WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR CHILD CAN’T SOUND OUT A WORD?

“Help Mom, I am stuck on this word?” What is your first reaction, “just sound it out”.  Good advice? Actually, not that good.  Sounding it out is not always the best strategy for figuring out a word.

Learning to read individual words is hard work and not always as easy as parents may think. There are words that a child can memorise: these are called sight words. But there are a whole lot more words that children have to decode or figure out.

So what should a parent do when their child comes across a word he doesn’t know or may have seen it once or twice but has not committed to memory yet? Tell them to sound it out, NOT ALWAYS. I am not saying phonics is not useful.  It is imperative that children know their letters and the sounds they make, but as a strategy or way to figure out unfamiliar words it doesn’t always work.

I suggest you read on and see how many more strategies you can try use to help your child attack those tricky words.

Here are some more useful word attack strategies:

  1. Picture clues – ‘look at the picture; it will help you figure out this tricky word.’
  2. Beginning Sounds – look at the first letter together, ‘do you know that letter, do you know a word that starts with that letter, what sound does it make’?
  3. Chunking – ‘can you find a small word in this big word?’ Let’s read that small word.  Cover the first part of the word, read, cover the last part of the word and read.  Now put the words together and read’
  4. Context – Use the meaning of the sentence to try figure out the unfamiliar word, e.g. “Peter is reading the ……. Answer: book”.  Let your child predict or ‘guess’ the word ‘book’ based on the context of the sentence. Helpful Hint: build vocabulary to maximise this strategy.
  5. Stretching the word – ‘use your finger as you try read the word.  Look at it slowly’
  6. Rhyming – ‘this word is tricky but it does rhyme with another word on this page.  Can you read this word (parent points to other rhyming word), well done, now swop the first letter and read the other word.  They rhyme, well done, can you hear the rhyme.’ Go over the rhyming set together to practice.
  7. Use the squiggles around the words as clues (Literacy conventions = question mark and capital letters) e.g. if there is a question mark at the end of the sentence, the unfamiliar word could be ‘what’ ‘where’ ‘how’ ‘when’ or ‘why’;  if there is a capital letter in the middle of the sentence the unfamiliar word could be a  name of a person/place )
  8. Miss it out and come back – ‘this word is tricky, leave it out for now and keep on reading.  Come back to this tricky word once you have finished reading the sentence.’
  9. Ask someone – do not let your child struggle too much, encourage him to ask for HELP if he can’t figure it out. Helpful Hint: It takes practice to use these strategies, so give help as it is required, however, instead of just giving the answer straight away model a strategy your child can use and read it together using this strategy. As children gain confidence they will use a strategy on their own next time. Keep a balance of you helping your child and your child helping himself!
  10. It needs to sense – ‘Did that sentence make sense?’  Repeat the sentence to your child using his mistake let him tell you which word doesn’t sound right. ‘As you read this time listen to your words and make sure they make sense’.  Helpful Hint: this is a fairly advanced strategy, comes with lots of practice.  Keep modelling it as the fluent reader.

Try these out; you will be surprised as to how well they work.  I call it giving your kid a READING TOOLBOX.  Best thing you can do for your beginner reader. Actually it’s the second best thing, the BEST THING you can do for your beginner reader is read to/with or him every day.

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Why Free Play, Gentle Guidance, and Community Matter More Than Ever 

In a world of packed schedules, rising anxieties, and digital distractions, the way we parent has never been more complex, or more important. Children don’t need perfect childhoods, they need real ones. Ones filled with play, protection and participation to grow.

“Today’s parenting styles often come from a place of deep love,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director for Dibber International Preschools in South Africa. “But when we hover too closely or clear every obstacle before our children reach it, we can unintentionally rob them of the small struggles that help them thrive.”

Modern terms like ‘helicopter parenting’ and ‘lawnmower parenting’ describe well-intentioned behaviours. ‘hovering’ to protect and help or smoothing every path to prevent discomfort. While these approaches are rooted in care, they often overlook what child development experts call the ‘just-right challenge’. Dibber’s approach, built on Nordic pedagogical principles, embraces this balanced philosophy which gives children the support they need while encouraging and maintaining independence.

