ABSTRACT

This study explores the impact of phonics programs on early literacy development among preschool children at KinderKare Pre-Schools in Limbe, Cameroon. Phonics programs teach children the relationship between sounds and letters, which is essential for developing reading and writing skills. Early literacy development is a critical foundation for academic success, and phonics is widely recognized as an effective method for teaching young children to read.

A mixed-method research design was employed, incorporating quantitative assessments of children’s literacy skills and qualitative interviews with teachers and caregivers. The study examined how phonics programs are implemented at KinderKare Pre-Schools and assessed their effectiveness in enhancing early literacy skills, such as letter recognition, sound identification, word formation, and basic reading abilities. The research also explored the teachers’ perspectives on the benefits and challenges of using phonics as a literacy tool in early childhood education.

The findings show that children who participated in phonics programs exhibited significant improvement in their early literacy skills. They were more proficient in recognizing letters, associating sounds with letters, and forming words compared to children who did not receive phonics instruction. Teachers reported that phonics programs helped children build a strong foundation in reading and writing, making the transition to primary education smoother. However, some challenges were identified, including the need for more training for teachers and additional learning materials to support phonics instruction.

The study concludes that phonics programs play a crucial role in fostering early literacy development among preschool children. It recommends that schools adopt phonics programs more widely and provide teachers with the necessary resources and training to implement them effectively. Early literacy interventions, such as phonics, are essential for setting children on a path toward academic success.

Keywords: phonics programs, early literacy development, preschool children, KinderKare Pre-Schools, Limbe, Cameroon, reading skills, letter recognition.