Reading

Reading Aloud vs Reading Silently: The Science Behind Better Reading

Can Children Develop Their Reading Skills Better With Reading Aloud?
When incorporating ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) technology into children’s reading, reading aloud is the primary method used. This allows the technology to assess and track their reading development. While silent reading certainly has its place in a well-rounded reading strategy, there is a compelling case for giving reading aloud a more prominent role.

But how does reading aloud compare to the traditional method of silent reading when it comes to developing children’s reading skills?

What is Reading?
To compare the benefits of reading aloud and reading silently, it’s essential to understand what reading involves. According to the national curriculum, the ‘Simple View of Reading’ model proposed by Philip Gough and William Tunmer (1986) breaks reading down into two main components:

  1. Decoding (word reading) – the ability to recognise words, often by sounding them out and blending phonemes together.
  2. Language comprehension – the ability to derive meaning from words, sentences, and context.

Both decoding and comprehension are necessary for becoming a proficient reader. Research shows that once children can decode accurately and quickly, putting in the ‘reading miles’ is key to further development.

How Reading Aloud Supports Decoding Skills

Phonics and Word Recognition
Children learn to decode words through phonics instruction, typically in Key Stage 1. The introduction of phonics screening checks in 2012 has led to significant improvements in word recognition, with 89% of pupils meeting the expected standard by the end of KS1 in 2023.

While phonics instruction is crucial, reading aloud reinforces these skills by exposing children to phonemes in different contexts and improving recall. Producing sounds themselves – rather than simply imagining them through reading silently – enhances their ability to internalise letter-sound mappings. This is especially helpful for encountering unfamiliar words.

Fluency Development
Fluency acts as a bridge between decoding and comprehension. A fluent reader reads accurately, at an appropriate speed, and with correct intonation (prosody). The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) suggests that reading at around 90 words per minute is a good fluency benchmark for KS1 pupils. Reading aloud helps children:

  • Adjust their reading speed to avoid stumbling.
  • Engage more with punctuation for natural-sounding speech.
  • Apply stress and intonation, making reading more engaging.

Greater fluency fosters enjoyment, encouraging children to read more often.

Oracy and Speaking Skills
Reading aloud also strengthens oracy skills – the ability to express oneself clearly through spoken language. Surveys suggest pupils who would benefit most from more speaking activities include:

  • Pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL) –- 73%
  • Disadvantaged pupils – 71%
  • Pupils with low attainment – 68%

Reading aloud provides a valuable opportunity to develop these skills, particularly for children from language-poor households with fewer conversational opportunities.

Building Confidence
Confidence is a significant barrier to participation in reading and public speaking activities. Only 45% of children reported feeling confident in their reading in 2021, a drop of 8 percentage points from 2016. Reading aloud, especially in a private setting, allows children to build confidence independently before progressing to reading in front of peers.

How Reading Aloud Supports Language Comprehension

Closing the Vocabulary Gap
Before children learn to read, they develop vocabulary through speaking and listening. However, children from language-poor households hear significantly fewer words than their peers. Studies estimate this ‘word gap’ can reach tens of millions of words by the time children start school. For example, children from literacy-rich households who are read to regularly will have heard 1,483,300 words by age five, compared to 63,750 words for those read to only a few times a week.

Reading aloud can bridge this gap by providing additional language exposure and reinforcing new vocabulary through speaking practice.

Improved Retention and Recall
Reading comprehension depends on the ability to retain and recall information. Research consistently shows that children remember words and information better when they read aloud compared to reading silently. One study found that children recognised 87% of words read aloud compared to 70% of words read silently.

This is due to the ‘production effect’ – the combination of speaking words (motor activity) and hearing them spoken (auditory input), which strengthens memory retention.

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) recommends oral reading as a method for improving comprehension, and studies suggest oral language training leads to significant improvements in reading comprehension.

