Teaching_strategy.pmd

Teaching Strategy

Content Technology Pedagogy Learning Outcome
Benefits
Stage 1: Sounds of Letters Learner-driven multimedia Applies isolated instruction of
presentation with interactivity graphemes and phonemes Learner understands sound-letter relationships
The phonemes (sounds) of the to help the child identify and (their identification and articulation) and their
English language and their Learner can see words and articulate them correctly. relevance in forming words.
corresponding graphemes are listen to sounds with just a click
introduced. The 44 phonemes Establishes relevance and
are spread out over 15 topics. Words are highlighted as they connection to provide
For each phoneme introduced, are read out meaningful learning.
3 words are given as examples:
Good audio quality

Clear and accurate pronunciation

Self-paced

Stage 2: Lesson
(In this section, we take Topic 3 as example of how lesson is taught in Phonics Fun)

Part 1: Letter-sound relationship Multisensory learning experience Introduces lesson with a related Learner understands grapheme-phoneme
Example: Intuitive user interface situation that leads to the lesson correspondence, and acquires phonological and
Good audio quality topic (set induction). phonemic awareness, which is the foundation
g - /g/ Clear and accurate pronunciation necessary for effective reading.
o-/ / Provides explicit and direct For Topic 3 specifically:
c - /k/ instruction of grapheme-phoneme
k - /k/ correspondence. Learner is able to:
- recognize the letters g, o, c and k
Position of current lesson is shown - say the discrete phonemes /g/, / /, /k/ and /k/
as page number (e.g.: 2/4, or - identify the letters that represent
page 2 of 4, meaning that
learner is on page 2 of 4 pages) those phonemes
- say the correct sound when g, o, c or k is
A timeline is provided for learner
to move to a desired page displayed
- understand that 'c' and 'k' have the some sound

Content Technology Pedagogy Learning Outcome
Benefits
Part 2: Blending1 and decoding2 Multisensory learning experience Teaches blending and decoding
in a methodical manner. Child Learner masters the first step needed to read
1 blending: joining individual Intuitive user interface learns by: words, i.e., by saying out each phoneme of a
sounds together word and blending the phonemes together*.
Good audio quality - observing ("show me"), where
2 decoding: reading the virtual teacher models the For Topic 3 specifically:
Clear and accurate pronunciation. blending process for the child to
see. Learner is able to:
Animation, sound effects and - blend the phonemes /g/, / /, /k/ and other
chant/music to capture learner's - following ("help me"), where the
attention and provide motivation virtual teacher guides the child phonemes taught in previous lessons to
for learning by practising blending together form words.
- decode and read words with the letters g, o, c
Position of current lesson is shown - doing ("let me"), where the child and k, and others that have been taught earlier.
as page number (e.g.: 2/4, or practises blending through - expand his/her vocabulary
page 2 of 4, meaning that learner independent work. - words acquired: dog, cot, pot, top, pop, cop,
is on page 2 of 4 pages) gap, cap, got, dig, gig, kid, kit
Example of how Phonics Fun
teaches blending of phonemes to * Acquiring this skill leads to reading fluency**
form the word 'dog':
** A fluent reader is one who is able to decode
Step1: Introduce 'o' and 'g' words and read them out immediately upon
(the sounds and the letter names) seeing them. We called this 'automaticity'.

Step 2: Blend the individual sounds
to make 'og' (one sound). Repeat
several times until the sounds
blend smoothly.

Step 3: Introduce 'd' as a new

sound and letter name, and blend

with 'og' to form dog:

d-og dog

(Apply the "Show me-Help me-
Let me" framework for Steps 1-3)

Step 4: Make it fun with active
participation by engaging the child
to practise blending with a chant.

Content Technology Pedagogy Learning Outcome
Benefits
Part 3: Segmenting3 and encoding4 Multisensory learning experience Teaches segmenting and encoding
in a methodical manner. Learner masters the first step needed to spell
3 segmenting: 'separating' or Intuitive user interface Child learns by: words, i.e., by breaking each word down to
'breaking up' the sounds in a their individual phonemes* and saying/writing
word into individual phonemes. Good audio quality - observing ("show me"), where down the corresponding graphemes.
the virtual teacher models the
4 encoding: spelling Animation, sound effects and segmenting process for the child For Topic 3 specifically:
chant/music to capture learner's to see.
attention and provide motivation Learner is able to:
for learning - following ("help me"), where the - segment and spell words with the letters
virtual teacher guides the child
Position of current lesson is by practising segmenting together g, o, c and k, and others that have taught
shown as page number earlier.
(e.g.: 3/4, or page 3 of 4, - doing ("let me"), where the child
meaning that learner is on practises segmenting through * Learners who have acquired this skill will be
page 3 of 4 pages) independent work. able to spell words correctly upon listening
to them.
Example of how Phonics Fun
teaches segmenting of a word
into its constituent phonemes:

Step 1: Read out a word
e.g.: can

Step 2: Say out all phonemes in
the word

e.g.: /k/ - /æ/ - /n/

Repeat Step 1 and Step 2 for
other words.

