Remote phonics coaching

[LGP]

Hi. I seem to remember reading somewhere (possibly on a RRF post) that someone was doing remote or virtual coaching of synthetic phonics over Skype.

I'd be interested to hear how this can be set up practically (with a tablet? what resources? How do you organise the workspace?)

I'm currently coaching a year 6 boy at my home but would like to support a child further away if possible.

Thanks, Lucy

[Debbie Hepplewhite]

If the parent/s had access to the core printable resources, you could just 'teach' as you would do face to face, but the resources the boy would need could be printed off at home.

Is this an option?

[LGP]

Thanks Debbie - yes, materials should be easy enough to sort out. I'm a bit stuck on how id set it up with just an ipad - I guess I could set up a magnetic board and aim camera at that and 'narrate' in the background. I think I may have read about it on Melinda Creen's Top Notch Teaching site in Australia so I'll have another hunt around to find examples.

I've also been approached by a parent of a year 1 child (same as my youngest) who thinks her son could use some extra help with phonics. I was wondering if it's feasible to coach with the parent too as she is non-native English speaker and finds phonics a bit puzzling herself. Do you know of anyone who has done this?

[Debbie Hepplewhite]

Start with the Alphabetic Code Chart itself and explain that phonics is about teaching the 'knowledge' of the alphabetic code and the 3 core skills of blending, oral segmenting and handwriting.

I suppose your explanation should be covered by 'which' phonics programme, if any, you choose to use. There should be some background information in whichever programme you are using.

[volunteer]

Someone who offers this posted on the general board within the last couple of months or so.