can affect their ability to know new words. By learning phonics children keep growing their vocabulary in a fun way and make reading books easier.
In a time where even kids are addicted to the internet, putting your kids up for phonics classes will develop their language learning skills. So, that later they can be introduced to books instead of gadgets. Reading is the foundation of cognitive development and it improves vocabulary and language development.
Online phonics classes are intended to be engaging and entertaining for kids. The lessons include assessments designed as a game, and puzzles and the visuals used in the lessons are bright and colorful. Keeping children engaged in online classes is challenging and especially for the kids starting their fundamental education through traditional classes. It is understandable why they find it difficult to learn virtually. Children can experience learning enjoyably with the help of online phonics classes. As these classes use innovative, engaging ways to teach. i.e. by using flashcards and storytelling.
Learning is a core activity we do throughout our lives and classroom learning is considered the most important learning. It is important to have a positive experience studying early on. Through online classes, students get the freedom to choose classes based on their learning styles. This is absent in traditional classrooms as the school picks a lesson plan and students have to adhere to it. Online learning focuses on keeping learning engaging, interesting, and not a chore.
Learning at your own pace means taking your own time to complete a lesson, and assessments without the pressure of meeting deadlines.
Students often struggle to keep up with their lessons in traditional classrooms. Schools focus on completing their curriculum on schedule and can’t cater to a mixed pace teaching process. In a class with a strength of 30 children, all have diverse learning paces but they are forced to adhere to one. This has a negative impact on the majority who can’t keep up. With online classes, children get the freedom to learn at their own pace. According to a study, e-learning increases retention rate by up to 25% to 60% which is critically low in traditional learning as it is just 8% to 10%. Learning at their own pace students learn effectively taking their time to completely master a concept and complete the lessons without the pressure to meet deadlines.
There’s no pressure to just complete a lesson and their assessments in online classes like live phonics classes. Education should be the joy of learning and not the mad competition to just be completing lessons and assessments along with your peers. With the absence of the constant need to compete with their peers learn the best in online classes. Self-pacing enhances memory and performance and makes learning a positive experience. Children get this wrong impression set in their minds early on that learning is about competing with your peers to prove you are the best. This leads to unnecessary pressure, insecurities, and a lack of confidence in children. Educators need to work to make traditional classrooms all about the joy of learning.