Reading

Ignite children’s Christmas imagination through reading!

With Christmas right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to ignite children’s excitement and imagination! Dive into the joyful tradition of reading Christmas books – from heartwarming stories of Santa and his reindeer to enchanting tales of holiday miracles. The world of books has it all to get children immersed in the festive spirit. 

At Fonetti, we’ve got a fabulous selection of books curated just for Christmas. These enchanting reads will transport your children into a world filled with festive cheer. Get ready for a magical journey with heartwarming stories, captivating illustrations, and charming characters. 

Fonetti’s Top Christmas Picks

Farmer Christmas 
‘Farmer Christmas’ is a heartwarming children’s tale written by the talented author, Tom Larkin. This captivating story takes young readers on a magical journey through the enchanting realm of Farmer Christmas. In this extraordinary world, he’s given an important task that holds the key to Christmas this year! Delve into this book to discover the important role that Farmer Christmas has to take on!

It was the Night Before Christmas
‘It was the Night Before Christmas’ is a heartwarming tale that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Set in a cosy home adorned with twinkling lights and a crackling fireplace, this enchanting story follows a family as they anticipate Santa Claus’s arrival on Christmas Eve. The children are filled with excitement, while the parents are getting ready. As the night grows darker and colder, the magic of Christmas comes alive with sleigh bells and reindeer hooves on the rooftop. This beloved classic captures the holiday spirit and reminds us of the wonder and magic of Christmas. 

Searching for Santa
Get ready to delve into the enchanting world of Max the Meerkat as you discover his heartfelt desire for Christmas. Max dreams of gifting his beloved grandpa with a fresh cap. But the question remains, how will Max manage to convey this special wish to Santa Claus himself? This captivating tale is sure to spark joy and leave you wanting more. 

The Unexpected Guest
Since his dad had disappeared 5 years ago, things have been tough for Dian. That absence left a gaping hole that seemed impossible to fill. But guess what? On Christmas Eve, when everyone was asleep, there was a knock at the door. Dian was curious and felt a tiny spark of hope. He slowly opened the door, wondering who it could be. Read this heartwarming book that beautifully captures the true meaning of Christmas. 

Mike & Meela: Santa’s Bunny Elves
When Bunny fears that Santa won’t leave him any presents because of his poor behaviour, he’s determined to talk to him. Unfortunately, in his attempt to chat, Buns accidentally derails Santa’s Christmas schedule. Read this book to see if Mike and Meela can help the rabbits save Christmas and get Santa back on schedule!

Waiting for Santa
Bear is little. He doesn’t talk much. And it’s Christmas. He is very excited (and very tired) and wants to wait for Santa to make sure he gets his gifts. But Mum says it’s bedtime… Will he be able to wait for Santa? Will he find a present under the tree?

Fonetti is excited to announce that in celebration of the holiday season, we will be offering one Christmas-themed book for free each week throughout December. Stay connected with us on our social media platforms to find out which book will be available every week.

Let these enchanting tales inspire your children and ignite their imaginations with festive delight.

Posted in News, Reading

Anti-Bullying Week: Uniting Against Bullying With the NSPCC

Anti-bullying week holds immense importance in the school’s annual calendar. It inspires open and mindful conversations among students, teachers, and staff, fostering a safe and nurturing environment. This dedicated week creates awareness and promotes empathy, kindness, and understanding, empowering the school community to address the impact of bullying.

How can schools celebrate and take part in anti bullying week?

Use the The Anti-Bullying Alliance Resources
The school pack created by the Anti-Bullying Alliance aims to support you in bringing ‘Anti-Bullying Week 2023: Make A Noise’ to life in your primary school or with primary school-aged children in your setting. These valuable resources address both in-person and online bullying, empowering you to effectively tackle this issue.

The pack includes an assembly plan, a lesson plan, and cross-curricular activity ideas that aim to foster students’ awareness of the importance of addressing bullying, both online and offline. It encourages thoughtful reflection on how we can unite to combat this issue.

https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/school-resources/primary-school-pack

Opening Up
Engage in open and meaningful dialogues with the children in your school, enabling them to have a safe space where they can openly express their emotions and thoughts on the subject of bullying. Encourage them to share their experiences, concerns, and perspectives, while emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding. By fostering a culture of care, support, and inclusivity, we can create an environment where every child feels valued and protected.

Read and Relate
Introducing children to books that tackle complex themes provides a valuable avenue for them to understand and express themselves in challenging situations. Bullying, being a sensitive subject, may evoke strong emotions in some children. By relating to the characters in these books, children can find solace and guidance in navigating such circumstances.

Books can serve as a powerful catalyst for fostering class-wide discussions on the subject of bullying, offering children a profound understanding of its significant repercussions. Through literature, young minds can grasp the gravity of this issue, enabling them to develop empathy and compassion for those affected.

Fonetti’s Head of Publishing & Editorial Lead, Neha Sharma, has suggested her top three books available on the Fonetti in app library to support the topic of anti-bullying:

  • Ali and Loki
  • The Island
  • Aife and Stray

As part of our dedication to anti-bullying week, Fonetti will provide free access to these three books on our platform for everyone to enjoy. By doing so, we aim to encourage children to contemplate and grasp the significance of kindness and empathy. Together, let’s unite against bullying and make a difference.

Fonetti supports Anti-Bullying with the NSPCC
Fonetti supports anti-bullying all year round and has joined forces with the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) in a joint mission to protect and nurture childhood. With a tireless commitment to children’s well-being, the NSPCC champions their rights, enabling them to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, including supporting children affected by bullying or harassment. They aim to provide comfort, guidance, and assistance to those facing such challenges.

The NSPCC has endorsed Fonetti, and the brand is committed to donating a percentage of school licence revenue to the charity. As part of the collaboration, the NSPCC has a bank of Fonetti School Portal licences to distribute as needed, along with Fonetti Home user licences.

We are thrilled to have the NSPCC as our charitable partner and deeply admire their wonderful work. Through our collaborative efforts, our aim is to support as many children as possible.

Posted in News, Reading

Mind the Gap! Studies Show a 4,000 Word Vocabulary Gap Exists

Language is a gateway, unlocking the world of reading and igniting our imagination. It amplifies the thrill of writing and empowers us to delve into new realms. Moreover, the influence language can have on an individual’s confidence and wellbeing is significant and has a great impact on academic success. It serves as the foundation for progress, influencing academic achievement from primary to secondary years, shaping self-esteem and behaviour, and profoundly influencing a child’s future success.

What is the vocabulary gap?
The vocabulary gap, which refers to differences in word knowledge and usage, has been observed to be strongly influenced by individuals’ economic backgrounds. Studies have shown that individuals from disadvantaged economic backgrounds tend to have a smaller vocabulary compared to those from more privileged backgrounds. Department for Education research suggests that, by the age of seven, the gap in the vocabulary known by children in the top and bottom quartiles is something like 4,000 words (children in the top quartile know around 7,000 words).

This disparity in vocabulary can have a significant impact on various aspects of individuals’ lives, including educational attainment, employment opportunities, and social interactions. It is therefore crucial to address this issue and work towards reducing the vocabulary gap to promote equality and improve overall language proficiency.

How does the vocabulary gap affect education?
Language is undeniably a critical aspect of academic success. Without a broad vocabulary, the process of learning itself can suffer greatly, especially in fields like reading and writing where vocabulary plays a crucial role. A wide range of words and expressions aids in effective communication, comprehension, and expression of ideas, enabling students to excel and fully engage with educational materials.

In addition to a wide vocabulary being of paramount importance in reading and writing, it also plays a significant role in various other areas of the curriculum. A strong command of words not only enhances one’s ability to comprehend and express ideas effectively, but it also fosters critical thinking, improves communication skills, and enables students to engage more deeply with the subject matter across different areas. Therefore, emphasising the development of a rich vocabulary is crucial in nurturing well-rounded and intellectually curious learners.

