phonicsMaking English Fun

Colleague or Collegue? Which Spelling Is Correct?

ByMaking English Fun! January 23, 2024January 23, 2024

In English, differentiating between “Colleague” and “Collegue” can be a common spelling challenge. This confusion primarily arises from their similar pronunciation, leading to frequent mix-ups in both written and verbal communication, and of course how easy it is to mix up English vowels! This article will explain the correct spelling and usage of this word,…

25 Sight Word Games

ByMaking English Fun! January 19, 2024October 3, 2024

Welcome to the world of early reading and literacy! Whether you’re a parent guiding your child’s first steps into reading or an educator looking for fresh ideas, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore over 25 sight word games and activities – those commonly used words that young readers should, with…

50 ESL Conversation Topics for Grade / Primary School Students.

ByMaking English Fun! January 16, 2024May 20, 2024

Today, we’re broadening our conversation topics to include the curious and imaginative minds of primary school students. Learning English as a second language at this age can be a thrilling and enriching experience. Engaging in meaningful and thought-provoking conversations plays a crucial role in this educational journey. In this article, we present a collection of…

How to Teach Hard and Soft C sounds.

ByMaking English Fun! December 27, 2023December 27, 2023

The hard and soft sounds of the letter ‘C’ are very common and very confusing in English. luckily there are some hard and fast ( mostly) rules you can teach your children and students. The hard ‘C’ sound, as heard in words like ‘cat’ and ‘cup,’ differs significantly from the soft ‘C’ sound found in…

How to Teach Hard and Soft G Sounds.

ByMaking English Fun! December 26, 2023December 27, 2023

Teaching the sounds of the English language is a key part of literacy education. Among these sounds, the hard and soft ‘G’ sounds are particularly important due to their frequent use in the language. Understanding the difference between these two sounds is essential for accurate pronunciation and spelling. To teach hard and soft ‘G’ sounds,…

Closed Syllable Exceptions List and Printable

ByMaking English Fun! December 26, 2023January 31, 2025

Closed syllables are a fundamental concept in English phonics, affecting how vowel sounds are pronounced. In most cases, a closed syllable, where a vowel is followed by a consonant, results in the vowel having a short sound. However, there are exceptions to this rule, known as closed syllable exceptions. These exceptions are important for understanding…

What are ‘Glued Sounds” in English

ByMaking English Fun! December 20, 2023December 20, 2023

Phonics is a fundamental method used in teaching reading and writing, especially in early education. Within phonics, one intriguing aspect is the concept of ‘glued sounds’ or ‘welded sounds.’ These are unique sound combinations that, when put together, create a distinct sound. Glued sounds in phonics are letter combinations that form distinct sounds, crucial for…

What are the Syllable Division Rules

ByMaking English Fun! December 19, 2023December 19, 2023

Whether you’re a language learner or a teacher, understanding how to divide words into syllables is incredibly useful. Syllable division is more than just a learning for the sake of it, it is essential for spelling, reading and the rhythm of speech. Syllable division rules in English include the Vowel-Consonant-Vowel (VCV) rule, Consonant Blend/Digraph Rule,…

Sound Box / Elkonin Box Printables

ByMaking English Fun! December 16, 2023December 16, 2023

As the saying goes if it ain’t broke dont fix it, and no more so does this apply than with Elkonin Boxes, more commonly known as Sound Box, even after 70 years they still stand out for their simplicity and effectiveness. In this guide, we will explain how to use, how to make and for…

Schwa Word List

ByMaking English Fun! December 15, 2023December 15, 2023

The schwa. This unique sound plays a vital role in English pronunciation and while often overlooked it is a key sound in English, and actually the most commonly heard – or misheard sound in English. In this article, we’ll uncover the mysteries of the schwa sound, providing insights into its use and a comprehensive list…