Jolly Phonics is a fun and interactive approach to teaching children how to read and write. It uses a multi-sensory approach that involves sight, sound, and touch to help children learn letters and their corresponding sounds. One of the key components of Jolly Phonics is letter formation. In this article, we will explore letter formation in Jolly Phonics and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help your child learn how to form letters correctly.
What is Jolly Phonics?
Jolly Phonics is a phonics program that was developed in the UK in the 1980s. It is now used in over 100 countries around the world, and it has been proven to be effective in teaching children how to read and write. The program uses a systematic and sequential approach to teach children how to recognize letters, their sounds, and how to blend those sounds together to read words.
Why is Letter Formation Important?
Letter formation is an essential part of learning to read and write. It helps children to develop the fine motor skills that are necessary for writing and also helps them to recognize and remember letters more easily. Correct letter formation can also help children to avoid confusion between similarly shaped letters, such as b and d.
Jolly Phonics Letter Formation
In Jolly Phonics, letter formation is taught using a specific sequence of movements that help children to form letters correctly. The sequence is as follows:
- Starting position - Children should sit up straight with their feet flat on the floor and their hands rested on the table.
- Shape - Children are shown the shape of the letter they will be forming.
- Action - Children are taught the specific sequence of movements needed to form the letter.
- Say - Children say the sound of the letter as they form it.
Letter Formation Actions
The actions used to form letters in Jolly Phonics are simple and easy to remember. They are as follows:
- Starting position - Children should sit up straight with their feet flat on the floor and their hands rested on the table.
- Circle - Children are taught to start most letters by making a circle.
- Down - Children then form the letter by moving their pencil down.
- Lift - Children lift their pencil up and return to the starting position.
Letter Formation in Jolly Phonics
Letter formation in Jolly Phonics is taught in a specific order, starting with the easiest letters to form and progressing to the more difficult letters. The letters are grouped into seven sets, as follows:
- Set 1 - s, a, t, i, p, n
- Set 2 - c, k, e, h, r, m, d
- Set 3 - g, o, u, l, f, b
- Set 4 - ai, j, oa, ie, ee, or
- Set 5 - z, w, ng, v, oo
- Set 6 - y, x, ch, sh, th
- Set 7 - qu, ou, oi, ue, er, ar
Tips for Teaching Letter Formation
Teaching letter formation can be a challenging task, but there are some tips that can help make the process easier:
- Start with the easiest letters to form and progress to the more difficult letters.
- Use multi-sensory activities to help children learn the letter formation actions.
- Use songs and rhymes to help children remember the sequence of movements.
- Provide plenty of opportunities for children to practice forming letters.
- Praise and encourage children for their efforts and progress.
Conclusion
Letter formation is an essential part of learning to read and write, and it is an important component of the Jolly Phonics program. By following the specific sequence of movements and using the correct letter formation actions, children can learn to form letters correctly and develop the fine motor skills that are necessary for writing. With patience, practice, and the right tools, teaching letter formation can be a fun and rewarding experience for both children and adults.