Key Takeaways: Reading Aloud vs. Silent Reading
The reading framework states that reading volume – or “reading miles” – is critical to developing reading skills. While both reading aloud and silent reading contribute to this, reading aloud has distinct advantages:

  • Supports phonics progress – Reinforces phonics knowledge through active speech production.
  • Develops fluency – Helps children read more naturally with appropriate pacing, stress, and intonation.
  • Improves oracy skills – Enhances spoken language abilities, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
  • Builds confidence – Reduces anxiety around public reading and speaking.
  • Enhances retention and recall – The ‘production effect’ leads to greater memory of words and information.

Given these benefits, reading aloud should play a greater role in national reading strategies. Increased emphasis on reading aloud in education frameworks and curricula could significantly enhance children’s reading proficiency, confidence, and overall language development.

Posted in Automatic Speech Recognition, EAL, Insights, Reading

Level up Literacy: How gamification is making reading more engaging

The Current State of Children’s Reading in the UK
The state of children’s reading in the UK is concerning. In the 2023/24 academic year, 26% of Year 6 pupils in England left primary school without meeting the expected standard in reading. This statistic has remained stagnant over time, highlighting a persistent challenge in literacy education.

Beyond test scores, children’s enjoyment of reading is also in decline. In 2024, reading for pleasure was at a record low, with only 34.6% of children reporting that they enjoyed reading, according to the National Literacy Trust. This is a worrying 8.8 percentage point drop from 2023.

If children do not enjoy reading, they are less likely to engage with it regularly. This trend is reflected in the data: just 20.5% of children report reading daily – a nearly 50% decline over the past two decades.

Why Reading for Enjoyment Matters
Reading is a skill that improves with practice. Children who read frequently for enjoyment effectively give themselves additional reading lessons, strengthening their comprehension and overall academic performance.

The impact of reading enjoyment on literacy outcomes is well-documented. The 2021 PIRLS study found that pupils who enjoyed reading scored an average of 34 points higher than those who did not. Additionally, the 2022 PISA study highlighted reading enjoyment as a key factor in mitigating inequalities in reading attainment across gender and socio-economic status.

The UK’s Reading Framework supports this perspective, explaining that “once pupils can decode accurately and speedily, reading a lot is the principal way they develop as readers.” This concept, known as ‘reading miles,’ underscores the importance of frequent reading in skill development.

A Need for Change
Given the stagnation in reading levels and the decline in reading enjoyment and frequency, a shift in strategy is necessary. A new approach is required to re-engage children in reading and to provide opportunities for them to develop literacy skills in a way that aligns with their interests and habits in a digital world.

The Role of ASR and Gamification
At Fonetti, we believe that increasing children’s enjoyment, confidence, and frequency of reading is a powerful way to combat the stagnation in reading progress. Technology – particularly Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) – offers a valuable tool for achieving this goal.

If designed inclusively and responsibly, ASR can transform the reading experience by enabling gamification and independent reading aloud practice. Moreover, ASR facilitates automatic progress tracking, providing valuable insights into a child’s reading development.

The Benefits of Gamification
In the digital age, children are naturally drawn to interactive and game-like experiences. Gamification in education enhances engagement by presenting learning as an enjoyable challenge rather than a chore. Features such as leaderboards, rewards, and achievement milestones make learning more compelling and motivate students to participate voluntarily.

When integrated with ASR, gamification can significantly enhance reading practice:

  • Real-Time Feedback: ASR technology provides immediate feedback on reading accuracy, making it easier to gamify the process with scoring systems, rewards, and progress tracking.
  • Increased Enjoyment: The PIRLS 2021 study showed that children who enjoyed reading performed better. Gamifying the reading experience can boost enjoyment, leading to better outcomes.
  • Independent Reading Confidence: ASR allows children to practice reading aloud without adult supervision, reducing performance anxiety and encouraging experimentation with fluency and intonation.
  • Personalised Learning: Children receive automatic feedback on mispronounced words, reinforcing phonics knowledge and allowing for targeted improvement.

Evidence from the National Read Aloud Challenge (NRAC)
The success of gamified reading experiences is supported by data from Fonetti’s 2024 National Read Aloud Challenge (NRAC). Preliminary investigations show that gamification plays a significant role in motivating children to read more frequently.

  • Investigation 1: Stars as Motivation for Book Repetition
    • Children who did not achieve a perfect star score in a reading session were more than twice as likely to choose the same book for their next session compared to those who earned three stars. This suggests that rather than being discouraged, many children were motivated to improve their performance, reinforcing their reading practice.
  • Investigation 2: Stars as Motivation for More Reading Sessions
    • For 3-6-year-olds, an increase in star ratings between consecutive reading sessions correlated with a shorter wait time before starting a new session. This was particularly evident among young girls. The results indicate that achieving higher scores encouraged children to read more frequently.
  • Investigation 3: Impact on Reading Progression
    • Another concern is whether gamification encourages children to stick to easier books to maximise scores rather than progressing through reading levels. However, data from NRAC participants shows that regular readers on Fonetti gradually increased their book difficulty over time. This trend was evident across both genders and all age groups, demonstrating that gamification does not hinder progress but rather supports it.

Conclusion: A Transformative Approach to Reading
The data is clear: gamifying the reading experience through ASR can significantly enhance children’s engagement, motivation, and reading frequency. By making reading more enjoyable and rewarding, Fonetti is helping to foster a generation of more confident, proficient readers.

If we are to address the ongoing stagnation in reading levels, we must embrace innovative solutions that align with children’s digital habits and preferences. Gamification, supported by ASR technology, offers a powerful way to achieve this.

Encouraging children to put in the essential ‘reading miles’ that lead to lifelong literacy success.

Posted in Automatic Speech Recognition, Insights, Literacy, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

The State of Reading in 2024: What Does the Data Say?

As we bid farewell to 2024 and embrace a new year, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the state of reading in the UK. Despite growing recognition of literacy’s critical importance, 2024 brought a mix of challenges and opportunities that highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve reading skills and habits.

The Literacy Skills of UK Adults
The 2024 OECD Survey of Adult Skills painted a concerning picture of adult literacy in England. Nearly half (49%) of working-age adults (16-65) scored at a level below the minimum literacy skills required for coping with everyday life, with 17.5% of adults being classed as having very poor literacy skills. Alarmingly, this marks a rise in the proportion of adults with the lowest literacy levels since the previous survey, raising questions about the pipeline of literacy education after childhood.

The End of KS2: A Critical Benchmark
Year 6 marks a pivotal milestone for children as they transition from primary to secondary school. Yet, data from the 2023/24 academic year reveals that 26% of Year 6 pupils – equivalent to 170,640 children – failed to meet the expected reading standard. Despite a marginal improvement from the previous year, these figures suggest that a significant proportion of children are entering secondary school without the reading skills needed to access the curriculum effectively, putting their future learning at risk.

Declining Reading Enjoyment and Frequency
Reading for pleasure is a cornerstone of literacy development, yet 2024 saw the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and frequency among children since records began in 2005. Only 34.6% of children reported enjoying reading, a dramatic 8.8 percentage point drop from 2023. Equally concerning, just 20.5% of children read daily, marking a nearly 50% decline in daily reading habits over the past two decades.

This decline matters because children who enjoy reading and read frequently are more likely to achieve higher literacy outcomes. The National Literacy Trust found that children who enjoy reading had significantly higher reading scores than those who didn’t, highlighting the intrinsic link between pleasure, practice, and proficiency.

The Role of Technology in Transforming Reading
As these challenges persist, technology offers a beacon of hope. Tools like Fonetti: The Read Aloud App are uniquely positioned to address declining literacy rates by combining cutting-edge innovation with a focus on enjoyment and accessibility.

Fonetti’s interactive reading platform not only engages children with fun, immersive experiences but also uses Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to provide real-time feedback on their reading. This gamified approach encourages children to read more often, boosting both their confidence and competence. Importantly, Fonetti aligns with the Reading Framework’s emphasis on ‘reading miles’ – the practice of reading widely and regularly to develop proficiency.

