Q. What is Phonics?
A. Phonics has proven to be by far the most effective way of learning to read. It is the method of learning the letters of the alphabet and the sounds that they make, such as the sound that the letter "a" makes at the beginning of the word "a-pple".
Q. How does Phonicfriend teach Phonics?
A. Using an innovative, exciting, audio-visual method of learning! Phonicfriend is a world first: it provides children and adults with entertaining, traditional reading exercises, presented in 21st Century style!
Q. How do we know the best way to progress through the course?
A. Phonicfriend moves pupils on in small stepping stones: learning letters and sounds, then combining the sounds and building up to more complex blends and words. New readers go at their own pace and a fully printable guide is included that explains how progress is made.
Q. What about words that can't be "sounded out"?
A. Words that have to be learnt and remembered are introduced along the way. They are then included in the stories that have been written especially for Phonicfriend. New readers learn best by repetition, so these words crop up over and over again.
Q. Is Phonicfriend only available via the Internet?
A. Phonicfriend is delivered to your PC via the Internet and all work is done on-screen but off-line. This means that there are no safe-surfing issues or jamming of the family telephone line. Exercises appear on-screen and can be worked through at each student's own pace.
Q. How often should we work with Phonicfriend?
A. Obviously, everyone is different but we recommend that Phonicfriend is used approximately three times a week for 15 minutes at a time.
Q. How long before we notice any improvement?
A. Noticeable improvements should be seen within approximately 90 days. As everyone has different ability levels, this time period may vary.
Q. How long will it take to learn to read fluently and confidently with Phonicfriend?
A. On average 18 months, if Phonicfriend is used on a regular basis, a few times a week.
Q. Can the exercises be printed out?
A. The audio-visual exercises are not printable however, all the children's stories can be printed out as line drawings, coloured in and kept as a record of each child's reading achievement!
Q. How much does Phonicfriend cost?
A. Surprisingly little: from just 99 pence per week. You can subscribe to the Phonicfriend course in renewable periods of either 3, 6 or 12 months.
Q. Can I ask anyone for advice on reading?
A. Absolutely. We have a Schools adviser, Jo Graham, who is happy to answer any of your learning and school-related queries and problems via e-mail. Please e-mail her at jo.graham@schoolfriend.co.uk and she will be delighted to answer your queries
Q. Do you have any other courses available as well as Phonicfriend?
A. Our sister site, Schoolfriend, provides individual tuition in Numeracy and Literacy for 4-13 year olds and Young Adults. Schoolfriend identifies your child's individual needs then puts together a customised series of exercises which turn weaknesses into strengths. From just 99 pence per week for all subjects. Click here to visit www.schoolfriend.com.
Q. This sounds brilliant! How do I join?
A. Just click the Registration button and you'll go straight to the Phonicfriend Registration Page. Welcome to the Phonicfriend Reading Adventure!