What impact does the vocabulary gap have on mental well-being?
When children have a limited vocabulary, it can have a detrimental impact on their mental well-being. Without a wide range of words to draw from, children may struggle to effectively express themselves, which can lead to frustration, self-esteem issues, and even behavioural problems. It is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to recognise the significance of nurturing a child’s language development and providing opportunities for vocabulary enrichment. By doing so, we can empower children to better communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs, promoting their overall emotional development.

How can we close the vocabulary gap?

Talk, talk, talk!

Engaging in conversations with children and consciously incorporating new words not only facilitates effective communication but also serves as a powerful tool for expanding their vocabulary. By actively encouraging linguistic exploration and fostering a nurturing environment, adults can empower children to develop a rich and diverse word bank, aiding them in their language learning journey.

Read aloud
Reading plays a crucial and indispensable role in facilitating vocabulary expansion. By engaging in reading activities, children are not only exposed to a broader spectrum of written words but also have the opportunity to delve into the intricacies and nuances of language that are typically not encountered in everyday conversation. This exposure enriches their linguistic abilities, enhances their comprehension skills, and fosters a lifelong love for literature and learning.

According to the Oxford Language Report, in a survey they carried out 93% of primary teachers and 95% of secondary school teachers believe lack of time spent reading for pleasure is a root cause of the word gap.

Using Fonetti to help close the gap
Closing the word gap entails nurturing children’s love for reading, a tricky task when they associate it with difficulty and harbour a dislike for it. Fonetti offers an excellent solution, captivating young minds not only through its technological allure, but also by providing an extensive range of genres that cater to every child’s interests.

Fonetti employs gamification techniques to foster children’s motivation for reading. By integrating interactive elements, it stimulates their interest and encourages active engagement in the learning process. In addition to this, children with shorter attention spans can pause the book at any time and not lose what they have achieved. 

For children struggling with reading, the apprehension of reading aloud in front of peers and adults can be nerve-wracking. Fonetti creates a safe space where children can independently read aloud, benefiting from instant, constructive feedback.

Through Fonetti, we can bridge the word gap and empower children on their journey to becoming confident and enthusiastic readers.

Posted in Literacy, Insights, Reading, Research

Why we should all be “Reading for Pleasure”

The significance of reading for pleasure is widely acknowledged and emphasised. Schools promote the importance of allocating time for leisure reading, while parents are encouraged to actively support their children’s reading habits at home.  However, why does this subject receive such extensive attention? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of reading for pleasure and uncover its impact on children.

What does reading for pleasure actually mean?
Reading for pleasure is a personal choice that brings us joy. Sometimes, we’re initially intrigued by recommendations, but we keep reading because we’re genuinely fascinated by the material.

Reading for pleasure or reading for enjoyment goes beyond what teachers expect, sparking curiosity and bringing pure delight from reading itself. 

What’s the big deal?
Reading for pleasure unlocks a treasure trove of new worlds for children, igniting their imagination to embark on captivating journeys, encounter fascinating characters, and delve into fresh ideas. Interestingly, not only does reading for pleasure enrich their minds, but it also nurtures their well-being and empathy. It cultivates a deeper understanding of their own identity while offering valuable insights into the diverse perspectives of the world. 

According to the DfE, ‘Reading for pleasure is a key indicator of a child’s future success. When children learn to read at an early age, they have greater general knowledge and a wider range of vocabulary, their reading is more fluent, and they have improved attention spans.’ 

How can we encourage children to read for pleasure?
Encouraging a love for reading means helping children truly appreciate the sheer joy it brings. So, it’s important that we help them grasp the essence of this joyful pursuit.

Below are 5 top tips to inspire reading for pleasure:

  1. Allow children to choose their own booksAll reading is valuable to children’s development and by giving children the ownership of choosing the books they read based on their interests, they are more likely to enjoy reading.
  2. Regular book talkTalk about the books your child is reading and ask them questions. If your child is really engaged and interested in the book, you will probably find that they won’t stop talking about it once you have initiated the discussion! 
  3. Get caught readingLet your child catch you reading to show them that reading is also something adults do. We are our children’s role models and if they see us doing something, they will usually copy.
  4. Build reading into your routineChildren thrive when they have a routine so by setting a certain time in the day for your child to read will create good habits. 
  5. Use technology to capture children’s interest in booksUsing tablets as a medium for accessing literature can really boost children’s enjoyment and confidence in reading. For most, using a tablet is a fun activity, which makes it a powerful tool to have a positive impact on their reading journey.

