How is creativity incorporated into each phonics lesson?
Creative learning consistently incorporates creativity into each lesson. Sometimes creativity is the foundation of the lesson or parts of the lesson, sometimes creativity is the way children are taking in new knowledge, and sometimes it is the goal or outcome of students' learning. However, creativity is not the only cognitive skill used. Naturally, students are engaging in a variety of thinking skills, such as remembering, labeling, categorizing, applying, analyzing and synthesizing information they are learning. In this approach, however, applying and engaging students' creativity is a cornerstone that distinguishes this course from others.
My Approach to Creative English Phonics
Why does my child need English phonics?
The sounds in English and Japanese are not all the same. Therefore, children need to learn phonics to do the following:
1. Hear native English sounds
2. Say native English sounds
3. Read words in English by combining native English sounds
All people hear words in their own minds, not just from others. Phonics will help your child be able to hear the native English sound in her or his own mind. Being able to reproduce native English sounds in your head leads to understanding native English. This is why it is advised for children to learn English without katakana. Katakana was used to help children image the sounds of words quickly. Unfortunately, the sounds of katakana are different from native English. Although it is faster than phonics, katakana is not effective, particularly because it interferes with a child's ability to hear native English sounds. In essence, using katakana results in poor listening and speaking skills even though it seems fast.
What are some of the goals of learning phonics?
1. To be able to understand native speakers of English
2. To be able to say native English sounds
3. To be able to decode written words using English phonics, not katakana
4. To be able to hear the native sounds of English in one's mind when learning words and sounds
5. To develop foundational listening, speaking, and reading skills
6. To develop confidence in one's ability to hear, speak, and read words with native English sounds
Why the creative approach?
According to Maryville University (n.d.), creativity has a wide range of benefits for young children. It can provide children with opportunities for self-expression, imagination, and curiosity. Furthermore, through creative activities students can become self-directed, by trying out their own methods and solutions and learning from their own successes and mistakes. These opportunities to be self-directed can further lead children to build self-confidence.
What is the creative approach to learning phonics?
At Creative Fountain Learning, we believe that all children are creative and that creativity is also a means of self-expression. Therefore, in order to foster healthy cognitive and emotional growth of children, we use a creative-based approach to learning while also teaching phonics, the sounds of English to develop foundational listening, speaking, and reading skills. In essence, your child will learn to listen to, say, and read words and sounds while engaging in creative activities, such as creating songs and music, creating stories, creating poems, creating a variety of crafts, and much more, taking English out of the realm of words in textbooks and audio to using what they are learning in a creative manner that is aligned with their interests and enjoyment. Your child will engage in self-expression and fun while learning English phonics!
