Why Early Reading Matters

Learning to read begins long before children open their first book. At GEM we focus on phonics, hearing, saying and seeing sounds in a playful way. This early exposure makes reading feel natural and fun rather than daunting.

What We Do at GEM

Every day children join in songs, stories and hands on sound games. They hear patterns in words, practise new sounds, and connect letters to what they hear. The emphasis is always on confidence and enjoyment.

See It in Action – GEM Voices

Watch one of our educators explain how we make phonics playful and natural below:

How Families Can Support

Families can reinforce phonics at home in simple ways. Try sound based games, rhymes or spotting letters on signs. Small everyday moments make a big difference.

Try this at Home

• Pick a sound of the day and count how many times you hear it.

• Play “I spy” using sounds instead of colours.

• Make a short list of words starting with the same sound and read them together.

Explore More

PreLit Program – Macquarie University NSW Education – Phonics in Early Learning Reading Eggs – Fun Phonics Games for Kids

Key Takeaways

• Phonics works best when it is fun and playful.

• Confidence grows step by step with regular exposure.

• Children thrive when home and GEM use the same approach.

Watch This Month’s GEM Animation

This edition includes an animation that brings Sounding Out My Words to life. Be sure to watch and share it with your child.

Coming Up Next

In the next edition we will explore our Screen Sense Program and how it helps families find balance with screens.