3Yo in Phonics Class?

Like the other ladies I think it's a great idea to teach your toddlers the basics even before Kindergarten (as long as you make it fun). The phonics class definitely won't hurt. However, I purchased a Leap Frog Fridge Phonics (about $20) and both my kids used it to learn the sound of the alphabet (my daugher is 5 now and my son is 2 1/2). It's magnetic, you put it on the fridge and it has all the letters of the alphabet. When the child puts a letter on, it sings a little song about the sound the letter makes. It's cute, inexpensive and fun so most kids like it!

It seems that with every year more is expected of children before they reach Kindergarden age, however each child's development is unique and it is never wise to push a child to learn something before he is ready do so. It seems you are on the right track by reading to your child daily and pointing out words as you read. Now keep in mind that when he actually starts school the teacher will put much emphasis on phonics rather than on naming the letters (since it's the base for reading)So if you would like to give him a head start with phonics there are many educational toys and videos. I use for my daughter the Little Scholars 3-Dvd collection it has a Phonics dvd, baby preschool, and Abc, it sells for $19.99 (I don't recommend more than 30 minutes of Tv daily for children) there is also a Fisher Price fun to learn laptop that my little girl loves to play with, also the discovery ball from Leap Frog is a great tool, what you can do is as you're reading a fun book about the alphabet you can press the corresponding letter on the ball to hear the phonetic sound of the letter and repeat it along with your child. And
always remenber to praise him for the things he can do and make the time you spend with him special and fun!

I think that's a good idea to get him in a phonics class. I have a 2 year old, who just turned 2 years old 4 months ago. He can count to 20 and knows all of his alphabet and knows all his shapes, colors, number and letter recognition. I'm going to start teaching him to read site words in the next few weeks. It's never too early, especially if they're ready. I'm sure you'll make the best decision regarding your child. Good luck.

Hi D.-

Kids arrive at kindergarten at all different skill levels but I would say if he recognizes all of the letters and their sounds when he starts kindergarten and has learned a few basic sight words you are pretty much right on track. There will be some students already reading when they start kindergarten, but certainly not all will be.

It certainly won't hurt to have him take the class, but it's probably not necessary either. There are a lot of games available that teach letters that you can play at home with your son if you want to start working with him more on your own too.

Good Luck,
K.