IBG Phonic Program

The use of technology provides both parents and  children with countless software for making learning fun and easy. The use of educational software has become an integral part of education in both homes and schools. In Trinidad and Tobago, our education system is no different. Many schools in Trinidad use the I.B.G. Phonic programme as part of their literacy strategy. This Programme was developed with the intention of eliminating illiteracy in Trinidad and Tobago by Olive Reyes-Clarke, more than twenty years ago.

In recent times schools in Trinidad and Tobago adopted this programme as an integral part of its teaching technique. The programme teaches students not only to read but also to spell. As a teacher and parent, through personal experience with the programme, I have found the programme to be quite on target and helpful in getting children to develop reading in a short time. This programme is equipped with exciting pieces of music loaded with rich content to aid in increasing the concentration span of young children who are usually easily distracted.

The programme features two volumes. Volume one contains two sixty-minute musical audio CDs, an alphabet, vowel and consonant chart, a word-building book with letters for building words, a reading book and a Parent/Teacher Guidebook. This volume mainly targets younger children, although it is also suitable for older children who did not acquire the basic phonemic skills. It aims at getting young children to develop reading in a short time.

Volume one is appropriate for use in the first year infants department as a visual and audio aid to the resources of the school. Teachers can easily play the CD for students to sing along while using the charts and flash cards to assist with visual aids.

Volume two contains two 60-minute audio CD, phonic drill charts, consonant blends booklets, and workbooks together with five drill charts. It aims to further drill phonics and developing composition, comprehension and vocabulary.

Toddlers, pre-schoolers and children of primary school age all derive pleasure and excitement from using this programme. Its rhythmic melodies, captivates the child and even adult who sings along with the songs not even realising that they are learning. This method of learning keeps children interested in the activities.

The key to learning is repetition. The IBG Phonics Programme facilitates repetition. I some cases children hear and say letter sounds as many as twenty-one times. This technique of repetition helps the child form a strong bond between letter and sound. The remarkable thing about this programme is that children learn and do not realise that they are learning, the process is so relaxing. They are also evaluated without even knowing it. This inspired By God (IBG) Phonic Programme is truly an asset to any home or school. Visit the website at http://www.ibgphonic.com/