(Apply the "Show me-Help me-
Let me" framework for Steps 1-2.)

Step 3: Make it fun with active
participation by engaging the
child to practise segmenting with
a chant.

Content Technology Pedagogy Learning Outcome
Benefits
Part 4: Tricky words Multisensory learning experience Establishes relevance and
connection to provide meaningful Learner understands that not all words are
Tricky words are words that Intuitive user interface learning - tricky words are decodable using the phonic rules learnt up to
cannot be decoded using common words not decodable at the current level.
phonics rules at the learner's Good audio quality the child's current skill level;
skill level. learning to read them bridges the For Topic 3 specifically:
Clear and accurate pronunciation child's knowledge gap.
For example, 'o' in do, to, into Learner understands that, besides / /,
and no, go, so is not read as / /, Words are highlighted as they the letter 'o' has two other sounds, /u:/ and / /.
but /u:/ and / /, instead. are read

Position of current lesson is shown
as page number (e.g.: 4/4, or
page 4 of 4, meaning that learner
is on page 4 of 4 pages)

Stage 3: Word Smart
(In this section, we take Topic 3 as example of how 'Word Smart' is presented in Phonics Fun)

Sentences, songs, rhymes or Multisensory learning experience Reinforces learning through Learner applies some of the phonics skills
stories are presented to relevance and connection to learnt to words in sentences/stories/songs.
reinforce learning covered in Multiple formats presented, make it meaningful, and allows
Stage 2. such as short sentences, for multiple learning styles. Learner is able to use phonics as a tool to learn
rhymes, songs and stories, for or expand his/her literacy skills.
Covers lateral expansion of different learning experience Progresses from simple to
literacy development. complex, by systematically Learner starts to appreciate language arts.
Position of current lesson is introducing sentences and rhymes
shown as page number related to phonemes taught.
(e.g.: 1/9, or page 1 of 9,
meaning that learner is on The process:
page 1 of 9 pages) Step 1: Introduce sentences for
each phoneme taught
Words are highlighted in red as
they are read out Step 2: Introduce a rhyme, which
is read out in a rhythmic way
Learner can click on the play
button to repeat the lesson

Content Technology Pedagogy Learning Outcome
Benefits
Stage 4: Let's Practise
(In this section, we take Topic 3 as example of how 'Let's Practise' is presented in Phonics Fun) Learner develops sense of inquiry.
Learner is able to apply the 3 basic phonics
3 practice exercises per topic to Questions are generated Enables the child to learn by skills in context.
strengthen the 3 basic phonics randomly. Questions appear in discovery (exploratory learning). Learner is confident, self-directed, motivated and
skills: a different order each time to responsible for his/her own learning.
prevent learner from Topic 3 exercises and their purpose:
i. Phonemic awareness memorizing the answers.
ii. Blending/Decoding a. Listen to a word, then choose
iii. Segmenting/Encoding Good audio quality

The exercises reinforce learning Feedback/Response is given
and test the child's understanding immediately after the learner
and ability to apply the phonics answers a question.
skills learnt.
Feedback/Response is given
immediately after the learner
answers a question.

Positive feedback is given for b. Match sounds to words
correct answers to motivate the
learner

Questions are presented in
different formats and in a
variety of choices to make the
exercises more interesting.

Skill tested: Blending
c. Word puzzle

Content Technology Pedagogy Learning Outcome
Benefits
Stage 5: Let's Say It
(In this section, we take Topic 3 as example of how 'Let's Say it' is presented in Phonics Fun) Learner further develops phonological/phonemic
awareness
6 words are introduced for each Learner can click on the letter(s) Allows the child to apply his/her Learner further develops decoding skills with
phoneme taught in Stage 2 and mouse over the pictures/words phonics skills through exploratory more words
to listen to the word learning and multiple learning Learner expands his/her vocabulary
styles.
Words or pictures are lit up
when the cursor moves over it

Good quality audio

Clear and accurate pronunciation

Stage 6: Let's Speak Multisensory learning experience Establishes, through everyday Learner uses the correct vocabulary, grammar,
This section is located at the main menu situations, relevance and intonation and pronunciation in everyday
Good audio quality connection to provide meaningful English conversation
Demonstrates the proper use of learning.
English (in terms of correct Clear and accurate pronunciation Learner develops confidence communicating
vocabulary, grammar; intonation Lessons are divided into 3 sections, in English
and pronunciation) in everyday Animation, sound effects and i.e.:
situations. songs to capture learner's i. grammar
attention and provide motivation ii. lesson
for learning iii. revision