While learning to be a phonics reading pro, learning the difference between the letters “p” and “q” can be intimidating for some children.
Similar to learning the difference between “d” and “b” the wall chart of alphabet can be very useful in helping to solve this problem. (Please see my post from December 22, 2010 for the complete matrix).
I like to tell each child that has this problem a story to help them remember how to recognize and deal with this situation in a prompt and easy manner.
It goes like this: Let me tell you a story about the letter “q”… “q” is really very shy, and in the English language… “q” will never go anywhere in a word without the letter “u”. And he stands right next to her. (Boys are consonants and girls are vowels). :-)
So when you see “q” in a word it will always be next to “u” like this, “qu”. And “qu” makes the sound “kw”.
The letter “p” is not shy. It goes with lots of other letters in different words and in different ways.
I also show the child how to use the wall chart (like I explained in the “d” and “b” lesson in blog post 12-22-10), but using “p” and “q”. And I use the example of the vertical line and the half circle or bubble on the left for the “q” and on the right for the “p”.
The line placement is also different for the “p” and “q” but I would normally teach that part of the lesson with handwriting rather than phonics reading. Although, you can teach it with this lesson if you want too.
So have fun and enjoy the journey of witnessing your child learn how to read using phonics!
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