Make Your Own Phonics Phones!

Phonics phones and mirrors are two of the most important items in an early elementary small group instructional area. Phonics phones amplify the student’s voice helping the student to focus and pay attention to the sounds.  Although you can purchase them, they are quite easy and inexpensive to make.  View the video for instructions on how to make your own for the classroom.

DIY phonics phones

• Purchase a 3/4″ PVC pipe and 3/4″ elbow joints (you will need 2 for each phone)
• Cut PVC pipe into 3 1/2 inch sections
• Put an elbow joint on each end of the pipe
• Colorful duct tape can be wrapped around the center of the pipe for fun.

Use phonics phones…

1. when teaching phonemic awareness skills.

2. when teaching letter sounds.

3. when teaching students to discriminate between similar sounding letter sounds. Take a look at your students’ writing samples.  The phones can be very helpful with students who confuse letters such as f/v, s/z , or sh/ch.

4.  when working with students who omit letters in their writing.  These students may not be paying attention to each sound in the word.

5.  during guided reading activities.  Some teachers find that giving each student a phonics phone while reading text aloud to themselves helpful.

Helpful Hint:  Especially in first grade, students should have their own phonics phone which is accessible as needed during writing and spelling activities.  If students are sharing phones in your small group area, be sure to have antibacterial wipes on hand.