Phonics is an important skill. So why not show the child how to sound out their Key Words — or give them other hints?

It’s because an authentic Key Word, as the caption for the child’s mind picture, provides a deep connection to the inner child. The connection is so deep that even a very young child will recognize the word the next day and every day thereafter. We all more easily attach skills to something with strong meaning for us, so Key Words are a powerful tool for skill development.

But if we water them down with words that have little meaning to the child, they become confused and we lose the power of this entire process. 

Further, we have other ways to  develop phonics — the sound/symbol relationship. First, phonics begins immediately, as the child hears the Helper saying the letter names or sounds as they write the Key Word.  They will also be using phonics to find the words they need to put their sentences back together, at Step 3. Finally, the Helper will emphasize the sounds of the letters as they help the child spell, at Step 5. (See overview of The Steps below.)

This process will ultimately build a good phonics foundation. But if the Helper wants to provide a more in-depth treatment, see Phonics With Key Words. (Any references to the Wall Strip Dictionary  you’ve seen elsewhere are described on that phonics page.)