To conclude…
Fonetti is an exceptional tool for igniting a love for reading. With access to a vast array of books, children are bound to discover one that captivates their interest. The incorporation of technology and gamification is sure to engage even the most tech-savvy youngsters, fueling their passion for reading. As parents and teachers, you can effortlessly monitor your child’s reading choices, fostering meaningful discussions about the books they explore.

Posted in Reading, Insights

Auris Tech & NSPCC Join Forces to Promote Safe, Joyful Reading

Auris Tech, the innovative developers behind Fonetti, the groundbreaking Read Aloud App is joining forces with the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) in a joint mission to protect and nurture childhood. Through this exciting collaboration, our goal is to foster a vibrant culture of reading and comprehension. By supporting and funding the NSPCC through our partnership, we aspire to empower children to embrace the power of spoken words, encouraging them to express themselves confidently whenever necessary.

Auris Tech is proud to stand alongside the NSPCC, an incredible charity dedicated to making a difference.

Fonetti, an innovative read-aloud application aimed at enhancing children’s oracy, reading fluency, and accuracy, incorporates state-of-the-art, multi-patented automatic speech recognition technology developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. This advanced technology actively listens to a child’s reading, providing real-time feedback for immediate improvement.

Auris Tech is delighted to support the NSPCC and has committed to donating £5 from every school licence sold throughout the partnership period. Auris Tech is also granting the NSPCC a bank of Fonetti school portal licences to distribute as needed, along with a generous number of Fonetti home user licences.

The partnership between Auris Tech and the NSPCC exemplifies the positive impact that can be achieved when the worlds of business and charity collaborate for the greater good of children. The visionary Founder and CEO of Auris Tech, Kim Antoniou, is proud to stand side by side with the NSPCC in their commitment to creating a better world for children. Antoniou firmly believes that Fonetti will play a vital role in instilling a love for reading, an essential aspect of both educational and emotional development. By working together, Auris Tech and the NSPCC are fostering a culture of reading while prioritising child safety.

Katie Fudge, fundraising manager at the NSPCC, said: “Reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give children. We are so pleased that Auris Tech has chosen to support the NSPCC in so many wonderful ways, and we are thrilled that our PANTS book is now available on Fonetti.”

The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per cent of its funding, the charity helps children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, protects children at risk, and finds the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening.

Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS is an original children’s book by Rebecca Gerlings and Fhiona Galloway written exclusively for the NSPCC. It gives caregivers a simple way to talk to their child about staying safe from sexual abuse.

Through their endorsement of Fonetti and partnership with Auris Tech, the NSPCC is raising awareness of its mission and actively promoting a culture of prevention and reporting. Auris Tech’s strong commitment to this cause aids the NSPCC in providing vital support and resources to children and their families.

The Fonetti app, available for both individual users and schools, has proven to be an exceptional tool for parents and teachers, effectively aiding children in developing their reading skills with boosted confidence and a newfound love for reading that will benefit them for a lifetime. Auris Tech’s National Read Aloud Challenge encourages the powerful benefits of independent reading. Through active participation in the challenge, parents and teachers contribute to fostering a love for reading, promoting emotional intelligence, and enhancing mental well-being.

In conclusion, the partnership between Auris Tech and the NSPCC demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved when businesses and charities unite to effect positive change in society. 

By championing reading and child safety, Auris Tech and the NSPCC are providing invaluable resources to children and their families. Education, safety, and emotional support are integral components of a child’s development, and this partnership represents a significant stride forward in ensuring every child has access to these essential resources. The Fonetti app empowers parents and teachers while the National Read Aloud Challenge promotes the joy of reading aloud and fosters emotional intelligence. With these collaborative efforts, Auris Tech and NSPCC are paving the way for a brighter future for all children.

