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How is “Phonological Awareness” Important for Kids?

【I CAN READ, a new take on English Reading in Hong Kong by CEO Chan Huang Yee】

I CAN READ, an English language education provider, opened its first center in Hong Kong in October 2016. Founded by educational psychologists, the I CAN READ reading programme helps students to develop phonemic awareness at an early stage which is an essential pre-reading skill. This overcomes the difficulties most new readers encounter when they have to combine letters into blended sounds. “We are essentially a reading school,” Chan Huang Yee, CEO of I CAN READ, said. “I CAN READ specializes in reading and literacy. It’s not just about understanding the words, but it’s about putting words in context and true reading that requires true comprehension.”

The I CAN READ curriculum emphasizes very much on “sounds before letters”. Letters make multiple sounds and letters are combined to make additional sounds. Their methodology focuses on identifying and manipulating all 44 sounds before exposure to letters. Research has shown that this removes the need for memorization. Students would be able to pronounce and read the words. Using their unique teaching material, I CAN READ teachers use code cards and screeners to help students focus on blending words and reading. Previous research in Singapore found out that I CAN READ students generally have higher ability in both reading and word recognition, compared to non-I CAN READ students.

“We believe that reading is a life skill. We aim to promote the love of literacy and ultimately develop our students to be independent readers and learners. This is very important for them to be successful in today’s globalized society,” says Chan.

With over 16 years of experience and success in Singapore and South East Asian countries, I CAN READ targets to have 20 centers in Hong Kong over the next three years. Currently, I CAN READ has 4 centers in Hong Kong which includes Tseung Kwan O, Tsuen Wan, Yuen Long and North Point. “Hong Kong is a fairly competitive society, like Singapore. We want to ensure that we stay ahead of the game and continuously provide thought leadership in the curriculum.” Treating Hong Kong as tier 1 market, Chan believes that Hong Kong is a great place for attracting top talent.

As a new learning centre in the city, Chan thinks that the biggest challenge they currently face is brand building. “We have to work hard to reach out to more parents and students so that they know about us.” Being listed on whizpa.com, I CAN READ can now be easily searched. “It’s a great idea to have an independent platform like Whizpa for parents to rate and review education providers,” Chan comments about Whizpa.

Whizpa is an edutech start up, based in Hong Kong, that helps parents find the best activities for kids in Hong Kong. Whizpa has over 5000 listings on its database allowing parents to search, compare, review and rate the different education providers in Hong Kong. Find out what activities are recommended by parents in your community!

Check out I CAN READ on Whizpa: