Energise Your Day: 5 Fun Phonics Activity Hacks for Back-to-School Year 1 Success

Morning Routine Hacks: Incorporating Phonics with your Year 1 Child for a Smooth Start to the School Day - Part 1

Part 1 Phonics Hacks

Part 1

How to Energise Your Day: 5 Fun Phonics Activity Hacks for Back-to-School Year 1 Success

Mornings with young ones can be a whirlwind, but fear not! There are several ways to turn school morning chaos into a calm and enjoyable experience, especially for children transitioning into Year 1.

Here are five phonics activity hacks to make your Year 1 child's Back-to-School morning routines smoother and more educational.

These school readiness ideas infuse early literacy, phonics and positivity into your routine with enriching phonics-reading activities, setting the stage for a positive and productive day.

Phonics Yoga

1. Rise and Shine with Alphabet Yoga

Engage your child's body and mind with Alphabet Letter Yoga.

Encourage your child to strike poses resembling letters while saying their sounds.

It's a fun way to boost flexibility and reinforce letter-sound recognition and phonological awareness.

You can enhance this simple yoga activity by playing calming music for your child to move to.

Set up a yoga mat and watch your child get creative with their Phonics Yoga!

Phonics Yoga

Starting the day with stretching and physical movement will leave your child feeling calm, refreshed and ready to take on their busy day at school!

Namaste!

Phonics Story

2. Interactive Phonics Story Wake-Up

Get up a little bit earlier and enjoy reading a fun book together!

Replace the alarm clock with interactive storytelling. Read a book emphasising a specific letter sound, encouraging your child to spot words that start with that sound.

Choose a favourite book that is lively-one your child will be excited to get up to read with you.

Enjoying phonics-reading fun!

There are so many great phonics and early readers books to choose from.

There are fantastic Back-to-School offers to get you started at Books2Door.

Phonics Breakfast Hunt

3. Phonics Breakfast Hunt

Turn breakfast into a phonics treasure hunt! Hide sticky notes with letters around the kitchen, and have your child say the sound of the letters they find.

Make this even more enjoyable by creating breakfasts that match the sounds your child is learning.

Imagine your child's delight to find and eat the matching plate of 'bear' pancakes when they find the 'ear' (air) sound or the 'ow' for owl-shaped scrambled eggs on a bacon log!

Yummy Phonics Breakfast

Phonics Jingle

4. Musical Phonics Jingle

Craft a catchy morning jingle with phonics sounds.

Sing it during tasks like brushing teeth, making routines musical and fun.

Children love to make up silly songs that rhyme so this is one sure the please your child's creative endeavours.

Why not get some musical instruments and play along with their diddly? If you are stuck for ideas, you can always sing a favourite song or use it as inspiration to create your own!

Phonics Jingle

Here's a favourite morning song that my Year 1 children always enjoyed each morning.

Your child will have fun singing along and dancing to this Back-to-School classic!

When your child comes up with their own phonics jingle...make sure you record it!

Wake Up! by Out of the Ark Music

Phonics Scavenger Hunt

5. Letter-Sound Scavenger Adventure

Encourage exploration with a letter-sound scavenger hunt. Find objects starting with the day's letter sound. It's learning through play.

Give your child the sound of the day and see how many things they can find starting with that sound.

For example, "Today's sound is 'i'? What can you find that starts with the 'i' sound?"

Take this activity outside...can your child find an 'i-i-insect'?

Phonics Scavenger Hunt

What's next?

Start the new school year off with phonics fun. Include these phonics hacks into your morning routine to transform it into a joyful and enlightening experience for both you and your child.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll reveal the rest of the exciting phonics-infused morning routine hacks!

Share your own experiences and stay connected with me on @just2imaginetutors using #PhonicsMorningMagic.

Looking for more fantastic ideas to help your child get ready for school? Sign up for my free helpful tips and tricks delivered weekly to your inbox!

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Happy Morning routines with Phonics Morning Magic!

xx Kara

Primary Tutor & Phonics Expert

Dysgraphia and ADHD in Young Children: A Guide for Parents

Literacy Differences

Literacy Differences: A Guide for KS1 Parents

As parents of young children, we want to understand and support our children's unique learning needs and how they relate to literacy development.

Sometimes, it can be challenging to unravel the underlying causes of our children's literacy struggles, especially when multiple conditions coexist.

This guide will help you as a parent to be aware of these literacy differences and know what steps to take if you recognise them in your own child.

This blog will focus on two literacy differences dysgraphia and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and how they affect children under 8 years old. Dysgraphia affects writing skills, while ADHD affects attention and behaviour, causing difficulties in learning to read and how a child concentrates at school. Both conditions can occur together. Let's explore their symptoms, how to seek assessment, get help and discover strategies to support our children effectively.