About Auris Tech:
Auris Tech is a leading developer of a unique advanced automatic speech recognition technology developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh specifically for read speech which is committed to improving literacy and supporting English language learning for children worldwide. Their flagship product, Fonetti, is revolutionising the way children acquire reading skills by utilising cutting-edge speech recognition technology.

About NSPCC:
The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per cent of our funding, we help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, we protect children at risk, and we find the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening. So when a child needs a helping hand, we’ll be there. When parents are finding it tough, we’ll help. When laws need to change, or governments need to do more, we won’t give up until things improve.

Their Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Their free NSPCC helpline is open every day of the year for any adult worried about a child. Their practitioners provide advice and support, listen to concerns about a child, and offer general information about child protection.

About The National Read Aloud Challenge:
The National Read Aloud Challenge is a nationwide initiative dedicated to encouraging reading among children. By providing free access to a wide range of books and fostering a love for literature, the challenge aims to boost literacy, inspire creativity, and empower young minds.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kim Antoniou
Kim@auris.tech
07947 820420

Posted in News, Appearances, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

The Importance of a Balanced Diet of Screen Time

Each parent has pondered the impact of screen time on their children, contemplating both duration and potential benefits. It can be challenging to navigate something that was absent during our childhood and beyond our parents’ experience. Without a frame of reference, comparisons are elusive, making it difficult to grasp and comprehend fully. Following a captivating interview with Amanda Gummer on the BBC, this blog delves into the ways in which screen time can effectively aid children’s development.

A Balanced Diet
Just like anything in life, a well-balanced diet is crucial. The same goes for a child’s play. While it is crucial to promote engaging and imaginative child-led play, known as the ‘broccoli’ of play, we should not completely deny them other play experiences and screen time can have a place in that diet. It is important to strike a balance and offer a variety of play opportunities to enrich their development and enjoyment.

Amanda Gummer recently shared an incredibly insightful image illustrating the components of a well-rounded play diet. It provides valuable guidance on how to foster a healthy and balanced approach to play. During her recent interview, she expressed that parents shouldn’t feel guilty for letting their children have screen time. She also emphasised the value of incorporating high-quality screen time judiciously, acknowledging its rightful place. Fonetti not only provides purposeful screen time to aid reading development, it also incorporates gamification to make reading fun and interactive.

Guidance is Key
Regardless of our personal preferences, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. We therefore need to embrace it and teach our children how to use it responsibly and safely. Without clear guidance, children may struggle to distinguish between what is appropriate and what is not. It is crucial that as adults, we empower our children to harness the potential of technology in a beneficial manner by making them aware of what is suitable and what isn’t. 

Fonetti and other educational apps provide an immersive screen time experience for children, seamlessly blending learning with enjoyment. By guiding children to choose the right apps, adults can ensure that screen time is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for their development.

Active & Passive
Screen time has often been negatively portrayed, and I do agree, there are certain aspects that may not be beneficial for our children. Nonetheless, there exist incredible opportunities for children to utilise their screen time in productive and meaningful ways. Screen time can be split into two parts:

  • Active Screen Time

This is a time when screen time is utilised to enrich children’s learning and foster cognitive development. Fonetti exemplifies how children can utilise technology to boost their reading abilities and accelerate their progress. Through platforms like Fonetti, children not only acquire knowledge but also derive pleasure from embracing technology’s marvels.

  • Passive Screen Time

This is when children are not having to think at all and are passively looking at a screen. This can include watching TV or looking at social media. There is no critical thinking taking place and children are just simply absorbing what is on the screen.

In Summary…
When it comes to children and screen time, it is important to approach the topic with consideration rather than demonization. Screen time can be beneficial for educational purposes and can have a place in child play, if used appropriately. Fonetti strongly supports productive screen time as an opportunity for children to enhance their learning through technology. Today’s children are tech-savvy, and we should embrace this by exploring alternative methods of learning that incorporate technology.

