Understanding Phonics and CVC Words

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What is Phonics?

Phonics is taught to all children in the Foundation Stage and KS1. Children learn the letter sounds and use them to help with learning to read and write.

Understanding What Phonics is

Understanding the principles of phonics is essential to supporting a child's early literacy skills. Phonics is a way of teaching children to read and write, it involves associating sounds with symbols for effective decoding.

As parents play an important role in their children's early literacy development, understanding concepts like phonics can greatly increase their ability to support their child's learning journey.

Phonics in the Early Years

Phonics is a method used in teaching children to read and write by associating sounds with symbols, helping them decode words independently. An important aspect of phonics, particularly in the early stages, is the introduction of CVC words.

Phonics revolves around breaking down words into individual sounds, or phonemes, and teaching children the corresponding letters or letter combinations representing these sounds. This systematic approach aids children in understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, laying the foundation for proficient reading and spelling. The starting point in phonics education often involves simple word structures, such as CVC words.

CVC Words

CVC stands for consonant-vowel-consonant, and CVC words are three-letter words comprised of a consonant, a vowel, and another consonant. Examples of CVC words include "cat," "dog," and "sun." Understanding CVC words is crucial for early readers as they form the foundation for more complex word structures.


How Parents Can Help With Phonics

Parents can help with introducing phonics and CVC words to their children through engaging activities.

  • Start by emphasising the individual sounds of letters and then blending them together.
    For example, when introducing the word "cat," sound out each letter sound (/c/ - /a/ - /t/) and then blend them together to form the complete word.
  • Use visual aids such as flashcards or interactive games to make learning phonics and CVC words enjoyable.
    Encourage your child to listen for the distinct sounds in words and identify the corresponding letters. Reading books that emphasise CVC words can also be an effective way to reinforce these concepts in a real-world context.
  • Consistency is key in phonics instruction.
    Regular practice and exposure to CVC words will help solidify your child's understanding of letter-sound relationships.
  • Celebrate their achievements and progress, creating a positive learning environment that fosters a love for reading.

Phonics and CVC words play a crucial role in early literacy development. By understanding these concepts and incorporating them into daily activities, parents can help their children to become confident and proficient in reading and writing.

Remember that patience and encouragement go a long way in nurturing your child's literacy skills.

Child Struggling with Phonics?


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Free Phonics Worksheet - CVC Words


Teach My Kids, phonics activities: Using the pictures on the worksheet as a prompt, children write the first sound of the cvc word. A cvc word is a three letter word that has a consonant, vowel consonant. Cvc words are easy for children to sound out, read and spell using their phonic knowledge.

Download Your Free Teach My Kids 'CVC Words' Worksheet

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