Accra: Madam Mabel Kyeraah Twum, the Intellectual School Quiz Mistress, has emphasized the positive impact of Jolly Phonics on writing and reading skills among young learners by incorporating it into preschool education.

According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Twum explained that Jolly Phonics is a synthetic and multi-sensory literacy teaching approach that focuses on sounds and letters. This method aids children in developing strong reading skills by enabling them to decode unfamiliar words through phonetic sounds and encourages comprehension over rote memorization.

Madam Twum highlighted that Jolly Phonics also enhances spelling and writing skills. By understanding the relationship between sounds and letters, children find spelling more manageable and their writing becomes more precise due to the segmentation of words into sounds. She noted that the approach makes learning active and engaging through the use of songs, actions, and stories, which help to make lessons memorable.

She outlined the steps involv
ed in teaching Jolly Phonics, such as learning letter sounds and formations, blending sounds for reading, identifying sounds in words for spelling, and practicing tricky words with memory aids and repetition. She stressed the importance of creating parental awareness about Jolly Phonics through workshops or meetings to highlight its significance in early reading development.

Madam Twum advised using a multi-sensory approach, repetition, and additional support to engage children struggling with letter sounds or blending. She pointed out that children with speech difficulties or learning challenges could benefit from adapting the Jolly Phonics approach by slowing the pace and focusing on multi-sensory methods like actions, songs, and visual aids.

She also encouraged parents to collaborate with educators and, if necessary, a speech therapist, to reinforce the lessons at home.