Phonics Learning Strategies Through The Reading Egg M. Audina Sitorus Surabaya State University, Surabaya, Indonesia ABSTRACT: Learning strategies are the key to shaping literacy, one of which is phonics education. The aim of this research is to explore phonics learning strategies through the Reading Eggs platform and investigate how this approach can significantly contribute to the development of reading skills using the phonics method in early childhood education. Utilizing a literacy study research method, the findings from the Reading Eggs research indicate that this approach can indeed make a significant contribution to the development of reading skills using the phonics method in young children. 1 INTRODUCTION In the world of early childhood education, learning strategies are key to forming a solid foundation of literacy skills. One strategy that is gaining increasing attention is phonics learning, which focuses on the relationship between letters and sounds. Phonics is one of the learning introductions used for early reader recognition in children. Phonics is often used for learning and recognizing letters for learning English or foreign languages. Typically, phonics learning is often used overseas, but in Indonesia, only a few schools use phonics learning methods. Phonics is taught in many whole language schools in Australia and New Zealand. The authors illustrate the different types of activities that can be derived from reading and discussing one particular book, Possum Magic, by Mem Fox (Harcourt Brace, 1983). Therefore, the strategies for implementing phonics learning have many variations. In this context, technology opens the door to more innovative and interactive learning methods. One platform that has emerged as a powerful learning tool is Reading Eggs. Reading Eggs has become a recognized name among teachers and parents overseas, offering a unique approach to reading learning through a structured and playful phonics approach. In this article, we will explore phonics learning strategies through the Reading Eggs platform and explore how this approach can significantly contribute to the development of reading skills using the phonics method in early childhood. The importance of incorporating digital technology into early childhood learning cannot be overlooked. By understanding the potential of the Reading Eggs platform for combining phonics learning with digital literacy elements, we can design learning approaches that are not only effective but also engaging for young children. Through this discussion, we will open a window of insight into how reading eggs becomes an engaging learning medium to form a strong literacy foundation in the early stages of a child's life. 2 RESEARCH AND METHODS This research applies a qualitative approach by using data collection methods through literature studies. In research conducted by Nazir (2014), literature study is explained as a research approach that involves examining various literature studies needed in order to support the research. The purpose of applying the literature study method in the context of this research is as an initial step in planning, where researchers utilize literature sources to obtain relevant data 3 PHOTOGRAPHS AND FIGURES Phonics learning approach Teaching using phonics is an early reading and writing lesson used by countries that have an English mother tongue, such as America, England, Australia, and New Zealand (Cambell, 2020). Given the importance of language teaching using learning methods and the effectiveness of language teaching using these methods, each country has different policies and ways of implementing them. One of them is the policy on language learning in Australia, which must be in line with Australian professional standards for teachers, or APST. Top of Form There are two types of phonics methods: analytic phonics and synthetic phonics. According to Jung, Baynes, and Beebe (2016), the analytic phonics approach starts with the child analyzing the sounds in words. In this approach, they start with a specific word; for example, the word "love" is taught first, after which the child names the four sounds c/i/n/t/a separately. After that, the child combines the three sounds together. Meanwhile, Wyse & Goswami (2008) explain that the synthetic phonics method is taught to children after the introduction of some letters and letter sounds. In this method, they show how the sounds can be combined to form a word. Furthermore, it is explained that the synthetic phonics approach begins when the learner pronounces sounds and combines letters to form words. To illustrate, for example, s-e-k-o-l-a can turn into "school," illustrating the process from part element to whole word. Not only that, the phonics learning approach in the Australian curriculum reflects a commitment to developing reading and writing skills in the early stages of education. Under the Australian Curriculum, the phonics approach has been recognized as an integral part of learning to read. Here are some key aspects of the phonics approach in the Australian curriculum (Pullen et al., 2015). - - - - Explicit Phonics Instruction The Australian curriculum emphasises explicit phonics instruction, where teachers clearly and systematically teach the relationship between letters and their sounds. This instruction includes the teaching of phonemes, letter recognition and the development of word reading skills. Foundation Year Learning Phase In Foundation Year, children are introduced to phonemes and early letters. They learn to recognise letters and associate them with their sounds. Teachers help them build phonological awareness and read simple words. Use of Relevant Learning Resources Use of reading books, phonics games and other relevant learning resources to support phonics teaching. Teachers use a variety of materials to make phonics learning interesting and contextualised for students. Synthetic and Analytical Approach - - - - The phonics approach in the Australian curriculum includes elements of both synthetic and analytic approaches. Students learn to recognise letters and sounds separately (synthetic approach) and analyse sounds in the context of words (analytic approach). Linkage to Reading and Writing Skills Phonics learning is integrated with reading and writing skills. Children are encouraged to apply their phonics skills when reading texts and writing words. Differentiation of Learning Teachers are expected to be aware of students' individual needs and align phonics learning with their ability levels. Differentiation of learning ensures that each student gets appropriate support. Progress Assessment The Australian curriculum emphasises assessing students' progress in phonics skills. Teachers use a variety of assessment methods to identify students' strengths and needs in phonics learning. Parental Involvement Parents are invited to be involved in children's phonics learning at home. Parental support is considered essential for strengthening children's phonics skills outside the school environment. This approach aims to build a strong foundation of reading skills in the early stages of education, helping students understand and master the principles of phonics to support their literacy development. What are Reading Eggs? Phonics, as described by Serna (2006), is the close relationship between letter symbols and sounds. It involves the interpretation of letter symbols into sounds that can be pronounced. Each letter in the alphabet has a specific sound or sounds associated with it. The phonics method, as outlined by Lana-Peixoto & Teixeira (2002), teaches letter sounds in a multisensory manner, utilizing the senses and sensory ways to read words. This approach is focused on the pronunciation of letters and the resulting words, in line with the views of Gates and Yale (2011). Clark (2003) asserts that phonics teaching is a learning approach that focuses on the relationship between letters and sounds. Learning using the phonics method, according to Johnston and Watson (2007), is a big step in introducing spelling, easing the reading process without having to look at the syllables beforehand. The phonics method places more emphasis on words and letter sounds, offering an element of congruence between letters and sounds. While this method has proven to be effective in teaching reading and writing, there are differences in its use depending on the language being taught. Countries where English is the main language, such as the UK, Australia, and America, generally use the jolly phonics method, or whole language approach. Reading Eggs, an educational app, presents automated modules and videos to teach reading skills, vocabulary comprehension, reading fluency, spelling, and writing skills (Lowery, 2017). This app can help teachers or parents teach their students to learn early reading through the phonics method. The app prioritizes phonological awareness with a focus on phonemics and phonics, starting with the alphabetic principle. Reading Eggs aims to replace phonics teaching with an emphasis on developing reading fluency and vocabulary expansion. Pike et al. (2010) state that the app motivates learners with a variety of learning elements and formats that increase engagement. Reading eggs also give learners the freedom to access them both at school and at home, allowing them to achieve continuous improvement in reading, fluency, and comprehension. By using pre-assessments, Reading Eggs can customize instruction according to each student's needs and track their progress through an online database (Lowery, 2017; Pike et al., 2010). Thus, reading eggs is an effective learning tool for developing reading and writing skills in early childhood. Learning approach using the Reading Eggs platfoarm Phonics learning strategies using the Reading Eggs platform involve a series of approaches and activities specifically designed to teach children phonological awareness and reading skills. Not only that Here are some strategies that can be applied: - Letter Sound Recognition Start with letter sound recognition. Use the interactive activities in Reading Eggs that introduce letter sounds visually and auditory. Make sure children can identify and pronounce each letter sound correctly. - Playing Interactive Games Use the interactive games in Reading Eggs that are designed to reinforce the connection between letters and sounds. These games can include matching sounds to letters, putting words together, or identifying sounds in words. - Learning Through Songs and Chants Utilise the songs and chants in Reading Eggs that help reinforce the link between sounds and letters. Engage children to sing phonics-related songs and help them remember letter sounds in a fun way. - Read Together In addition to digital activities, encourage children to read together on and off the Reading Eggs platform. Read books together and demonstrate how the relationship between letters and sounds occurs in words. - Word Building Activity Use features in Reading Eggs that allow children to construct words. This can include shifting letters to form words or filling in the blanks with the correct letter. - Use of Word Cards Utilise the word cards in Reading Eggs to introduce phonetic words. Teach children to read these words by identifying letter sounds and combining them. - High-level Word Recognition Once children understand the basics of phonics, move on to introducing high-level words that appear frequently. Use the reading activities in Reading Eggs to improve children's understanding of these words. - Storylands Module Exploration Use the Storylands module in Reading Eggs which presents interactive stories. This allows children to apply their reading skills in the context of the story, enhancing their understanding of the use of phonics in narrative reading. Benefits of using Reading Egg media According to data analysis conducted by Smith, (2020) on the use of Reading Egg for learning the benefits of this platfoarm are not only in phonics learning but also other language learning. Here are the benefits of using Reading Egg: - Interactive Learning Reading Eggs presents interactive learning that actively engages students. Engaging modules and activities help increase children's engagement and interest in learning. - Development of Phonological Awareness This app focuses on developing phonological awareness, including phonemic awareness and phonics. It helps children understand the relationship between letters and sounds, which is an important foundation in learning to read. - Vocabulary Improvement Through activities and games, Reading Eggs helps enrich children's vocabulary. The emphasis on understanding words helps build a solid foundation for reading comprehension. - Reading Fluency This app is designed to improve reading fluency by introducing words gradually and building reading speed. It supports children in reading more fluently and expressively. - Writing Skills Development Reading Eggs not only focuses on reading, but also helps children develop their writing skills. It involves various creative activities to enhance written expression. - Use of Technology in Learning By adopting technology, Reading Eggs helps familiarise children with the use of digital devices in learning. This supports the development of digital literacy in the modern era. - Learning Motivation Aspects such as games, points and rewards in this app can increase children's learning motivation. They feel engaged and motivated to achieve milestones in learning. - Progress Measurement Reading Eggs provides monitoring of children's progress through online reports and tracking. It helps teachers and parents to understand children's development in reading and writing. - Support for Differentiated Teaching The app enables differentiated teaching, where learning materials can be customised to the individual needs of students. This assists teachers in providing a learning approach that suits each child's skill level. - Self-directed Learning Reading Eggs can be used independently by children, giving them the opportunity to learn independently. This helps build independence and responsibility in learning. - Flexible Accessibility The app can be accessed on various devices, allowing children to learn anywhere and anytime. This provides flexibility in the learning process. - Early Literacy Drivers Reading Eggs provide a strong foundation for early literacy, helping children enter the world of reading and writing with the confidence and skills needed. Phonics learning approaches, including a variety of methods such as analytic phonics and synthetic phonics, play a crucial role in establishing a foundation for reading and writing at an early stage. The Australian curriculum chooses to adopt an explicit phonics approach with a focus on clear and systematic instruction. Reading Eggs, as an educational app, provides automated modules and videos aimed at teaching early childhood reading, spelling, and writing skills. The app has a concrete goal: to replace phonics instruction, emphasizing the development of reading fluency and vocabulary expansion. Phonics learning strategies through the Reading Eggs platform include letter-sound recognition, interactive games, songs, and activities to reinforce the connection between letters and sounds. In addition, the use of word cards, exploration of the Storylands module, and differentiation of learning are involved to meet the individual needs of students. The benefits of using reading eggs include interactive learning, the development of phonological awareness, increased vocabulary, and reading fluency. The app also provides support for writing skill development, digital literacy, motivation to learn, and a differentiated teaching approach. 4 PREFERENCES Bartini, I., & Mediastuti, F. (2017). 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