Understanding Dysgraphia and ADHD in young children

Dysgraphia and ADHD are two distinct but frequently overlapping conditions that can impact a child's ability to learn, read, write, and perform academically. Dysgraphia makes it hard for children to write clearly and organise their thoughts on paper. ADHD affects attention, making it difficult for children to stay focused, follow instructions, or complete tasks.

While they are separate conditions, the presence of one often increases the likelihood of the other. Let's take a closer look at each condition:

1. Dysgraphia: Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects a child's ability to write and form letters or words coherently.

Children with dysgraphia may have difficulties with handwriting, spelling, grammar, and organizing their thoughts on paper. They may struggle to write legibly and often experience frustration or avoidance of writing tasks.

2. ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Children with ADHD may have trouble sustaining attention, following instructions, staying organized, and controlling impulsive behaviour. These challenges can affect their academic performance and social interactions.

The Connection

Research suggests a significant overlap between dysgraphia and ADHD, indicating that children with ADHD are more likely to develop dysgraphia. The precise relationship between the two conditions is complex and not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that common underlying factors, such as executive functioning deficits and difficulties with fine motor skills, may contribute to the coexistence of these conditions.

Recognising the Symptoms

Identifying the presence of dysgraphia and ADHD in younger children can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms and learning development. However, some indicators may suggest the need for further assessment when your child is at least 6-years-old:

Dysgraphia Symptoms:

• Illegible and messy handwriting, inconsistent letter formation, or poor spacing between words.

• Avoiding writing tasks due to struggle.

• Difficulty with spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

• Slow and laboured writing, often accompanied by frustration or avoidance.

• Trouble organising thoughts on paper or expressing ideas coherently.

ADHD Symptoms:

• Difficulty sustaining attention or staying focused on tasks.

• Excessive fidgeting, restlessness, or impulsivity.

• Forgetfulness, poor time management, or difficulty following instructions.

• Challenges with organisation and task completion.

Seeking Assessment and Support

If you suspect your child has dysgraphia or ADHD, speak to your child’s school for initial help. They will guide you through the process and ask you to seek an evaluation from professionals who can provide appropriate support. The assessment will guide personalised strategies and interventions.

Strategies for Supporting Children with Dysgraphia and ADHD

After a diagnosis is made there are several strategies that can help you support your child in managing dysgraphia and ADHD:

1. Individualized Education Plan (IEP): Collaborate with your child's school to create an IEP that includes accommodations and modifications to address writing and attention-related difficulties.

2. Occupational Therapy and Literacy Support: Engage an occupational therapist or a qualified tutor who specialises in handwriting and fine motor skills to work with your child on improving writing legibility and coordination.

3. Assistive Technology: Explore the use of assistive tools, such as speech-to-text software, word prediction programs, or ergonomic writing tools, to facilitate written expression and alleviate frustration.

4. Multisensory Approaches: Incorporate activities that engage multiple senses, such as tracing letters in sand or writing on a textured surface, to reinforce letter formation and improve motor skills.

5. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: Help your child break down writing tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.

Use visual aids, checklists, or colour coding to provide structure and support.

6. Create a Supportive Environment: Minimize distractions in your child's study area, establish consistent routines, and provide clear instructions and expectations. Consider using visual schedules and timers to help with time management.

7. Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your child to advocate for themselves by discussing their challenges with teachers, seeking assistance when needed, and developing strategies to cope with difficulties.

8. Positive Reinforcement and Emotional Support: Recognise your child's efforts and progress, emphasizing their strengths. Provide emotional support and create a safe space for open communication about their frustrations and concerns.

Final Thoughts:

Understanding dysgraphia and ADHD in children under 8 helps us support their learning journey. Remember to seek a proper assessment, collaborate with class teachers, work with a qualified literacy tutor and implement strategies to help your child thrive.

With the right kind of support, our children will have the tools to succeed academically and emotionally. Remember, every child is unique, and with patience, understanding, and tailored interventions, we can empower them to reach their full potential.

For more information about dysgraphia and ADHD here are some great places to start:

https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk

https://www.nhs.uk

https://www.readandspell.com

https://shiftyourthinkingld.com

Literacy help for your child

If your young child struggles with reading, writing or attention, they may have a literacy difference. Look for signs like messy handwriting, spelling difficulties, and trouble staying focused. Getting help from an experienced, qualified tutor will help your child get back on track with strategies and tailored literacy interventions to overcome learning barriers.

Hi, I'm Kara, a primary tutor, phonics expert and literacy specialist. I have experience working with children with various learning differences including ADHD, dysgraphia and dyslexia. As an SEN tutor, I can support your child with individual tutoring.

If you have concerns about your child's literacy learning or want to find out more about how I support children's learning, get in touch!

Education Consultant and Literacy Tutor

Book a free consultation with me for more about tutoring for your child:

Book a call

or contact me by email at info@just2imaginetutors.com today.

