🧠 What’s the Best Way for Kids to Learn English?
Every parent wants their child to become fluent in English—but with so many methods out there, it can get confusing. Two of the most popular approaches are:
- Phonics: Teaching the relationship between letters and sounds
- Whole Language: Encouraging reading through context and storytelling
But which one is better? Or should you use both?
In this blog, we’ll break down both methods, compare their pros and cons, and help you decide what’s best for your child—especially if you’re based in Bangladesh.
🔤 What is Phonics?
Phonics is a method where children learn to decode words by sounding them out. They are taught the individual sounds of letters and how those sounds form words.
✅ Phonics Teaches:
- Letter-sound relationships
- Blending sounds to read words
- Spelling based on sound patterns
📌 Example:
The word “cat” is taught as /k/ + /æ/ + /t/.
🎯 Pros of Phonics
- Builds strong reading foundations
- Helps children decode unfamiliar words
- Improves spelling accuracy
- Ideal for early learners who are just starting to read
⚠️ Cons of Phonics
- Can feel repetitive or boring if not taught creatively
- Doesn’t always help with understanding meaning or context
- May confuse kids with irregular English words (e.g., “one,” “knight”)
📖 What is the Whole Language Approach?
Whole language focuses on learning words and sentences as a whole rather than breaking them into sounds. Children are encouraged to read books, recognize patterns, and guess unfamiliar words using context.
✅ Whole Language Emphasizes:
- Reading real books and stories
- Understanding the meaning of text
- Learning through immersion and experience
📌 Example:
Instead of sounding out “cat,” the child might recognize it in a sentence like:
“The cat is sleeping.”
🎯 Pros of Whole Language
- Makes reading fun and meaningful
- Encourages comprehension and expression
- Promotes a love for books and storytelling
- Helpful for kids with strong memory or exposure to English
⚠️ Cons of Whole Language
- May lead to guessing words without accuracy
- Can be difficult for kids with weak vocabulary
- Some children fall behind if they struggle with word recognition
🤔 So, Which One is Better for Your Child?
The answer is… both! Experts now agree that a balanced approach is most effective—especially for non-native English learners in countries like Bangladesh.
🔄 A Balanced Approach Combines:
- Phonics for decoding and pronunciation
- Whole Language for comprehension and enjoyment
At Liakat’s Kids, we use phonics-based instruction in early stages and gradually introduce story-based learning as children grow confident.
📍 Which Method Works Best in Bangladesh?
In Bangladeshi schools, phonics is often underused. Children learn English mostly through memorization. But without phonics, many kids struggle to:
- Read independently
- Pronounce new words correctly
- Spell words on their own
That’s why Liakat’s Kids integrates phonics in a fun, child-friendly way while also encouraging reading stories, singing rhymes, and using the whole language method to boost understanding.
🧒 Signs Your Child May Need Phonics Help
- Struggles to sound out simple words like “bat” or “dog”
- Guesses words without reading properly
- Gets stuck on unfamiliar words during reading
- Has trouble spelling basic English words
👨👩👧👦 How Parents Can Support at Home
- Read English storybooks aloud every day
- Use phonics flashcards and rhymes
- Play English word games (like matching sounds and pictures)
- Watch phonics videos or use apps like ABC Kids or Lingokids
Even if you’re a working parent, just 15 minutes of daily reading support can make a big difference!
🏫 How Liakat’s Kids Combines Both Methods for Best Results
At Liakat’s Kids, we don’t believe in “one size fits all.” Instead, we:
- Teach phonics step by step using fun games and songs
- Encourage kids to read English books early
- Blend comprehension and reading fluency together
- Use storytelling, roleplay, and visuals for deeper learning
Whether your child is a beginner or already reading, our approach ensures balanced, confident English development.
📞 Ready to Help Your Child Become a Confident English Reader?
Join the Liakat’s Kids English Program today and watch your child learn to read, speak, and understand English—the right way.
👉 Book a FREE demo class now or visit our center in Dhaka.
🔗 Visit: www.liakatskids.com
