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English phonics for kids! Learning the English alphabet and letter sounds are essential first steps in learning how to read. The phonics lessons on this free website support the ELL as he or she learns letter sounds and begins reading English. The beginner level focuses on English vowel sounds, both short and long vowels, plus the Dolch sight words. It also includes lessons on consonant blends and digraphs, hard "c" and soft "c", and hard "g" and soft "g." Students can choose an English topic to practice reading words with a specific letter or letter group from the English alphabet.

Games

Each lesson begins with an explanation teaching the lesson topic and then an engaging photo slideshow illustrates each word so the ELL learns the definitions of the words. Audio recordings of the words in the slideshow activity help kids learn how to pronounce the English words correctly. Select a lesson from one of five categories: Vowels, Consonants, Word Types, and "Pairs." Each lesson builds basic skills on the English topic crucial to learning to read. First view the photo slideshow and then select one of three educational activities. The Matching activity helps children build their vocabularies as they match words with photos. The Spelling activity makes practicing spelling fun with the challenge of a time limit and interesting photos. Fill in the Blank gives children a context to understand the full meaning of the words and also gives them an opportunity to practice their reading. Photos help the ELL understand the short, easy-to-read sentences in this activity. The "Pairs" activity uses a photo slideshow to help kids learn beginning antonyms. Lessons on the Dolch sight words in the Word Types category help children become more fluent and confident readers. Completing the activities on the Lessons page will help the ELL master reading English, learn how to pronounce English vowel sounds and words, practice spelling, understand antonyms, and study English vocabulary words and the Dolch sight words.