5 Easy Ideas for Phonics Practice with your Year 1 child: Year 1 Phonics Check

Five practical ideas for practising phonics with your child using my phonics check flashcards.

Is your child ready for the Year 1 phonics check?

This may be a unpopular opinion, but even if your child is an excellent reader, they may not pass the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. The reasons can be shocking! Some children simply struggle with this test because many good readers try to make sense of those non-sense words.

I know, what you were told by your Year 1 child's teacher.

"There's no need to prepare (unless your child struggles), this is for us to identify any gaps in learning".

It's true. That's what the test is supposed to be used for, but it doesn't change the fact that alien words can be confusing! I know because I was a Year 1 teacher and experienced this first hand with my own students. I wish I had asked parents to help more at home!

So what can you do? The best advice is to practice phonics regularly with your child. But what does that really mean? I'll explain.

Phonics practice

Year 1 Phonics Check Flashcards

First you will need to get my Year 1 Phonics Check Flashcards. I created these flashcards specifically for children in Year 1. There are 40 real and alien words that are similar to the ones on the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.

I spent time looking at the trends in past tests so the ones included in my pack are new words.

You can purchase it for only a fiver and get an extra 10% off with the voucher PHONICS10>>

Get Flashcards

I include steps for printing the cards in the email I'll send you. After you print them out and cut them up, you can play all sorts of games which are really fun. Here are a few to get you started!

Phonics Practice with your Year 1 child

1. Turn over and read

This game is called turn over and read and it's exactly that! Turn over all of the cards or pick a group of cards to use and take turns with your child to sound out and read the words.

You can challenge your child by counting how many words with the sound __ that they can read.

Maybe you could make it a matching game. Print off a second set and take turns matching the cards to the ones you turn over and read until you find a pair.

2. Tic-Tac-Toe-Real vs Alien words

Everyone seems to love tic-tac-toe! This popular game can be used to practise phonics. Play against your child, real vs alien words.

You will need a mini whiteboard and pens or paper will do. Seperate the real and alien words. Then draw a tic-tac-toe board.

Model to your child how to play.

Choose a word, sound it out and read it and then write it in a space on the board.

Next get your child to do the same with their word. Play until someone gets three in a row. You can then switch sides and play again.

Want a challenge? Play using only a particular sound like only the words with split diagraphs.

This game is a good way to sneak in some extra writing practice while still making it fun!

3. Draw pictures of aliens

Children love to draw pictures of aliens, there's something about these wacky made-up creatures.

In this game you can get your child to draw pictures of aliens and then give them wacky made up names.

Your child can be creative and use their imagination which makes it more enticing.

You can make up aliens from a particular planet that only have a certain sound in their name.

For example, the aliens from the planet 'Jone Voan' only have the oa or o-e sound in their names. So, Foap, Joap and Wone could be funny names!

4. Play hide and seek

Play hide and seek with the flashcards as the thing we have to read and find!

This can be a great game for playing in the garden!

Before you hide the words, you might want to laminate them so you can use them again. Clear sticky-back-paper can also be used to reinforce the cards.

To make the game even better, give your child a clipboard so they can make a list of the words they find or give them a ticklist with the words you want them to find. They can then read the list at the end.

Again, you make this game more challenging by asking your child to find word with a particular sound or giving clues to where they can find the words.

It is fun to play this game with others so invite some of your child's friends around to join in with the game.

5. Real vs alien word sort

In this game, we hide the aliens and have to decide if the word is real or an alien word when we read it.

Start by printing a second copy and cut off the aliens from the words.

Your child can then sort the words into two piles real or alien words.

Another idea is to have two sets and play a matching game. Turn over the cards and see if you can find the matching card.

Remember, no pressure on your child for any of these games. Just make it fun!

If you would like to get your set of phonics practice cards for your child, you can purchase them here>> Year 1 Phonics Check Flashcards

Don't forget to use the voucher code PHONICS10 to save an extra 10%!

It’s important to understand it’s about building your child’s confidence in reading not getting instant results. The bigger picture is your child’s reading confidence will set them up for school success in their future.

Practising phonics with your child should be fun, not a struggle. But if you need help, I am here to just that!

Year 1 Phonics Tutoring- Jigsaw Phonics with Kara

Hi, I’m Kara, an online reading tutor and phonics expert. It is my number 1 goal to build children’s confidence in reading and I would love to help your child!

Your child will have fun learning and making friends with the other children in the group.

Imagine your child learning to read with confidence and able to decode all those tricky words!

How would you like a reading tutor to help your child to read with confidence and give your child the tools to be successful?

Your child will get to learn phonics with a small group of children led by a phonics expert, me! I am offering a 10% Voucher for the first 5 bookings with this code BOOKNOW10

Group sessions start 22nd June

Book your child a place in one of my phonics group classes, places are limited. I offer a reading check to find out which group your child needs.

Follow this link to join my waiting list today!

Book my child