Phonics in Motion

Introduction

'Phonics in Motion' is a revolutionary program that brings the world of phonics to life through engaging, kinesthetic motions and multisensory activities. Developed by Dr. Terry Kindervater, a renowned expert in early literacy, this program is designed to help children develop strong reading and writing skills. With its unique approach and effective teaching methods, 'Phonics in Motion' has gained recognition and praise from educators and families alike.

The Power of Kinesthetic Learning

One of the standout features of 'Phonics in Motion' is its emphasis on kinesthetic learning. The program incorporates unique motions for each sound, known as Kinesthetic Motions for Phonemes (KMPs), which help children hear, see, and feel the sounds they are learning. This multisensory approach enhances phonemic awareness, speech articulation, and phonics basics.

The KMPs make learning memorable, engaging, and fun for both students and teachers. As the famous educator Maria Montessori once said, "The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence." By involving the whole body in the learning process, 'Phonics in Motion' taps into the natural curiosity and energy of children, making learning a joyful and effective experience.

The Reading & Writing Monster

An iconic and beloved character in the 'Phonics in Motion' program is the Reading & Writing Monster. Placed on the left of any writing surface, the monster leads children through the motions for each sound and teaches letter names. The monster's stories make learning to write letters easy, as it directs learners to stroke towards or away from the monster. Each monster story embeds the KMP (sound) that goes with each letter, ensuring a seamless integration of sound and letter recognition.

The Language Calendar

The Language Calendar is a unique feature of 'Phonics in Motion' that serves as a structure for modeling written language daily. It showcases how letters, sounds, and words work together in the English language. As teachers use the Language Calendar to develop state standards for early literacy, students are exposed to modeled written language and gain a deeper understanding of how thoughts are translated onto paper. This integrated approach ensures that all components of 'Phonics in Motion' work harmoniously to support children's literacy development.

The Vowel House

The Vowel House is a graphic organizer that acts as a central hub for teaching phonics and spelling. It teaches children about vowel sounds and the primary and alternate spelling patterns in the English language. The characters who live in each window of the Vowel House make learning language rules fun and engaging. By using the KMP motions, the Vowel House organizes the order of phonics instruction, making complex spelling decisions easier for both teachers and students.

To quote Albert Einstein, "The only source of knowledge is experience." With 'Phonics in Motion,' children not only gain knowledge but also experience the joy and fulfillment of learning. Through its immersive and multisensory approach, this program unlocks the secrets to empowering students and fostering a love of reading.

Conclusion

'Phonics in Motion' is a game-changer in the field of early literacy education. By combining kinesthetic learning, engaging characters, and a comprehensive approach to teaching phonics and spelling, this program creates a strong foundation for reading and writing skills. Teachers and families have seen remarkable results, with children excelling in their literacy development and developing a lifelong love of learning. With 'Phonics in Motion,' education becomes an adventure, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

If you have experienced the magic of 'Phonics in Motion,' we would love to hear from you! Leave a review below and share your thoughts and experiences with others. Together, let's create a community of empowered educators and families who believe in the power of literacy.