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).
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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
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Interactive Learning
Reading Eggs presents interactive learning that actively engages students. Engaging modules
and activities help increase children's engagement and interest in learning.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Flexible Accessibility
The app can be accessed on various devices, allowing children to learn anywhere and anytime.
This provides flexibility in the learning process.
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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.
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