Phonics is a learning technique about how alphabets and sounds combine together to form words. Little ones learn how to pick up on the sounds adults make by listening to these on a repetitive basis. Being able to imitate that sound is what will push them to then associate a sound with a letter or word. That is why parents eagerly sound out words like 'mama' or 'dada', in the hope that their kids will finally say one of the two in an attempt to utter their first words. Kids at that age when they first take on the alphabet, have minds that are ready to soak in information as it comes. That is why, constantly talking and reading to kids, gives them an idea of what words sound like, causing them to imitate those very words. So when a child's first words come out after months of baby talk, it is only because a parent was able to get through to them, using the sounds made to create a word. Ideas to Teach Phonics to Children for Reading The whole idea of teaching phonics at home is to first help them start out on simple sounds, before they then move on to learning the alphabet under guidance. This then helps them to eventually learn to read and verbally perfect constructed sentences as they progress. Let's take a look at ways on how to teach phonics to kids, using easy and fun methods to learn the alphabet, before teaching kids to read. Have a picture placed next to the alphabet, so that when you sound out the word 'A' for apple and so on, you are associating that image to the sound, helping them piece the two together. The pictures should be easy and instantly recognizable for the child, so that they can memorize the sound along with its image. Don't use complicated images, and buy picture cards available in any toy store, that are large and colorful. Kids love cartoons, where the colors more than anything, attract their attention. Show them helpful videos or DVDs that have episodes based on how to learn the alphabet, with funny characters that keep the child engaged. Show these on an everyday basis and make sure you advise parents on which CDs to get, or even which shows to put on to help their kids from home as well. Shows like Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer will greatly help out kids. When we were kids, there was no end to the number of nursery rhymes we'd watch on television or singalong in school. It is not only fun and entertaining for the kids, but gives them a way of learning the alphabet in a fun way. Make it a habit to let them sing these out loud, with chart pin-ups of the same put up around the classroom. Exposing them to the same area of learning, but using different techniques, will keep them interested and always eager to learn. What's more fun than having to tell kids to match the right alphabet with the object that starts with it, in the hope of winning something special? This motivates kids to learn when at home, with that determination to win the following day. Make sure you give the kids equal benefits, so that you don't invite discouragement. Kids may not know how to read, but slowly they will come to understand what you are saying after a good chunk of the classes have been dealt with. Read simple worded books on the alphabet, or read aloud stories, with of course simple plots, to keep their minds grasping the sounds of words as you read. Don't rush kids into learning all the letters at once, but start slowly with just 6 alphabets a week, while recapping what was taught from the previous class. Don't forget to refresh their memories and hand them assignments and homework, to keep them constantly practicing and learning even when they're not in the classroom. Encourage the kids to be a part of theatrical plays, or public speaking, since this will build their speaking skills. Knowing the right and effective approaches to teach phonics to children, will help you make students learn the alphabet much quicker. Adding elements of fun will keep them engrossed and ever-present in a classroom, with no room for boredom to creep in.