Phonics

[Biggreen87]

Hi, i have a nearly 10 year old with significant sen. A few months ago he said his first words. Unbelievable he is now able to make letter sounds (some he does struggle with).

My question is where do i begin? Would anyone be able to recommend some basic books/activities which concentrate on phonics so i can try them with him? He is out of school until January so any advice would be most appreciated. I've never had to think about this before but it's a lovely problem to have.

There is a free app if you have an iPad

I’d get some of those magnetic letters you can stick on the fridge and arrange into words. It might be easier to use these to focus on single letter sounds and spell out simple short words that follow the rules, such as cat, dog, mum, dad, before starting on early reading books. You can also get foam rubber letters that will temporarily stick to the side of the bath when wet. I used both with my DC.
When you get on to books, there are loads of lovely ones for new readers. Why not ask the children’s librarian at your local library for some recommendations, or browse the shelves yourself for ideas?
Finally, as you say, what a lovely problem to have - may I send my congratulations, best wishes and the hope that you can build on this, but also a gentle caution not to distress your child with any pressure, or to show disappointment if there isn’t much further progress. I’m sure you’ll be sensitive to that anyway though. Good luck!

Thankyou both!

I will check the app out!

He is able to arrange short words already. He has been using an electronic communication aid for some time and was able to select letters via sound prior to being able to say them.

He seems to have a particular interest in books currently which he never has before. He has began to copy some of what i say and can make letter sounds and repeat the word if i say it first. He seems to really enjoy this. I will ask at the library for recommendations for books with basic phonics sounds.

Your totally right. This is all at his pace and he'll always be praised and encouraged just as he was when using his communication aid which is still his primary communication method.

Thanks so much for your advice.

Would your local library have any ORT or Songbirds books? In case DS is your only child, pink is the first level of books for readers who are just starting to learn.

@2shepherds

He is my only child. ORT? Sorry i don't know what that stands for. Thanks for that! I will look for those at the library.

Sorry, Oxford Reading Tree. Their books include the Biff and Chip ones. They have stages that start at 1 and bands that start at pink. There are also lilac books which have no words but lots of pictures to talk about with someone who is just starting out.

I hope that your DS enjoys learning his letter sounds and that it all goes well for you both.

@2shepherds thankyou so much!