Phonics course in Bangkok for young children.
Learn the sounds of English and how to read them. Taught in English by native speakers trained in the British system, at our school five minutes from Lat Phrao MRT.
Sounds first, then words, then stories.
What phonics is
Phonics teaches children the link between the letters they see and the sounds they hear. English has 26 letters but around 44 sounds, so children learn each sound and the letters that spell it. They then blend sounds together to read words, and break words into sounds to spell them.
This is how children in British primary schools learn to read. It works for children whose first language is Thai because it gives them a method. Instead of guessing a word from its shape, a child sounds it out.
How the course works
Lessons are short and active. Each lesson revisits the sounds the children know, introduces a new sound with a picture and an action, then puts it to work in words and short sentences. Children say the sounds, write the letters, play games and read aloud. The teacher listens to every child and corrects on the spot.
Children work in small groups at the same stage, so the pace suits every child in the room. Your child's teacher is a native English speaker who holds a British teacher training certificate, so the sounds your child copies are the real thing.
What your child will learn
- The sound of each letter of the alphabet
- Two letter sounds such as sh, ch, th, ee and oo
- Blending sounds to read whole words
- Breaking words into sounds to spell them
- Common words that do not follow the rules
- Reading simple sentences and short stories aloud
- Forming the letters neatly by hand
- Speaking and listening in English with confidence
Who the course is for
The course is for young children who are starting to read in English, at Thai schools, bilingual schools or international schools. It also suits older children who can say a few words but guess when they read. If you are not sure, bring your child to meet the teacher and we will advise.
Why learn phonics with a native speaker
Children copy what they hear. A native English speaking teacher gives your child an accurate model for every sound, including the ones that do not exist in Thai. Our teachers are trained in the British system, so the method matches what your child will meet in English course books and in a British or international school curriculum.
After phonics
Children who finish the phonics course can read and spell simple English on their own. The next step is the beginner English course, where they build speaking, listening, reading and writing together.
Questions and answers
What age should my child start phonics?
In British primary schools phonics starts at age four or five, in the first year of school. If your child is at that stage, or is older and still finds reading in English hard, talk to us and we will advise.
Does my child need to speak English before joining?
No. Lessons are taught in English with pictures, actions, songs and plenty of repetition, so children follow from the first lesson. Our Thai speaking office staff are on hand if your child needs help.
What is the difference between phonics and the beginner course?
Phonics teaches young children to read and spell by linking letters to sounds. The beginner course is for older children and adults and covers speaking, listening, reading and writing together.
How do we join the phonics course?
Call 02 513 4119 or send the enquiry form. We arrange a short meeting with the teacher, then your child joins a group of children at the same stage. There is no placement test for phonics.