Has Your Child Missed Out On Explicit Phonics Understanding?
(Denyse Ritchie – Director, THRASS Australia Pty Ltd

We as parents have long moved away from ‘baby’ talk. Using the correct language and names for objects eliminates misunderstanding and the need for relearning. A train is not a ‘choo choo’, a clock is not a ‘tick tock’. We know that very young children are quite capable of using the correct words to describe various objects. Importantly, this language does not need to change when the child starts school.

Unfortunately, most phonics programs actually confuse children because they take them through a ‘baby talk’ process that has to be changed if the child is going to succeed at formal learning. Programs that begin by asking children to match a letter to a sound and/or a character, are unsustainable. The child in all innocence does as instructed and links a sound to a letter and/or a character, only to be confused when told they must relearn the letter by its actual alphabetic name. At some point they also learn (often implicitly) that the letter can in fact represent more sounds than the one they were originally asked to learn. Similarly, phonics programs where sounds are given a visual hand signal cue, result in the same relearning having to take place.

With both of the above examples, the unsustainable learning has to be forgotten for the child to ‘move-on’. Those who don’t overthrow the unsustainable learning become confused and frustrated, developing what is termed a ‘learned disability’, as opposed to having a ‘learning disability’ - a condition many parents seeking help are often told their child has. This ‘learned disability’ is what actually holds back many very intelligent children, restricting their full potential.

THRASS is a phonic program that sets children up for success from the very beginning. Children learn about letters and letter patterns for the 44 sounds of English by name, the same way they will need to refer to them in future learning. They are not lulled into a false belief that there are 26 letters and 26 sounds in English.

The THRASSCHART is the key to unlocking the alphabetic code and helps children struggling with spelling and reading understand why they have difficulties. It rebuilds confidence in their own ability and sets them up for future success.

Next tutoring course: Perth, January school holidays. All materials included.

For details call 9244 2119 or email enquiries@thrass.com.au

THRASS® - TUTORING FOR STUDENTS (January 2009)
PERTH ONLY

THRASS® will be offering an intensive phonics tutoring course in reading and spelling skills, for Primary school students, in week two of the October school holidays.
The course will feature the following.
• Students will be taught explicitly the phonic code of English. A thorough understanding of this principle is critical to the learner’s ability to reach their full potential in reading and spelling.
• Instruction will be given by tutors with over ten years experience in teaching our methodology.
• Course content will be fun and multisensory.
• There will be pre and post assessment.

• All materials for the course are included in the cost.

• Places on the course will be limited.

For further information and registration forms contact THRASS on Tel. 9244 2119, E-mail: enquiries@thrass.com.au