Exeter teacher launches Fonics app
A primary school teacher from Devon has launched a new app, 'Fonics' designed to help 3-6 year olds learn to read more efficiently.
With backing from the Government and Virgin start-up, 25-year-old Sophie Cooper who lives in Exeter has got an exciting 2016 ahead of her.
Sophie Cooper: “The way we learn in schools is changing. Digitalisation and e-learning tools are becoming major players in the classroom. Tools that can instantly track and record a student’s progress allow teachers to review their classes work at the end of the each day and tailor tomorrow’s lessons specifically to their classes needs. Fonics is a prime example of such a tool.”
"Fonics works by using 'gamification', a term used in the tech industry to describe the use of games in teaching and learning.
“By making the lessons fun, students learn without even realising it. Each student has their own game, their own score and their own level - allowing them to improve their reading at their own pace.
"Fonics is more than just a resource for teachers and students. Miss Cooper believes one of the most important factors to improving literacy and reading is promoting reading at home.
“We have created bookmarks which go home in the students books each night and are designed to help parents understand how they can best help their children with their reading.”
The app is due to be launched at the end of January, but schools can register now.
Miss Cooper, who still teaches full time while working on Fonics in the evenings continued: “Tech start ups are not easy to get off the ground, so we want to reward those who help us from the very beginning. We have set up an 'Early Adopters Club' which is open to all those who sign up before we formally launch, where members will be able to win special prizes for their class such as books or trips to the zoo, museums etc.”
The app, which follows the National Curriculum in England, also helps teachers prepare their class for the 'Screening Check'.
Introduced by the Government in 2012, the check is the first official test of a student’s career, and measures a student's ability to read 32 out of 40 words correctly. In 2014, over one in four children failed this check.
“Reading attainment has rightly received great focus from the Educational Department in the past few years, and there has been great improvements, but there is more work to do.”
In March 2015 the Department for Education said 'Nothing is more important in Education than ensuring every child can read well, those who cannot will find themselves at a constant disadvantage.'
Miss Cooper added. “The thought that over a quarter of the country are falling behind in their very first test of their school careers is what drives me. It is my hope that students enjoy playing Fonics so much that we can help to increase literacy rates not only in England but around the world.”
Visit www.fonics.co.uk
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/li4KySS0Bps
