can someone explain jolly phonics to me please?

[wannabedomesticgoddess]

DD1 is starting school in september and I would like to understand before then.

Would it be worth doing some with her now (I feel she is capable) or leaving it to the experts incase I do it wrong?

Also, did any of you buy specific "learn to write" activity books for your 4 year olds?

I dont want to be too pushy, but I think shes more than capable and feel I should encourage her.

Does the school definitely follow the Jolly Phonics programme?

Jolly Phonics is a phonics programme as the name suggests. It uses a multi sensory approach ...children hear the sound, see the written form and learn an action to help them remember. They will also learn how to correctly form the letter/letters for each sound they are taught as part of the lesson. Usually children will bring home a sound book to reinforce what they are being taught in school. It's been around since the early 90s and is very effective in reception. Children learn 42 sounds (the programme suggests 6 a week but schools vary).
If you look on the Jolly Learning site it shows you how to say the sounds correctly and there is a useful parents handout to download explaining everything.
Personally I wouldn't buy lots - perhaps the Jolly Songs books and CD