Jigsaw schools launch UK based phonics scheme
By Azaraimy HH

Teachers from Jigsaw Playschool and Jigsaw Primary School having completed their intensive training course on Jolly Phonics

"Nnnnnnn" is the phonic sound for the letter "N". Children pretend to make the humming sound on an aeroplane

Jigsaw Playschool, Kiarong and its sister school, Jigsaw Primary School of Berakas started the new school year with the introduction of the UK based Jolly Phonics Scheme for their kindergarten and lower primary children, according to a Press Release. The scheme is a delightfully fun and exciting way to help young children master the basic skills to become proficient readers and writers within a short time.

The Jigsaw schools are abuzz with activity as the children excitedly began the new year learning the phonic sounds of the alphabet using this interactive and multi-sensory approach. The children associate the letters with stories, visuals and actions, all of which help them master 42 different letter sounds within an impressive nine weeks. Research by Jolly Phonics has found that children from the programme were successfully reading 16 months ahead of their average age group. Their comprehension skills were found to be nine months ahead of their peers.

Mrs Helen Chin and Ms Jacqueline Chin, Principals of the schools, were delighted to note that the children were thoroughly enjoying the programme and quickly mastering the letter sounds. Parents are very supportive and are closely involved in helping the children acquire their new skills. At the Playschool in Kiarong, Children from as young as 2 years of age are being introduced to the concept of letter sounds (phonics).

"We certainly believe in giving children the headstart towards becoming independent readers and writers. By learning phonics, they learn to decode and read words by sounding out the words independently. These are all invaluable skills which lay the foundation for their future academic success,"

"Our teaching staff are geared to lead the children to a flying start with this successful phonics programme. They have completed a training session by Jolly Phonics' professional trainer, Kiki Nowers, and are very encouraged by the excited response of the children so far.

Jigsaw Playschool was established 24 years ago and is dedicated to a mission of creating a joyful learning environment for young children. The Playschool is located in Kiarong and caters to children from the age of 2 to 6 years.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin