7 groups of Jolly Phonics
Jolly Phonics is a systematic phonics program used to teach children how to read and write. It is based on the synthetic phonics method, which emphasizes the teaching of letter sounds and their corresponding written symbols (graphemes) to develop reading and spelling skills.
Jolly Phonics divides the English language into seven groups based on the frequency and patterns of sounds in words. These groups are designed to help children learn the different letter sounds and their corresponding actions more easily. Here is a brief overview of each group:
Group 1 (s, a, t, i, p, n): These are the initial sounds that children learn first. They are chosen because they can be combined to make a variety of simple, three-letter words like “sat,” “pin,” and “tan.”
Group 2 (c, k, e, h, r, m, d): These sounds are introduced next, expanding the range of words that children can read and write.
Group 3 (g, o, u, l, f, b): This group introduces more consonant sounds, and children can now form words like “dog,” “lug,” and “mud.”
Group 4 (ai, j, oa, ie, ee, or): Now, children learn digraphs (two letters that make one sound) and long vowel sounds. This group allows children to read and spell words such as “rain,” “boat,” and “tree.”
Group 5 (z, w, ng, v, oo): This group introduces additional consonant sounds and the vowel digraph “oo.” Children can now read and write words like “zip,” “web,” and “moon.”
Group 6 (y, x, ch, sh, th, th): Here, children learn about more consonant digraphs and alternative spellings for certain sounds. For example, “ch” in “chip” and “sh” in “ship.”
Group 7 (qu, ou, oi, ue, er, ar): The final group introduces more advanced digraphs and alternative spellings. Children can now read and write words like “quick,” “oil,” and “car.”
The grouping system in Jolly Phonics helps to break down the complexity of the English language into manageable chunks, allowing children to gradually build their reading and writing skills. It provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching phonics, which has proven to be effective in helping children develop strong literacy foundations.