Basic phonics rules are like a set of specified guidelines or generalizations that are helpful for children to understand the English language and become better readers. Phonics involves teaching the individual components of the language and how to pronounce English words. As English is a complex language with a number of sounds, and many word patterns, it is not always possible for children to understand it easily. So in order to simplify the language, basic phonics rules were formulated.

By learning the basic phonics rules, children can begin to understand the relationship between the sound and word formation.

The English language has a number of basic phonics rules as well as exceptions thus thinking of them as generalizations is probably more accurate. Although not impossible for children to remember all the guidelines, it can be a very challenging task. So let’s cover some of the basic phonic rules which are used most often that you can incorporate into the teaching process.

1. Not every word follows the phonics rules. There are exceptions to almost every rule.

2. Almost every word needs a vowel (a, e, i, o, u). (Rhythms is the longest word without any vowel).

3. For any word the vowel ‘i’ usually comes before ‘e’. This rule is broken if the vowels appear after ‘c’. e.g. relieve and receive.

4. In a syllable, with a vowel followed by another, the second vowel is usually silent. e.g., rain, moan, beat.

5. A vowel is short; if a short word has only one vowel in it. e.g., bus, bag, bit

6. In the case of a word ending with the letter ‘e’, then the first vowel is long. e.g. cake, bike, and the ‘e’ is silent.

7. Two or more consonants grouped together (consonant digraphs) usually make only one sound. e.g. shoe, that, child, laugh.

8. A vowel is neither long nor short, if the letter ’r’ is followed by it. e.g. corn, purse, start.

9. The consonant ‘q’ and vowel ‘u’ appearing next to one each other, makes only one sound. e.g. quick, quench, quack.

Teaching Tips for the Basic Phonics Rules:

As the guidelines may be confusing for children and sometimes adults, the easiest method to teach phonics is in a progressive and organized way.

1. Teach the rules one at a time. Start a new rule only after your child has an understanding of the previous one.

2. Have a systematic and organized approach in your teaching. Start by first teaching the alphabet, one letter at a time. Review the shape of the letter and its sound before you start blending letters to form words.

3. Repetition is important. The English language has a number of these generalizations so there are inevitably exceptions. Since the rules can be confusing, even for adults, practice is the best method to enhance learning.

4. Fun also enhances learning. Incorporate songs or games into teaching children language. Exciting activities will help create life long love of learning and reading while making the rules easier to remember.

5. Use flash cards. They are an excellent way to reinforce your child’s learning. You can create your own, find templates on the internet or buy a set.

6. Have a reward system. Appropriate praise can improve self confidence and rewards will help motivate a child to want to learn more. Make learning a positive and exciting experience. A great reward might be a book about his or her favorite cartoon character.

Phonics is a great tool to use to teach your children. And when combined with whole language learning, a child can more easily learn to read and understand language.