DIY Homeschooler

As with everything, your child will become more proficient with phonograms and reading with practice. So here are a few activities to help your child practice phonograms: (A few of the resources link to our Amazon affiliate account. If you decide to purchase we do receive a small compensation. Thank you for your support!)

• Create a phonogram flip booklet. You can use this online interactive from ReadWriteThink.org, or create your own. If you want to create your own simply cut several strips of paper the same size. Fold one in half and open it back up. On the right half put the sound you are working with (-en, for example). Then cut the other strips in half. Write the beginning sounds for the sound you are working with (such as h, p, m, etc.). Staple the smaller strips to the left side of the larger strip.
• Read Dr. Seuss (Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, etc.).
• Have your student spell new words and write them from dictation in his notebook. You can use drawing and writing paper so that he can illustrate his word, if you like.
• Create a phonics notebook. Make a new page for each sound. List words that have those sounds.
• Copy sentences from a reader that contain the phonogram. This works very well with the Bob Books, but other options will work.
• Use a phonics sticker book for variety and practice.
• Have him write a story using the words and sounds he knows. (You will be asked how to spell other words needed, so be prepared to be patient).
• Work through the Explode the Code series. Start with Book 1 (simple words like hat, sat, etc.) and see if it is a fit for your child. It is very simple. Some will take to it, others will not.
• Play Construct-a-Word Phonics Interactive from ReadWriteThink.org.
• Or try Picture Match, another free interactive from ReadWriteThink.org.
• Have your child find other objects around the room that begin with or contain the sound.
• Read books that should be reasonably accessible. You may need to fill in the tough words, but let the child go as far as she can in a natural setting. This will be very encouraging for both you and your child!

The idea is to practice blending using the 50 or so phonograms. And it does take practice. Most children will not learn something after being shown one time. Review frequently.

In addition, remember there are many words your child will encounter that do not follow the rules. These sight words we also approached on the fly by just pointing out that the word did not follow the rules. Instead explain the sound it makes and introduce the word. And then carry on as though this is totally normal (which — it is).

Try not to overload; but keep it light.

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Additional Resources

Phonics
Many other resources for practice!