A Call to Action
Improving the state of children’s reading in the UK requires collective action from educators, policymakers, parents, and tech innovators. Platforms like Fonetti demonstrate that it is possible to make reading enjoyable and accessible while empowering children to develop lifelong literacy skills.

As we step into 2025, the focus must remain on equipping every child with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive – because the ability to read is not just a fundamental skill; it’s the foundation of future success.

Together, we can rewrite the story of literacy in the UK.

Posted in Automatic Speech Recognition, Insights, Reading, Research

Celebrate National Read a Book Day with Fonetti!

Each year on September 6th, National Read a Book Day invites us all to take a moment and dive into the magic of reading. Whether you prefer to curl up with a good book or share a story with family and friends, this special day encourages everyone to step away from the hustle and bustle of life and get lost in the world of words. At Fonetti, we’re passionate about helping children develop a lifelong love for reading – and we believe there’s no better way to celebrate National Read a Book Day than by reading with us!

The Magic of Reading Aloud
Reading aloud is a wonderful way for children to engage with stories and learn to express themselves with confidence. Not only does it improve their reading fluency, but it also boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and public speaking skills. There’s something magical about giving characters a voice and bringing stories to life, especially when children can practice their reading in a supportive environment.

That’s where Fonetti comes in. Our interactive app encourages kids to read aloud, track their progress, and build the confidence they need to become strong, enthusiastic readers. With our voice recognition technology, children receive instant feedback on their reading, helping them to improve while having fun.

Why Celebrate with Fonetti?
National Read a Book Day is the perfect opportunity to help your child explore new stories while honing their reading skills. Whether your little one is just starting to read or already a budding bookworm, Fonetti offers a wide range of books to suit every level and interest. From adventures to fairy tales, every story on Fonetti can be read aloud, giving children the chance to become the narrator of their own story.

Plus, reading out loud isn’t just beneficial for individual development; it can be a beautiful bonding experience. Sitting down to read with family, sharing stories, and listening to your child’s progress fosters a love for storytelling and creates lasting memories.

The Benefits of Reading Aloud
Reading a book out loud offers a wealth of benefits for children:

  • Improves Literacy Skills: Reading aloud sharpens pronunciation, fluency, and understanding, all while boosting vocabulary.
  • Builds Confidence: As children practice reading aloud, they become more comfortable with public speaking and expressing themselves in front of others.
  • Enhances Comprehension: Listening to stories and reading aloud help children grasp the meaning behind the text, leading to better retention of the story’s plot, characters, and themes.
  • Strengthens Focus: Reading aloud requires concentration and attention to detail, helping children develop focus and discipline.
  • Encourages Creativity: By reading stories out loud, children use their imagination to visualise scenes and characters, sparking creativity.

At Fonetti, we believe that every child has the potential to be a confident reader. National Read a Book Day is a wonderful chance to inspire your child to read more, learn more, and – most importantly – enjoy the process.

Get Started with Fonetti
This National Read a Book Day, why not encourage your child to explore the world of books with Fonetti? With our app, reading aloud becomes an engaging, rewarding experience, empowering children to read, improve, and gain confidence every step of the way.

So, grab a book (or two), sit down with your child, and celebrate National Read a Book Day with us. Together, we can help create the next generation of passionate readers!

Happy reading!

Posted in News, Reading, Team Fonetti

Is reading the most effective homework we can assign children?

Reading is an essential skill that serves as the foundation for academic success and personal growth. In today’s fast-paced world, it is more important than ever to cultivate a love for reading in children from an early age. But with so many activities vying for their attention, is reading still the best form of homework we can give our children? In this blog, we will explore the benefits of reading as homework and why it should continue to be a priority for parents and educators.

