DD very keen to learn to read any suggestions on how to help?

[glassofwine]

Hi my DD2 is 4 1/2 and will be starting school in Sept mornings only. She is very keen to learn to read and although I know she'll do this at school I feel that I should encourage her if she wants to now. She hears her older sister reading and understands the concept of sounding out, but doesn't know the whole alphabet, possilby 2 thirds. I want to help her learn the remainder of the alphabet and then, if she want to some simple words (she can already identify mum and dad). Any suggestions of where to start?

DD has enjoyed the Jolly Phonics books and first video. I would start with the basic letter sounds for each alphabet letter, then move onto simple CVC words - cat, dog, etc. Then add some blends sh, th, ph..... you can then make longer words such as shop, ship, etc. Some words they just have to learn and memorise like the as not phonetic.

You can do simple CVC wrds with the letters she already knows too.

Agree Jolly Phonics are a good palce to start and they suggest activities to reinforce the learning. Also play lots of games (you can recruit your older child to help) I-spy using a phonetic letter sound, collecting and making collage pictures of things beginning with a certain letter, writing letters in wet sand with a stick or finger, making letters out of playdoh, make up stories and plays which can be "acted" out with puppets or figures, rhyming games. Also prereading skills are important so puzzles, matching games, spot the difference, Snap, putting a picture story in sequence. Some board games are great too - Orchard Toys have simple phonetic based ones like Slug in a Jug - and magnetic letters can help "spell" words without the stress of also having to write.

Would also suggest Jolly Phonics - you can get the Finger Phonics books from ELC, or the handbook from Amazon. DS enjoyed the videos.

Have a look \link{http://www.focusonphonics.co.uk/index2.php?action=underestand\here to hear how to say the sounds.

Sorry - not very good with the links business! got to www.focusonphonics.co.uk and the 'Hear the sounds'section.

Thanks Scattercat, that's very helpful.