Posted in Insights, EdTech, Literacy, Reading

Why We Need to Protect Children’s Reading Data

In today’s digital world, data is power. As individuals, we keep significant information online, from personal to financial details. However, regarding children’s data, we should be more cautious as children are not so security-minded, so they might add personal information that could put them at risk. Schools, online education, and gaming applications deal extensively with child data. However, as technology advances, we must be mindful of the more profound risks now posed involving voice recognition (VR) and how the data is protected.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of protecting children’s data and three reasons why it should be a significant concern to everyone.

Firstly, VR technology poses many risks we must be aware of. Many VR apps and toys interact with children, interpret their speech patterns, and react accordingly, frequently recording and storing what is said. However, as the child befriends the app/toy or uses it in a family environment, the child might divulge personal information or feelings, plus discussions by parents in the background could all be captured by the system and be used to exploit the family, either through social engineering, phishing attacks, or worse still direct contact with the intent to blackmail.

Secondly, all data has value, and as children increase their use of technology for education and fun, more data is being gathered and stored. Hackers thus target companies who offer such applications to steal and use the data themselves but more frequently sell it on the dark web to multiple hackers, meaning families could be a target for numerous attacks with the potential of significant financial impacts. It is vital, therefore, that developers and owners of applications are cyber-aware and build into their systems robust data security procedures and techniques to minimise the risk of data theft. Parents and schools must ensure that their children’s privacy is adequately protected and take the time to check if the intended application is operated by a trusted organisation, and specifically for schools, they should conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) as recommended by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to verify an application or service has taken steps to protect the data stored by them. Parents can also use this requirement to check an application, as frequently, within the organisation’s website, they will outline their DPIA compliance facts.

Thirdly, data protection is an essential legal requirement outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Children’s data falls under “special categories” of personal information, which means there are strict regulations concerning how that data can be collected, processed, used, or stored. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to hefty fines. Therefore, schools, app service providers, etc., responsible for dealing with children’s data, including their voices, must ensure adequate protection measures are in place to meet this regulation. It is wise to check a company’s GDPR statement for any new application you are considering for your children to reassure yourself that the organisation follows these rules, especially about data sharing.

Our Position on Data Security
At Auris, we take the security of our data very seriously. We designed our system to keep children safe on our platform. So our first step was to store the child’s voice recordings only if we had the specific consent of the parent or custodian. In these situations, the recordings are never linked to the child and are anonymous to our internal processes, but they still allow the parent or custodian to delete the recordings at any time should they wish. Finally, we encrypt all data so that even if a hacker were to gain access to it, they would not be able to read or use it as they would not hold the key to decipher it.

These measures mean our platform is robust and meets all the requirements of compliance and best practices for cyber security. It is the benchmark that others should be taking in protecting their digital assets. But we also recognise that we must be bold and that protecting data is a journey, not a one-time fix, so we will continue to enhance our service to meet the new challenges hackers present.

In Summary…
As the digital landscape grows, it is essential to consider the safety and protection of children’s data. Parents, teachers, and other individuals responsible for caring for children should be mindful of the risks involved in voice recognition technology, cybersecurity risks, and GDPR. As technology advances, so must we in safeguarding the data of children. Becoming more proactive in protecting children’s data from cybercriminals and other malicious organisations is crucial. Data protection regarding sensitive personal information collected through online resources is not something to take lightly. At Auris, we understand that well.

Posted in Technology, Insights, Reading

How Reading Aloud Benefits Dyslexics: Unlocking Story Magic

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that can make reading difficult for individuals. It can be challenging for dyslexics to engage with the written word, which can impact their ability to keep up in school, work, and personal life.

While there are various techniques that people with dyslexia use to make reading easier, including text-to-speech software and dyslexia-friendly font, reading aloud is often found to be the most effective. It’s an excellent exercise that can help improve reading comprehension, pronunciation, and confidence.

In this blog post, we’ll look at how reading aloud helps dyslexics, and how an app like Fonetti can make reading more accessible and engaging for them.