The Power of Reading
Reading is more than just decoding words on a page. It opens up a whole new world of imagination, knowledge, and creativity. Through books, children can experience different cultures, understand complex concepts, and develop critical thinking skills. Reading also helps build vocabulary, improves concentration, and enhances memory retention. In short, reading is a superpower that can equip children with the tools they need to succeed in life.

Advantages of Reading as Homework
Giving children reading assignments as homework not only reinforces the skills they learn in school but also offers additional benefits. Firstly, it allows for independent learning and encourages self-directed study habits. This is especially important in today’s education system, where self-motivation and time management are crucial skills. Secondly, reading as homework can also involve the whole family, promoting a positive bonding experience and creating a supportive learning environment for the child.

The Impact of Digital Devices
With the increase in digital devices, children are growing tech-savvy and showing a genuine interest in all things tech. This presents a remarkable opportunity to foster a love for reading by intertwining technology with books so we should leverage this enthusiasm to empower children and ignite their passion for reading!

Encouraging a Love for Reading
Children are more likely to enjoy reading when they have the freedom to choose their own books. Parents and educators can encourage this by providing a wide variety of reading materials, including fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels. It is also essential to create a comfortable and inviting reading space for children, free from distractions and noise. By making reading an enjoyable and rewarding experience, children are more likely to develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

Reading is undoubtedly the best homework we can give our children. It not only helps them academically but also fosters personal growth and development. By promoting a love for reading from an early age, we are equipping our children with the skills and tools they need to succeed in life. 

By utilising Fonetti in schools, teachers can assign reading homework to students through the platform and effortlessly monitor their progress. This includes tracking completion of reading tasks, assessing reading speed and accuracy, as well as identifying any specific areas where additional support may be required. So let’s make reading a priority and watch our children thrive. 

In the pursuit of cultivating lifelong readers, Fonetti has introduced the annual National Read-Aloud Challenge. This free initiative grants schools and users complimentary access to the app during summer months of June, July and August, aiming to combat summer reading regression and instil a love for reading in children.

To support your children reading at home, enrol your school or child in this year’s challenge, visit https://www.readaloudchallenge.co.uk/ and engage with this enriching opportunity.

Posted in National Read Aloud Challenge, Insights, Reading

Supporting Struggling Readers with Special Education Needs

Children with SEND can often face additional barriers in learning to read. These may include difficulties with phonics, decoding, comprehension or fluency. They may also struggle with processing and retaining information, making it harder for them to make connections between words and concepts. Additionally, some children may have physical disabilities that affect their ability to hold books or turn pages.

Identifying the Needs
It is important to identify the specific needs of each individual child as they may vary greatly. Some pupils may require multi-sensory approaches to learning, while others may need assistive technology to support their reading. It is also important to consider any emotional or behavioural challenges that a child with SEND may face, as these can impact their ability to focus and engage in reading activities.

Tips for Supporting Struggling Readers

  1. Keep an open dialogue with the pupil’s parents or caregivers to better understand their individual needs and any challenges they may face at home.
  2. Use a variety of teaching strategies, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology-based learning, to keep the child engaged and interested in reading.
  3. Incorporate multi-sensory techniques into your lessons to help students make connections between words and concepts. For example, use hand gestures or actions to represent different sounds and words.
  4. Encourage children to use assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or audiobooks, to support their reading. This can help them overcome physical challenges and stay engaged in the learning process.
  5. Provide opportunities for pupils to practise reading in a safe and supportive environment, where they can make mistakes without fear of judgement. This will help build their confidence and motivation.
  6. Use positive reinforcement and praise to acknowledge a child’s progress and efforts in reading. This will help boost their self-esteem and encourage them to continue improving.
  7. Collaborate with other educators and specialists, such as special education teachers or speech therapists, to develop personalised strategies for supporting struggling readers with SEND.

By understanding the challenges faced by children with SEND and implementing practical strategies, we can provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all pupils. With patience, flexibility, and collaboration, we can help struggling readers with SEND overcome their barriers and achieve success in reading. 

