There are many phonics-teaching techniques that have been developed over the years to aid parents and school teachers. Remember that no matter which program or techniques you choose to use, patience is the most important toolfor both you and the child you are trying to teach. With a good attitude and lots of practice, these techniques can result in an exciting new learning experience for your child.

• Model your program after the child’s interests. Children are more inclined to learn if their interests are included. If they enjoy learning about different types of animals, include these words as your examples.
• Short vowel sounds take more training than long vowel sounds. Because long vowel sounds simply make the sound of the letter, you will have to focus more on the short vowels like “u” in “duck” and “e” in “hen”. Visual displays are a good way of getting this information across, so either construct or work with your child to make a wall display or poster that will serve as a friendly reminder.
• Use key language in your approach. Vary from the traditional ways of asking questions like “What is it?” and “What is the first letter?” Asking questions in a variety of ways that connect to the children’s understanding level can help make phonics more fun. For example, say, “What do you see here?” This also helps to integrate phonics into the child’s daily life.
• Use rhyming as a tool. Rhyming is one of the simplest ways of teaching phonics, and children can begin learning it very early in life. Teaching tongue twisters and nursery rhymes is an easy way to get kids used to the phonetic sounds, as well as how words work together.