Learning to Read with Confidence: How ISK-Smile Uses Jolly Phonics to Build Strong English Foundations

At International Sports Kindergarten Smile (ISK-Smile), learning English is not just about memorizing words. It's about building a deep understanding of language from the ground up. One of the core tools ISK-Smile uses to support this process is Jolly Phonics—a proven, fun, and effective approach that helps children learn to read and write through synthetic phonics.

What is Jolly Phonics?

Jolly Phonics is a child-centered approach to teaching literacy that uses synthetic phonics as its foundation. Instead of starting with the alphabet in traditional order, children are taught the 42 main sounds of English in a specific, research-based sequence. Each sound is introduced through a story, an action, and a song, creating a multi-sensory learning experience that suits a wide range of learning styles.

Jolly Phonics is widely recognized for its ability to support early readers by teaching them how to blend sounds into words and segment words into sounds. This builds reading and writing skills naturally and gives children the confidence to explore language independently.

How Jolly Phonics is Used at ISK-Smile

At ISK-Smile, Jolly Phonics is a central part of English language learning. The program is introduced gradually and consistently, with each sound being taught over the course of a week. This pacing allows children to fully absorb the sound, connect it to its symbol, and practice using it in different contexts.

Each week, a new sound is explored through a mix of activities:

• Songs and actions: Children sing the sound song and do the associated gesture, which helps them remember both the sound and the movement.

• Storytime and Circle Time: Teachers introduce the sound through a short story that captures the meaning and usage of the sound.

• Learning Centers: Children then move to different learning centers where they can engage with the sound in multiple ways—tracing it, finding objects that start with the sound, building the letter with playdough, or practicing simple words that contain it.

• Group and individual support: Teachers observe how each child interacts with the material and provide help or extension activities based on individual needs.

  
  

This structured yet playful approach reflects ISK-Smile’s belief that children learn best through inquiry and exploration—core values of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which guides the kindergarten’s educational philosophy.

Benefits of Jolly Phonics in the PYP Context

Jolly Phonics fits naturally within ISK-Smile’s PYP-inspired framework, where the focus is on developing the whole child. The program supports multiple attributes from the IB Learner Profile:

• Inquirers: Children are encouraged to ask questions about sounds, words, and meanings, sparking natural curiosity.

• Communicators: Through singing, storytelling, and discussion, children learn to express themselves clearly and with confidence.

• Thinkers: Sound blending and segmentation activities challenge children to make connections and solve problems.

• Reflective: As they practice reading and writing, children reflect on what they’ve learned and how they can improve.

  
  

Jolly Phonics also allows children to take ownership of their learning. They begin to notice sounds in their environment, try writing on their own, and take pride in being able to read and spell words independently.

Creating Confident Early Readers

One of the most rewarding aspects of using Jolly Phonics at ISK-Smile is seeing how quickly children become confident with English. Because the program is structured and consistent, children feel secure as they progress. They celebrate each new sound, apply it in their everyday speech, and begin to read simple books with excitement.

ISK-Smile values each child's unique pace and learning style. Jolly Phonics provides the flexibility to adapt to individual needs, whether a child requires extra time with a sound or is ready for early writing challenges. This reflects the personalized approach to learning that ISK-Smile champions across all subjects.

A Strong Start with Lasting Impact

By integrating Jolly Phonics into daily routines, ISK-Smile ensures that literacy learning is meaningful, joyful, and lasting. It lays a strong foundation for future academic success while fostering the confidence and curiosity that define lifelong learners.

In the end, learning English at ISK-Smile is not just about reading and writing—it's about discovering a love for language, supported by a caring environment and a curriculum that respects each child’s voice, pace, and potential.