What is Fonetti and how can it help struggling readers with SEND?
Fonetti is a reading platform designed for read-aloud practice. It has been meticulously developed to nurture children’s oracy and fluency skills, enabling them to become confident, independent readers. 

Fonetti provides invaluable support and instant feedback to engage children with SEND. Clear progress tracking and milestone achievements motivate children to read more and strive towards their next targets. By incorporating gamification, Fonetti captivates tech-savvy children, fostering a love for reading even among reluctant readers. Through visual reading, reading aloud, and listening for accuracy, we facilitate optimal knowledge retention, enabling children to enhance their literacy skills at an accelerated pace.

The fear of reading aloud in front of peers and adults increases anxiety and can overwhelm struggling readers, particularly those with SEND. Fonetti is an independent reading tool that creates a safe space for children to build confidence and make progress without judgement or the need to wait for help.

Fonetti supports dyslexia-friendly fonts and allows pausing for shorter attention spans, offering an inclusive alternative to print. When used within schools, children are unaware of their reading level in the app to prevent discouragement from peers.

In addition to improving reading skills, Fonetti supports children in regulating emotions and mental health. Books allow children to develop imagination, curiosity, and better understanding of emotions.

Reading aloud with Fonetti keeps children focused, helping them regulate their emotions and enhance their overall well-being.

Posted in SEND, Insights, Reading

Teaching Reading Across the Curriculum in Primary Schools

As educators, one of our main objectives is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their future endeavours. While reading may seem like a subject that falls under the English curriculum, it is actually a vital skill that is crucial in all subjects. That is why it is imperative that we start teaching reading across the curriculum in primary school.

What is Reading Across the Curriculum?
Reading is not just about decoding words on a page, but also about comprehending and analysing information. By incorporating reading into other subjects such as maths, science, and foundation subjects, students are able to practise their reading skills in a variety of contexts. This not only enhances their understanding of the subject matter but also helps them develop critical thinking skills.

Why is it Important?

Develops Critical Thinking Skills
Reading across the curriculum requires children to actively engage with texts, which helps develop critical thinking skills. By analysing and interpreting written information from different subjects, children learn to think critically and make connections between different ideas and concepts.

Enhances Vocabulary and Language Proficiency
Exposing children to a range of subject-specific texts can greatly enhance their vocabulary and language proficiency. By reading texts from different areas of the curriculum, students are exposed to a variety of terminology and language styles, which can significantly improve their overall communication skills.

Fosters Lifelong Learning
Reading is a lifelong skill that extends beyond the classroom. When students learn how to read critically and effectively across all subjects, they develop a love for learning and become independent learners. This helps them to continue learning and growing even after they leave school.

Prepares Students for Future Academic and Career Success
In today’s information-driven society, the ability to read critically is essential for academic and career success. By teaching reading across the curriculum, we are equipping students with a crucial skill that will benefit them in higher education and their future careers.

How Can We Implement Reading Across the Curriculum?

  • Incorporate Texts from Different Subjects
    • As educators, we can incorporate subject-specific texts into our lessons to expose students to a range of materials. This can include news articles, biographies, diary entries, and more.
  • Teach Reading Strategies
    • It is important to teach reading strategies explicitly across all subjects. These can include skimming and scanning, making predictions, summarising, and more. By teaching these strategies, students can become more efficient readers.
  • Collaborate with Other Teachers
    • Collaboration between teachers and speaking to subject leaders is key to successfully implementing reading across the curriculum. By working together, educators can create cross-curricular activities that promote reading skills in their respective subject areas.

How can you use Fonetti to support reading across the curriculum?
Fonetti offers a wide range of books that cover various subjects vital to the curriculum, including Geography, Science, Maths, and PSHE. These resources provide comprehensive support, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for children.

If a specific subject is being taught and you wish all students to read a related book, our school portal allows you to assign the book to the entire class. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple copies, giving all children access to the curriculum-based book. Once everyone has read the book, you can facilitate topic-related discussions to further enrich their learning.

