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[Redsparrow]

I'm seeking some advice regarding the best way to introduce the phonetic alphabet to my elementary classes.

I have 4 groups of classes made up of 6-8 year old students. I teach each class for half an hour a week at present but will go full time with them next semester. One of the key problems I am encountering is that students cannot regcognise new words. Actually they often have trouble recognising common vocab words from their text when taken out of context and placed on the board. They appear to have never been taught how to sound out words...is this common? The teachers seem to have taught them only that A is for Apple..AAA, B is for Banana..BBB. Should students at this level begin looking at the phonetic alphabet or is it too early? If it is not... what are some fun and engaging ways to introduce the subject?

[amandabarrick]

6 year olds sounds a bit young to introduce the phonetic alphabet. Children require more repitition before they recognize new words. I actually think it is great that students don't recognize words from their text when taken out of context. This shows students can still read and comprehend words in their text. The top down method of literacy teaching has been used and is very effective. Teaching them to sound out words is the phonics method which I don't use. I wouldn't have students at this level look at the phonetic alphabet or the English alphabet. They can actually learn to read just as effective by using a top down approach.
AB

[ChinaMovieMagic]

Emotional involvement promotes stronger memory input, better retention, easier memory access. There are many DVDs for sale with cartoons-as-songs..."follow the bouncing ball."

With kids so young, you have a special opportunity/responsibility.