Reading Aloud Helps with Phonics
Phonics is a method of teaching reading that focuses on the relationship between sounds, letters, and how they work together to form words. It helps dyslexics to understand that words are made up of smaller sounds and how these sounds can be blended together to create words. When dyslexics read aloud, they are not only seeing the words they are pronouncing them which helps them to learn the sounds

Reading Aloud Improves Comprehension
For people with dyslexia, reading silently can be a struggle as they may find it challenging to keep their attention on the text, which can cause them to miss crucial details. Reading aloud can help to improve their comprehension of what they are reading by increasing their engagement with the text. It helps them to process the information more slowly and makes it easier to visualise the words on the page.

Reading Aloud Helps with Pronunciation
One of the most significant challenges for dyslexic people can be mispronouncing words. Reading aloud can help them to see which letters make which sounds, and how this relates to the words they are reading. By hearing the words, they are learning how to pronounce them correctly, which can help improve their confidence when reading.

Fonetti: The Read Aloud App
Fonetti is an app that can help dyslexic people to engage with reading better and the National Read Aloud Challenge, powered by Fonetti will keep them entertained during the summer holidays. With Fonetti, your child can read aloud while the app listens, corrects, and encourages when they don’t get it right. It provides regular feedback, guiding the reader through the text and highlighting areas that they need to work on. Fonetti’s speech recognition software ensures the reader always gets accurate feedback, and its interactive features make reading more engaging and fun.

The Importance of Regular Reading
Reading regularly is crucial for all children, but for dyslexics, it can be even more beneficial. They need plenty of opportunities to practise their reading skills, and reading aloud can be an excellent way to help them improve their accuracy, comprehension, and pronunciation. Fonetti can make this process more enjoyable and engaging by providing a fun and interactive approach that keeps them motivated.

In Summary…
Dyslexia can be challenging, but reading aloud can make a significant difference. It is a highly effective way for dyslexics to improve their accuracy, comprehension, and pronunciation. Fonetti is an app that can help provide dyslexics with the support they need to become confident readers. With its interactive features and speech recognition software, Fonetti is an excellent tool for engaging children in reading and the National Read Aloud Challenge will keep them entertained during the holidays. By making regular reading a priority, dyslexics can unlock the magic of stories and improve their reading skills.

Posted in SEND, EdTech, Reading

The Importance of Reading Aloud and How it Helps with Oracy and Fluency

As a parent or an educator, you know how crucial it is to improve your child’s reading skills. Reading is the foundation of a child’s learning and can make a significant difference in their academic and personal success. However, not all children find reading easy, and it can be challenging to encourage a love of reading in some children. That’s where Fonetti comes into play. Fonetti is a new digital reading app that helps improve a child’s performance by providing an interactive experience. In this blog post, I will outline the importance of reading aloud on Fonetti and how it works.

Regular reading aloud helps improve oracy and fluency

Reading aloud on Fonetti
Fonetti works by encouraging children to read aloud. When the child reads a word correctly, the word turns green, and when they make a mistake, it turns grey. This interactive experience motivates the child to continue reading and helps them to recognise their mistakes. In fact, research shows that children who read aloud improve their reading skills faster than children who do not. Fonetti takes this to the next level and provides visual feedback to make the learning experience even more engaging.

Reading aloud can be intimidating for some children, especially those who struggle with reading. However, Fonetti enables the child to use the power of their own voice. This helps to boost their confidence and encourages them to keep reading. It also helps children to develop fluency and increase their understanding of what they are reading. The visual feedback reinforces these benefits and creates a more dynamic and interactive learning environment.

Fonetti works a lot like subtitles do. The words appear on the screen as the child reads them, with a subtle change in colour to indicate the child’s accuracy. This movement helps to keep the child engaged and enables them to follow along without feeling overwhelmed. Like subtitles, the words move on, and the child is unaware of the progress they are making. This form of learning is particularly effective because the child is actively engaged, and it doesn’t feel like learning.

We are huge supporters of the Turn on the Subtitles movement initiated by co-founders Oli Barrett MBE and Henry Warren whose mission is simple.

“Turning on the subtitles while children are watching television can double the chances of a child becoming good at reading. It’s so brilliantly simple and can help children’s literacy so much that we want to shout it from the rooftops!”