Posted in Reading, Insights

Celebrating International Children’s Book Day

International Children’s Book Day is an annual event celebrated on (or around) April 2nd to promote the love for reading among children. It was established in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) to encourage children to read more and develop a strong foundation for literacy skills.

The date, April 2nd, was chosen as it coincides with the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish author known for his fairy tales such as “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling”. Andersen’s stories have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired generations of children.

On this day, various activities are organised by schools, libraries, bookstores and other organisations to celebrate the joy of reading. Children are encouraged to explore different genres of books, from picture books and graphic novels to chapter books and non-fiction. They are also introduced to authors from different countries and cultures, giving them a glimpse into the diverse world of literature.

One of the main objectives of International Children’s Book Day is to promote cultural understanding through literature. Children’s books have the power to transcend borders and connect people from different backgrounds. By reading books from diverse cultures, children can gain a better understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

Apart from promoting literacy and cultural understanding, International Children’s Book Day also aims to instil a love for books in children. Reading has numerous benefits for children, including improving vocabulary, concentration, and imagination. It also helps them develop critical thinking skills and empathy.

In addition to the activities organised on April 2nd, IBBY also selects a different country each year to be the focus of International Children’s Book Day. This country is then highlighted through events and promotions throughout the year, showcasing their literature and promoting cultural exchange.

Overall, International Children’s Book Day serves as a reminder of the importance of reading in a child’s development and celebrates the power of books to educate, entertain, and inspire young minds. Let us continue to spread the love for reading among children and help them discover the wonders that lie within the pages of a book. 

Happy International Children’s Book Day! 

Posted in News, Insights, Reading

World Poetry Day: Why Poetry Matters to Children’s Education

Poetry is an art form that has existed for centuries, encompassing a wide range of styles and techniques. From Haikus to sonnets, poetry allows us to express ourselves in a unique way.

But why does poetry matter? In today’s fast-paced world, where everything seems to be about efficiency and productivity, it’s easy to dismiss poetry as something that is irrelevant or outdated. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, poetry has great value, especially for children.

Developing Creativity and Imagination
One of the main reasons why poetry matters for children is that it helps develop their creativity and imagination. By reading or writing poems, children are exposed to different perspectives and ideas in a playful and imaginative way. This encourages them to think outside the box and come up with their own interpretations and ideas.

Enhancing Language Skills
Poetry also plays a crucial role in enhancing language skills for children. Through rhyming, rhythm, and imagery, children are exposed to new vocabulary and linguistic structures that help improve their reading and writing abilities. Furthermore, poetry encourages children to experiment with language and express themselves in a unique and creative manner.

Emotional Intelligence
Another important aspect of poetry is that it helps children develop emotional intelligence. By reading or writing poems, children are able to explore their own emotions and understand the feelings of others. This not only fosters empathy but also allows kids to learn how to effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings.

Reading Aloud
Poetry serves as a wonderful tool to assist children in their journey of reading aloud. The melodic rhymes and rhythmic patterns inherent in poetry facilitate a smoother reading experience, enabling young readers to enhance their pronunciation, fluency, and overall reading skills. 

As the CLPE states, ‘Poetry is many children’s route into reading. Its rhythms and patterns introduce children to a range of reading skills. Children naturally pick up rhymes and rhythms, they want to join in, they enjoy the experience – and a rich experience of hearing and learning poems is a fantastic way of learning how language works.’

https://clpe.org.uk/system/files/Poetry%20in%20Primary%20Schools_0.pdf

Have you read Fonetti’s poetry collection?
The Fonetti in-app library offers a vast collection of poetry books with a range of captivating themes. All you need to do is type the word the poetry in the search section and you will be able to immerse yourself in the delightful art of wordplay and rhyme. 

Take a look at the below books available for free on the Fonetti App, for one week only. In aid of this special day:

  • Message from the Moon
  • Beetle in the Bathroom
  • How Many Points for a Panda?

