Why does SPELD (SA) support Jolly Phonics?

Reading research and a comparative time sampling study indicated that three factors made a significant difference to students’ reading and spelling achievement. One introductory reading program that includes these three factors is Jolly Phonics.

1. What is it important to teach?

• Phonics (including all activities involving print, letter-sound correspondences, blending, segmenting, detecting sounds in words, all with the printed form of the word)
• letter formation instruction (which involves talking about the shapes of letters, writing letters and words in the context of learning letter-sound relationships)

2. How long do students need to spend actively involved in these activities?

• Phonics. A minimum of 20 minutes/day made a difference. This did not include support time spent at home (which was not measured)
• Letter formation. Here, a minimum of 15 minutes/week made a significant difference to students’ reading and spelling achievement

3. Is there a magic ingredient?

It would seem that there is. For best results, reading instruction for young children should include an element of fun. In one study, the Jolly Phonics sound actions were predictive of achievement over and above achievement related to letter-sound learning activities.

To find out more about Jolly Phonics:

Click here for a snapshot of the program

Click here for training workshops at SPELD (SA)

Click here for a presentation at your school

Click here for Jolly Phonics Handbooks

Click here for Jolly Phonics Resources