Part 2 – Simple overview of the English alphabetic code
Reasons are given for choosing the order the letter sounds are taught in, as well as an explanation of what makes the English alphabetic code so complicated.
Reasons are given for choosing the order the letter sounds are taught in, as well as an explanation of what makes the English alphabetic code so complicated.
Part 2: A simple overview of the English alphabetic code
Naturally, a programme has to have an order for introducing the letter sounds. The order itself is not particularly significant: It really does not matter if the /g/ sound is taught before the /b/ sound or if /i/ comes before /a/, so long as the children learn them and also learn how to use them for reading and writing words. This is the order we chose for the first four groups in Jolly Phonics:
Group 1: s a t i p n
Group 2: c k e h r m d
Group 3: g o u l f b
Group 4: ai j oa ie ee or
Our reasons for choosing this order were as follows:
We deliberately introduced digraphs before we had finished the single letter sounds because we wanted to say that the digraphs were just as important as the single letter sounds. People often say they teach phonics but miss out the digraphs. This is like giving the children half a code and expecting them to work out the rest for themselves. Some of the children will still manage to succeed, but others will struggle and they often fail.
Digraphs would not be so awkward if only one way was used to represent each sound, but in English there are frequently many ways. For example, there are three common ways of spelling /ai/, which are taught in Steps 2 to 5:
However, as if that were not enough, there are even more alternative spellings than these, but in reality there are far fewer words that use them. Some of these more unusual spellings are covered in Step 6:
So you can see that the English alphabetic code is complicated, which is why we start in a simple way and gradually introduce children to the more complex aspects of the code. As each new letter sound is taught, more words become available for reading and writing. These words are available along with a number of other free materials in the Resources section on the home page. They can also be found by scrolling down to the bottom of the screen in each step for teaching reading and writing.
A summary is provided of the skills that are needed for learning to…
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Words are in squares for the children to use for blending practice. They are in the same order that is used for teaching the letter sounds. As each new letter sound is taught more words that use the new letter sound, and the previously taught ones, become available.
Words are in squares for the children to use for blending practice. They are in the same order that is used for teaching the letter sounds. As each new letter sound is taught more words that use the new letter sound, and the previously taught ones, become available.
Lists of words are downloadable, in the order that is used for teaching the letter sounds. This is useful for teachers who would like to prepare their own materials.
English alphabetic-code charts are particularly useful for adults who are interested in the many alternative spellings that are used in the English code.
This provides a simple guide to the letter sounds that are taught in Steps 1 - 5
Words are in squares for the children to use for blending practice. They are in the same order that is used for teaching the letter sounds. As each new letter sound is taught more words that use the new letter sound, and the previously taught ones, become available.
Words are in squares for the children to use for blending practice. They are in the same order that is used for teaching the letter sounds. As each new letter sound is taught more words that use the new letter sound, and the previously taught ones, become available.
Lists of words are downloadable, in the order that is used for teaching the letter sounds. This is useful for teachers who would like to prepare their own materials.
English alphabetic-code charts are particularly useful for adults who are interested in the many alternative spellings that are used in the English code.
This chart provides a simple overview of the teaching in Steps 1 - 6.