Welcome to the latest edition of the Seatton Education blog. Today, we’re diving into the world of phonics with Claire Smith, also known as Miss Mabel, the founder of Reading Roots. As an educator with 15 years of experience, Claire brings invaluable insights into how phonics can transform the reading journey for children and parents alike.

What is Reading Roots?

Reading Roots is an initiative designed to demystify phonics, the system used in the UK to teach children how to read. Unlike traditional methods that adults might be familiar with, phonics breaks down the process of reading into the relationship between letters and sounds. Claire launched Reading Roots to guide parents and educators on this journey, empowering them with the skills and confidence to support young learners.

The Genesis of Reading Roots

The idea for Reading Roots began eight years ago with Claire's personal experience as a mother. During the lockdown period, the need to provide her daughter with foundational literacy skills inspired Claire to start teaching phonics at home. This simple, playful, and structured approach quickly proved effective, propelling her to share her techniques with a broader audience through social media. She is now the number one early reading influencer in the UK today, gaining over 320,000 followers on social media in ten months.

Why Phonics?

Phonics became compulsory in UK schools in 2014, replacing methods like the whole language or look-and-say approach which relied heavily on memorisation. Phonics equips children with the ability to decode unfamiliar words, fostering independent reading skills throughout their education. By systematically teaching the sounds and their corresponding letters, children can crack the code that underpins the English language.

A Systematic Journey

Teaching phonics is a gradual and rewarding process. Instead of overwhelming young learners with the 250 sounds of the English language, the focus is on slowly building their skills using decodable texts tailored to their current knowledge. This method ensures a deeper understanding and a smoother transition to more complex reading materials over time.

Making Learning Fun

Claire emphasizes the importance of incorporating fun into the learning process. By integrating phonics into everyday activities, like games that involve flashcards, children learn to associate sounds with enjoyment. Simple activities at home, such as playing with bath letters or engaging in oral blending games, can make a tremendous difference in a child's reading journey.

Challenges and Solutions

For parents dealing with reluctant readers, Claire advises focusing on confidence-building and offering positive reinforcement. Choosing suitable books and encouraging interests, like factual stories or encyclopedias, can help maintain a child's enthusiasm for reading. The key is to make reading an enjoyable and confidence-boosting experience right from the start.

A Parent's Guide to Phonics

Claire offers a comprehensive online course, "Get Them Reading the Right Way," aimed at educating parents on phonics. This course, designed for those unfamiliar with phonics, provides actionable steps to incorporate phonics into daily life, using familiar toys and activities to build essential literacy skills.

We hope Claire's insights into phonics have opened new doors for you and your children on their reading journey. The ability to read opens up a world of knowledge and self-directed learning, especially crucial for homeschooling parents. For more information or to connect with Claire, visit Reading Roots on social media or consider enrolling in her course for hands-on guidance.

Conclusion

Join us next time as we continue exploring how home education can be a viable alternative to conventional schooling. Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and share your thoughts on our blog and podcast. Happy reading!