Phonics Chart for Kindergarten

A phonics chart for Kindergarten is part of effective reading instruction. Every K-1 child (or class) can benefit from a simple phonics chart.

Giving K-1 sounds a “location,” improves reading. When the sound has a specific spot on a phonics chart, kids are more likely to recall the sound, say the sound quickly and read fluently. This idea of giving information a “location” is not unique to reading.

Memory Athletes would Approve of Phonics Charts

Memory athletes remember exceptional amounts of information. They do not have unique brains. In fact, they’re brains are surprisingly ordinary. They remember unbelievable amounts of information rather quickly by creating a “memory palace” and “placing” information in different spots. When they give data a “location,” retention improves to an extraordinary degree.

Anyone can become a memory athlete using the “memory palace” technique. People who use the “memory palace” can memorize unthinkable amounts of information in such a short time they seem almost superhero-like.

Phonics Chart for Kindergarten to Improve Retention

I didn’t quite understand why phonics charts were so effective until I learned about memory athletes. Finally, it all came together—my students were “placing” each phonics unit in a specific location.

A phonics chart allows K-1 children to imagine the sound in a certain spot in relation to other units. For example, a child might not remember “ch,” but if he has a sound chart, he’ll remember that “ch” is below “_tch” and that these sounds all exist in a column that says the same sound. He’ll begin to categorize units together. His retention will improve and his speed will too.

Use a Phonics Chart Every Lesson

Every session, the sound chart needs to be used—in nearly all activities involving print. When they’re used correctly K-1 students almost cradle their sound charts, cling to them, because they realize how much they help.

See Attached for FREE Phonics Chart for Kindergarten

I’ve provided a simple, but effective, phonics chart for kindergarten below.

Why Doesn’t the Chart Include Blends?

Blends are two letter sounds strung together: sp, fl, bl, fr…etc. Blends should not be taught as units. Blends are read sound-by-sound. They do not need to be memorized. In fact, encouraging kids to memorize blends can place a huge burden on their visual memory—which is especially debilitating for children with reading disabilities. As long as a child knows letter sounds, he can read blends sound-by-sound.

Many K-1 kids progress quickly with effective reading instruction, so it’s important to keep the chart updated. The attached phonics chart is a starting baseline for emergent readers.

PhonicsChartforKindergarten

Download Printable Version of Sound Chart

References:
Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer