Phonics For Latinos - Frequently Asked Questions

Bilingual Kindergarten Strategy;
Oral English/Spanish Self-Voice

Bilingual HISPANIC kindergartners do not automatically 'read' pictures silently in their second language - ENGLISH. Visual ABC sound clues, such as, "A is for APPLE" may likewise be perceived as "A is for manzana" part of the time.

Alternative PAN AMERICAN images have space for a SPANISH self-voice. "B is for BICYCLE" can also be 'read' by LATINOS as "B is for bicicleta" without losing the desired initial sound message.

Learning familiar Spanish/English letter sounds becomes overly complex, if bilngual HISPANICS are only exposed to traditional sound clues - ones with conflicting beginning sounds - BEAR (oso), BUTTERFLY (mariposa), etc. There is an ABC fast tract option available to HISPANICS which other ESL students do not enjoy.

In addition, the ENGLISH ONLY caution required by traditional sound clues is so difficult for bilingual five-year-olds that simplified FORGET SPANISH message is sometimes perceived, carrying another set of perils.

Estelle Medoza Leisy

For complete article please go to ERIC at http://www.eric.ed.gov

What are Alternative,
PAN AMERICAN ABCs?

Cognates-Visuals with the SAME FIRST LETTER in both English and Spanish: LAMP (lámpara), LION (León), etc. Visuals are valid sound clues for English or Spanish languages. Pictures are important SILENT Partners reinforcing letter-sound associations.

If Hispanic Kindergartners Speak ENGLISH,
Why Switch ABC Pictures?

Identifying ABC pictures silently in English, their second language, is a learned skill. Frequent errors are frustrating and discouraging over time.
An added challenge.
The ABC process is delayed when language disconnects occur.
Students could be ready to read in ENGLISH first, yet not be ready for traditional, ENGLISH-ONLY sound clues:
A is for APPLE (manzana)

Is PHONICS FOR LATINOS - ABCs in
Common a COMPLETE Program?

No. Since SPANISH and ENGLISH are merely similar, not identical, some letter sound unity is not possible. J, K, H, Ñ, Q, W, X and Z are not in our system.

Are PAN AMERICAN ABCs for
ENGLISH or SPANISH Reading?

These are valid examples for both languages. Teachers decide each year, which way to go. Material has many uses in ESL.

How Could "Language Savvy" MAINSTREAM
Teachers Further ABC Progress ?

At minimum, teachers would know they can expand their supply of visuals to include SPANISH/ENGLISH pictures, when needed.

Can Parents Help ABC-wise,
If They Don't Speak English?

Yes. With Pan-American images, such as T is for TELEPHONE (telefono) parents will recognize its beginning sound signal spontaneously. Parents may not always understand the beginning sound signals of English only pictures, such as T is for TAIL (cola).
Parents can be especially helpful by using personal names as a means to establish similar sound awareness.

What Is The Name of Your Company?

LEISY'S PAN AMERICAN ABCs is doing business as PHONICS FOR LATINOS - ABCs in Common, to emphasize its supplementary nature. Send for our brochure, for more information

Shared Sounds Open ABC Doors

PHONICS FOR LATINOS - ABCs In Common
Leisy's Pan American ABCs

PO Box 5314 Culver City, CA 90231
Inquires: (310) 836-6730 - FAX Orders: (310) 836-6305
Toll Free: (888) SPAN ENG
estelleleisy@aol.com