Sounds Great is a program that is specially designed for studying phonics. What is phonics? Phonics is a branch of linguistics that teaches the sound / sound of a single letter or group of letters.
Why is phonics important for children to learn? It is because the pronunciation of Indonesian and English is very different. By studying phonics, children will understand the way they can produce correct sounds even though the word feels strange or has never been heard before. Phonics is also useful for children to make it easier to pronounce letter combinations in words.
Learning phonics is the most appropriate starting point for children learning a language, especially when learning English. If children are able to master phonics, the process of learning English will be easier.
We often hear that children (especially toddlers) learn best by copying and mimicking. What children see, they will quickly pick up on and do the same. This happens predominantly by imitating the closest environment, namely parents. Therefore, by imitating sounds, children will learn and understand language faster, and may even sound like a native speaker.
Children aged 0–5 years are in the golden age. During this period, the child’s brain and physique develop very rapidly. This golden period is also known as a critical period in which the foundations for children’s development and growth are formed, especially intelligence. At this time, the four parts of the brain develop as a whole, including the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere.
The right brain controls the left limbs. This part of the brain controls activities related to creativity, such as emotions, music, imagination, and intuitive abilities.
The left brain controls the right limbs. This part of the brain controls activities related to an order, detail, and systems, such as the ability to count, write, and read.
With the development of all parts of the brain that support children’s intelligence, parents can certainly help optimise children’s learning. Phonics learning allows children to quickly learn foreign languages naturally.
ASTA Ilmu Sukses assists phonics learning by presenting Sounds Great.
Sounds Great phonics program, consists of 4 books:
- Book 1 & 2: For Kindergarten (aged 4–5 years)
- Book 3 & 4: For Primary (aged 6–7 years)
Each level has a different phonics learning focus, namely:
1. Book 1: Sounds Great presents Single-Letter Sounds
2. Book 2: Sounds Great presents Short Vowel Sounds
3. Book 3: Sounds Great presents Double Letter Consonant Sound
4. Book 4: Sounds Great presents Double Letter Vowel Sounds
How does Sounds Great help children learn phonics? Here are the features and benefits of Sounds Great:
- Warm Up
Sounds Great always begins with Warm Up through song & chant. This will help children prepare to learn.
2. New Sounds
New Sounds introduces a new letter or sound to be learned. The feature uses attractive pictures so that children feel interested in the content and can easily understand the vocabulary.
3. Activity
An activity that helps to check the child’s understanding of previous learning concepts. The feature is shown in the form of varying and enjoyable exercises, such as matching, tracing, guess the sound, etc.
4. Story
Sounds Great is also equipped with a short story in each unit. This is useful because children can see and hear the words that have been learned earlier in the unit. The story is interesting, easy to understand, fun for children, and accompanied by audio. It can also be used to help children practice their reading skills.
5. Chant
What is are chants? Chants are a way to review phonics and vocabulary that has been learned in a fun way for children (such as songs). On the chant pages, key words have been highlighted to make it easier for students to recognise them.
6. Homework
Additional activities for children to strengthen their comprehension and language skills.
7. Test
Tests allow us to see the progress of a child’s learning. This feature is included at the end of each unit. The test includes all phonics points and vocabulary that has been taught during the previous eight units. The tests have a variety of questions so children will feel engaged.Glossary
The Glossary available at the end of each book contains a set of vocabulary from the previous eight units. The vocabulary has been grouped by unit. This arrangement makes it easier for teachers, children, and parents to review the lessons.
8. Hybrid CDs
This feature is the main advantage of Sounds Great. The Hybrid CD contains Audio and the Interactive CD-ROM. The feature will give students the opportunity to practice in a fun and interactive way, namely with games, sounds, words, etc. Each listening session in the Student Book can be facilitated through the Hybrid CDs.
9. Hybrid CDs
This feature is the main advantage of Sounds Great. The Hybrid CD contains Audio and the Interactive CD-ROM. The feature will give students the opportunity to practice in a fun and interactive way, namely with games, sounds, words, etc. Each listening session in the Student Book can be facilitated through the Hybrid CDs
10. Complete Components
Sounds Great consists of a Student Book and a Workbook/Exercise Book. In addition, there is also a Teacher’s Guide which can be downloaded.
Sounds Great is the best phonics program that we recommend for parents and educators. Children can enjoy learning that is easy, fun, and comprehensive.
The golden period of children only occurs once in a lifetime. Therefore, providing proper learning opportunities is one of the factors that will affect their intelligence, linguistic development, and of course their future. Through Sounds Great, optimise the golden age of our children!
Sounds Great is available at all Mentari Bookstore outlets!
