Auditory Phonetics is a teaching method concerned with the acquisition and grasp of phonetic sounds of words of a language. In the English language, for example, the grasping of oral sounds that make up words is an important development in the acquisition of language skills. It facilitates the development of both speech and reading skills required to interact effectively in society. Therefore, listening plays a huge part in this development.

In kindergarten 1 and 2 (ages 4-5) the basic sounds of the alphabet are taught. In Auditory Phonetics emphasis is on the perception of specific sounds and their grasp on them. For example; when the teacher teaches the basic sounds of the alphabet she has to emphasise the pronunciation of each sound clearly and show the movements of her lips so students can hear clearly and imitate the sounds effectively. An example: a for apple, b for bat and c for cat and so forth. This is reinforced with listening to songs having the same sounds in them, reading and listening of the sounds on whiteboard or cards with pictures, oral games and reading the sounds in simple words in story book.

In grades 1 and 2 (ages 6-7), this development is taken a step further to include the phonic blends , (such as bl for blanket, fl for flag or sh for shell and ch for church) and long vowel sounds, until all the sounds are learnt. Reinforcement is provided by different types of oral and listening work.

External Links

• www.planetkids.se
• www.phonicsonpictures.com
• www.sharpsoftware.co.uk
• www.readwritesolutions.com
• www.uiowa.edu