#PHONICSINTHEEARLYYEARS Phonics is a pattern of reading by using letter sounds. For the growing child to read words effectively, he/she must interact properly with the letters of such words. The term "phonics" comes from the word "phone" which means the sound of letters. This learning pattern has been carefully tested and found to be more effective method when compared to the old fashion which merely says the name of the letters. Reading and Phonics is a major part of the Early years. Phonics tutored kids at 5 normally have a reading age of 8+ to 10 years. Oh, yeah! You heard me right!! In our various workshops/trainings, I take out time to teach reading and building sentence strips. I've worked with over 70 schools (within and outside Lagos) and trained a little over 2000 teachers on Phonics/Phonemic Awareness and Elocution. Reading is a skill, 21st Century Educators need to do more in the aspect of phonics application to reading in the EYFS. Our kids reading can be better.

Why Learning Phonics is Important?
The goal of phonics is to enable beginning readers to decode new written words by sounding them out, or, in phonics terms, blending the sound-spelling patterns.
By learning phonics children are able to read the unfamiliar word by themselves.
It will improve the blending skills to write new words and build sentences.
It will improve the fluency in reading and writing.
Learning phonics is like learn with fun for children which will enhance their future development in reading and writing skills.