What are sound patterns, and why do we need to learn about them? When teaching children to read, they need to understand how to connect word sounds to the sounds that each letter represents. In the case of the English language, the pronunciation of words strongly depends on letter sounds as they phonetically make up a word. Therefore, we come in contact with sound patterns that help us with rhyming and decoding which controls and, if done correctly, improves the reading skills of young readers. The term “phonics” describes the understanding of letter sounds and the ability to use that understanding in decoding printed words. Without understanding them, we can’t say that someone is a proficient reader or is, in fact, literate. On the other hand, we have the term phonological awareness. We use it to describe a person’s capacity to both recognize and manipulate the sounds present in spoken oral language. As such, we can say that phonics refers to written language while phonological awareness applies to spoken language.

• Randi Whitney’s research-based curriculum G.A.P. Phonics
• Limited spots available
• 30 minute sessions
• Individual instruction
• Weekly sessions as needed
• $30 a session
• Academics tailored to your child’s needs

Are you a homeschool family? Strawberry Fields now offers co-op Classes! We will be offering two co-op classes per week, ART & PHONICS!

Art :

• Each month we will explore the world of one famous artist. Students will Recreate their art, explore new techniques and mediums and have the opportunity to share their artwork with other homeschool students!

Phonics :

• Randi Whitney, author and owner of Teach Big and SFOL has created research-based, effective classroom curriculum for phonics that is utilized in schools across Texas grades K-8 called G.A.P Phonics. For more information, please visit https://teachbig.com/
• In our co-op setting, students will experience the world of hands-on phonics in small group increasing their reading levels and phonemic awareness.