Fonetti’s interactive experience can also be beneficial for parents and educators. It provides an easy way to identify areas where the child is struggling and allows for individualised learning to ensure every child’s unique need is met. It also enables parents and educators to track the child’s progress and monitor their performance. This information can be invaluable when it comes to identifying the child’s strengths and weaknesses and developing a plan to enhance their reading skills.

In Summary…
Fonetti provides an interactive learning experience that can significantly improve a child’s reading skills. Reading aloud is crucial for children’s development, and Fonetti provides a fun and engaging way to do this. The visual feedback reinforces the child’s performance and motivates them to continue reading, boosting their confidence and understanding. Fonetti is an excellent tool for parents and educators who want to help their child improve their reading skills. It is an innovative way to encourage a love of reading and sets the foundation for success in school and beyond.

Posted in Reading, Literacy

Cat Roberts-Young on Inspiring Children to Read This Summer

The summer holidays have started and our National Read Aloud Challenge is in full swing. Children aged 5-15 can take part and choose any stories they like to read on Fonetti from fiction to facts. There are several milestones they can hit across different challenge periods. When they’ve achieved them, they’ll receive a personalised signed certificate from our brand ambassador Clare Balding CBE. And they’ll also receive recognition from their school for taking part too. 

One of our most popular books on Fonetti is The Ball Pit Monster. It’s had hundreds of views and has remained in the top 10 since the beginning of the challenge. So, I reached out to its author Cat Roberts-Young to see what it means to her to be a part of the challenge this summer and what role she feels technology plays in helping reluctant readers. Here’s what she has to say:

“Thanks for inviting me to comment Kim! There’s no greater feeling as a writer than knowing your stories are being chosen – and enjoyed. But knowing they’re helping kids to read independently tops it all. Fonetti can hear first-hand how every word is pronounced, what stumbling blocks a sentence may have and more importantly, the joy in a child’s voice when they’ve cracked something they found difficult. How brilliant is that? Reading regression isn’t new. Covid played its part and every school holiday since, with the change of routine and flashbacks to home-schooling – give both parents and children a challenge.

Travel without a ticket
A book can transport a child to another world without them needing to leave their house. Reading gives them a passport to so many worlds. Regardless of budget or the size of their friendship group. Just opening a book and diving in independently can make a child’s confidence soar – as well as enrich their imaginations. This is why I’m proud to write for Fonetti. For many children school holidays can feel incredibly lonely. Those living in remote locations may not be able to see their friends easily, maybe their parents are working fulltime, and they spend hours at the workplace with them. But being able to read gives them access to friends, facts and fantasy all in one place. And Fonetti opens the door to that world. Wherever they are. A whole library waiting for them the minute they can access Wi-Fi.

When I wrote The Ball Pit Monster, I hoped it would make kids laugh. And that the rhyme would help them guess any words they found tricky. Hearing that so many are choosing to read it as part of the challenge – and reading it so fluently – has honestly made my summer. It’s on a par with when Kaye Adams chose to read it for the 12 Stories of Christmas. Writing is a solitary thing. It’s just a person putting ideas down on a blank piece of paper. And writers are usually their worst critics (I am mine!). So, you never know if your stories will be popular or not. You just hope. And seeing so many reading one of mine on Fonetti is beyond my expectations. But the number of children taking part in the challenge blows me away. Reading is such a gift. If The Ball Pit Monster can help just one child enjoy reading for pleasure, I’m happy. Good luck to everyone taking part in the challenge this summer – enjoy it and you’ll smash it!”

Have you signed up?
If your little readers haven’t signed up yet they can get started today (hyperlink to National Read Aloud Challenge) for free. Safe screen time for the whole of the summer that boosts their literacy, comprehension and language skills. Whether they’re reading as a native speaker or with English as a second language, they’ll be spoilt for choice with a huge variety of stories in our virtual library. Whatever adventures you’ve got planned this summer – don’t forget to take Fonetti with you.

Posted in Authors, Appearances, News, Reading