English is Weird

English is weird, oh yes, it is! There are vowels that can be spelled in lots of different ways, silent letters, consonants that can have different sounds, and lots of exceptions.

The English language can be a nasty beast, but it is one that can be beat.

It can be tamed with the super tools here at Phonics Pow!

One of the reasons that English is challenging to learn to read is that 26 letters make 44 sounds, called phonemes! Single letters or letter combinations create 72 different phonograms, written symbols that represent sounds. It is no wonder that reading can be difficult, when it looks like this to students:

O = ŏ in DOG and SOCK, but o = ō in NO and GOLD

And like this:

ea = “ē” in BEAN, ea = “ĕ” BREAD, ea = “ā” STEAK, ea+r = “air” BEAR

Those are just two examples of how English can be weird. Phonics terms that are important for teaching reading can be a little intimidating for those who want to help. But fear not, they will make sense as definitions are included when they are introduced!

At Phonics Pow, we use the ABC method to make sense of English. We Add fun with games, Build skills with memorable rhymes, and use Color coding in a sensible sequence to arm tutors with the weapons they need to tame this beast.

Learn more about the Phonics Pow Toolkit, how to get free word sort games and more free resources.

Author: dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page. View all posts by dailyplanit