Posted in News, Reading

Celebrate World Book Day in the Digital World of Reading with Fonetti

World Book Day 2024: A Digital Revolution in Reading

World Book Day has always been a celebration of stories, a tribute to the authors who transport us to distant lands and imaginary realms, and an ode to the power of reading. But this 2024, the day of books takes a revolutionarily digital turn. For teachers and parents dedicated to fostering a love for reading, this isn’t just an update; it’s an opportunity.

Join the digital parade of pages turning and spark an ocean of new narratives with Fonetti – a new-age beacon in the digital reading cosmos. Step out of the conventional reading nooks and into this digital universe this World Book Day, enriching the experience for young readers, and marking the start of a new chapter in EdTech innovation.

The Interactive Ecosystem of Reading
Fonetti is not just another educational app; it’s an entire ecosystem, with the sole purpose of making reading more inclusive, more immersive, and ultimately, more enjoyable. Gone are the days when reading was a solitary pursuit; with Fonetti, it became a collective adventure, a vibrant community where each word read is an accomplishment celebrated.

Imagine a reading assessment tool that listens to your child’s reading and provides instant, encouraging feedback. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the heart of Fonetti. It empowers children with a sense of autonomy and progression while filling the space around them with an orchestra of applause for their linguistic exploits.

The Beacon for Struggling Readers
Not every child’s voyage through the world of words is a smooth sail. For the reluctant reader or the one grappling with dyslexia, traditional reading passages can often feel like unscalable cliffs, daunting and insurmountable. Fonetti changes the narrative, quite literally, by providing a supportive platform for reading, one which adapts to the reader’s pace and capabilities.

Its unique speech recognition technology helps struggling readers by offering immediate support – think of it as Alexa but for reading, nurturing their skills and, most importantly, their confidence. Fonetti turns reading into a less intimidating, more personalised experience, breaking down the barriers that might otherwise keep a child from exploring the world of literature.

Engaging and Empowering the Modern Teacher
What good are tools for the learner if they do not serve the mentor? Fonetti doesn’t just cater to the students; it equips teachers with a robust dashboard that provides insights into each child’s reading progress. It’s like having x-ray vision into the reading habits of your class, allowing for tailored guidance and a personalised approach to teaching reading.

This World Book Day, teachers can revolutionise the way they approach reading assessments, transform intervention strategies, and even gamify the reading experience – all thanks to Fonetti. It’s the modern teacher’s companion, giving the gift of time, efficiency, and a new perspective on the impact of their work.

Community of Literacy Champions
Fonetti is more than an app; it’s a catalyst for a community of educators, parents, and technology enthusiasts who are advocates for literacy in the 21st century. It encourages collaboration and interaction, fostering partnerships that share the same vision and passion for reading.

Join the conversation, become a part of the vibrant community, and kick off World Book Day with a pledge to introduce Fonetti into the lives of the young learners in your orbit. With Fonetti, you’re not just adopting a tool; you’re becoming a champion of progress, promoting literacy one digital page at a time.

Celebrate with Fonetti
This World Book Day, the digital world of reading with Fonetti stands ready to be embraced by the hands of every teacher and parent committed to nurturing the next generation of readers. It presents a prime opportunity to bridge the traditional and the digital – to tap into the vast benefits of technology without losing the warmth and magic of a printed book.

For those who wish to make a lasting difference in the way children engage with reading, step boldly into the digital sphere with Fonetti. It’s a choice that echoes the spirit of World Book Day, a commitment to the timeless power of stories, and a belief in the narrative-altering might of technology.

Could there be a more fitting way to embody the World Book Day 2024 theme of reinvention and creativity through reading than to adopt Fonetti into your educational toolkit? I think not. It’s time to open the digital doors of possibility and celebrate the day of books in style, substance, and innovation.

With Fonetti, the future of reading is now.

Posted in News, Appearances, Automatic Speech Recognition, Reading