“Children build confidence by trying, failing, and trying again. That’s where resilience begins”, explains Assis. “When we pair warmth with boundaries, and love with opportunity, we see incredible growth -not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”

Free play remains one of the most powerful developmental tools in early childhood. Whether it’s climbing, balancing, or imaginative playing, these experiences help children build executive function, manage emotions, and understand social dynamics. With adult support close by – but not overbearing – these activities become safe and enriching opportunities to learn.

In South Africa, Dibber believes parents have a unique advantage: community. Grandparents, neighbours, and extended families as they often play a vital role in raising children. “That village of support is our strength,” Assis adds. “We encourage families to use it -plan outdoor playdates, invite cousins to join, share learning spaces. There’s no app that can replace the value of human connection.”

At Dibber’s campuses across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the focus is on nurturing not just cognitive skills, but the whole child. Teachers act as gentle guides, helping children navigate early life’s hurdles with empathy, patience, and clear structure. The result? Children who feel seen, heard, and confident enough to explore the world.

“Resilience doesn’t come from a perfectly smooth path. It comes from knowing that when life gets bumpy, someone is there to support you while you take the wheel,” says Assis. “At Dibber, we’re not raising perfectionists—we’re helping raise capable, compassionate human beings.”

For parents wondering whether they’re doing it ‘right’, Dibber offers this reassurance: there is no single perfect parenting style. What matters most is balance. Guide, protect, listen, and most importantly let children play, explore, and grow into who they want to be.

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Helping Your Child Make Friends: Supporting Social Development and Conflict Resolution

Learning how to make friends is one of the most meaningful parts of early childhood. Strong social skills help children feel connected, confident, and secure both inside and outside the classroom. While some children naturally navigate friendships with ease, others need more guidance, reassurance, and time. As parents and caregivers, we play a powerful role in modelling healthy relationships, teaching emotional vocabulary, and supporting children when conflicts arise.

This blog explores practical, Montessori inspired and developmentally appropriate ways to help your child make friends, resolve disagreements, and build lifelong social confidence.

1. Understanding Social Development in Early Childhood

Social development begins long before a child speaks their first words. From infancy, children observe facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language which all form the foundation for future friendships.

Key Milestones Ages 2 to 6

  • Ages 2 to 3: Parallel play, basic sharing with support, emerging emotional language
  • Ages 3 to 4: Cooperative play, simple turn taking, developing empathy
  • Ages 4 to 6: Forming deeper friendships, beginning conflict resolution, more complex group play

If your child seems shy or slow to warm up, remember that temperament is natural. The goal is support, not pressure.

2. How to Help Your Child Make Friends

a) Model Social Behaviours

Children learn by watching you. Demonstrate:

  • Kind greetings
  • Waiting your turn in conversation
  • Saying please, thank you, and excuse me
  • Respectful disagreements

When they see positive social behaviour daily, they naturally mirror it.

b) Create Opportunities for Interaction

Gently support social exposure by:

  • Organising short, low pressure playdates
  • Visiting parks or parent child classes
  • Joining library story time or music groups

Small and consistent experiences help children build confidence.

c) Teach Emotional Language

Children interact better when they can express feelings.

Try daily emotional check ins:

 How are you feeling today

 You look frustrated. Would you like help

Books like The Color Monster can also support emotional awareness.

d) Role Play Common Situations

Practise friendly behaviours at home:

  • Can I play with you
  • Can I have a turn when you are done
  • Let us play together

Role play gives children simple scripts that reduce social anxiety.

e) Avoid Forcing Friendships

Children develop friendships at different paces. Your gentle support builds confidence without pressure.

3. Supporting Healthy Conflict Resolution

Conflict is normal and an important part of friendship.

a) Stay Neutral and Calm

Help each child express their perspective:

  • Tell me what happened
  • How did that make you feel

b) Teach Problem Solving Steps

Use child friendly steps:

  1. Stop
  2. Deep breath
  3. Use your words
  4. Find a solution together

c) Validate Emotions

Validation reduces stress and builds trust.

d) Explain the Value of Empathy

Encourage them to consider others feelings:

  • How do you think she felt
  • What can we do to make it better

4. When Your Child Struggles to Make Friends

Some children need more time and support. Encourage:

  • One on one playdates
  • Activities aligned with interests
  • Practising social scripts
  • Communication with teachers

Professional support may be helpful if concerns persist.

5. Recommended Resources

Helpful websites

Conclusion

Helping your child make friends is a gentle journey filled with small steps, emotional growth, and wonderful moments of connection. With patience, modelling, and loving guidance, you give your child the confidence they need to form strong friendships and navigate conflict with resilience.

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Music all year round: Why School of Rock Parktown North Is the Gift That Keeps Giving

At School of Rock Parktown North, we don’t just teach kids how to play instruments, we help them build confidence, creativity, community, and lifelong skills. As the year winds down and festive energy sets in, many of you are probably looking for enriching activities that give you and the kids more than just a hobby. Here’s why the School of Rock experience is a perfect fit for the season!

Beyond Notes: The Many Benefits of Music Education

Music isn’t just fun; it’s transformative. Learning an instrument or singing can improve language development, memory, concentration, and even academic performance.

  • Improves cognitive and academic skills: Understanding rhythm, structure and patterns in music helps develop spatial and mathematical thinking; which can translate into better performance in school subjects like maths.
  • Develops discipline, patience and focus: Learning music requires regular practice, persistence, and the ability to work through challenges, which are all skills that carry over into homework, school projects, and everyday life.
  • Boosts self‑esteem, emotional expression and confidence: Performing music, whether in a band or on stage, gives children the chance to express themselves, overcome nerves, and feel proud of their progress.
  • Strengthens social skills and teamwork: Playing in a band or group helps children learn to listen, collaborate, and support each other while building friendships and a sense of belonging.
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_

Why School of Rock Parktown North Does It Differently

At School of Rock Parktown North, we believe that learning music should be fun, social, and purposeful. Our model combines individual lessons with band rehearsals and live-performance opportunities, giving kids a real chance to experience what it’s like to be in a rock band.

  • Performance-based learning: Students stay motivated, focused, and excited to practice because they’re working toward real shows.
  • Real-world experience: Our instructors are working musicians who teach both the mechanics of music and what it means to perform, collaborate, and connect.
  • Songs kids love: Rather than starting with strict theory, students learn using the music they enjoy, making the experience personal and meaningful.
  • Inclusive and supportive community: Beginners and experienced players alike are welcomed. We value progress, effort, and self-expression over perfection.
Photo Credit: mediaproductions_

Holiday Workshops for Kids: December & January

This festive season, our Holiday Workshops give children a fun, structured way to explore music while school is out. Open to both new and current students during December and January, these workshops offer:

  • Hands-on experience with instruments, vocals, and group jams
  • Confidence-boosting exercises and creative challenges
  • Social connection and teamwork with new friends
  • Mini performances to end the holidays on a high note

Whether a child is picking up an instrument for the first time or expanding existing skills, our workshops provide inspiration, fun, and confidence through music. Please pop us an email at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on 074 322 2000 for more info and to book a slot! 

Photo Credit: mediaproductions_


Corporate Year-End Workshops & Team- building events

School of Rock Parktown North also offers corporate and adult-focused workshops that are perfect for companies looking for a creative way to celebrate the end of the year. These sessions are designed to be fun, team-oriented, and stress-relieving:

  • Try instruments, vocals, and rhythm exercises in a relaxed, fun setting
  • Strengthen teamwork, communication, and collaboration
  • Take a creative break from work and enjoy a stress-free musical experience

These workshops offer a unique, memorable way to close out the year; combining music, collaboration, and a little bit of festive cheer. Reach out at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on 074 322 2000 for more details. 

A Great Time to Start (or Re-Start)

With the new year around the corner, there’s no better time to explore what music can offer. Whether you or your child has never touched an instrument, are looking to deepen skills, or want a creative team-building experience, School of Rock Parktown North is ready to welcome you all with open arms.

Let music be more than a gift this holiday!

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