Guide for Teachers

Overview

Phonics AI is designed to supplement your phonics instruction with interactive, self-paced learning. The app follows evidence-based phonics teaching principles and aligns with common phonics curricula.

Key Features for Educators

Teacher Dashboard

Phonics AI includes a dedicated Teacher Dashboard where you can create classrooms and monitor your students' progress.

Getting Started as a Teacher

1. Create a Teacher Account

   Visit the app and register. Select "Teacher" as your role during sign-up.

2. Access Your Dashboard

   After logging in, you'll be redirected to the Teacher Portal where you can manage classrooms.

3. Create Your First Classroom

   Click "New Classroom" and enter a name (e.g., "Grade 4 - Section A").

4. Share the Join Code

   Each classroom gets a unique 6-character join code. Share this with your students.

5. Students Join

   Students enter the code in their Settings → Classroom section to join your class.

Managing Classrooms

What You Can See

For each student in your classroom, you can view:

• Level & XP - Overall progress indicators
• Current Streak - Days of consecutive practice
• Lessons Completed - Number of lessons finished
• Last Active - When they last used the app
• World Progress - Completion percentage per world
• Phoneme Mastery - Which sounds they've mastered
• Achievements - Badges they've unlocked

How Students Join Your Class

Students can join your classroom from their dashboard:

1. Student goes to Settings → Classroom
2. Enters your 6-character classroom join code
3. Clicks "Join"
4. They appear in your classroom student list

Curriculum Alignment

Scope and Sequence

The app covers all 44 English phonemes across 5 progressive worlds:

World	Skills Covered	Target Level
Letters Land	Letter-sound correspondence, short vowels, common consonants	Beginning (Ages 9-10)
Word City	CVC words, consonant blends, word families, blending	Early (Ages 10-11)
Sentence Street	Simple sentences, sight words, fluency practice	Developing (Ages 11-12)
Paragraph Park	Connected text, prosody, expression	Intermediate (Ages 12-13)
Story Kingdom	Fluent reading, comprehension, advanced patterns	Advanced (Ages 13-15)

Phoneme Categories

• Short Vowels - /ae/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/
• Long Vowels - /ei/, /i:/, /ai/, /ou/, /ju:/
• Consonants - All single consonant sounds
• Digraphs - sh, ch, th, wh, ph, etc.
• Blends - Initial and final consonant clusters
• Diphthongs - /au/, /oi/, etc.
• R-Controlled Vowels - ar, er, ir, or, ur

Pedagogical Approach

The 4-Phase Lesson Model

Each lesson follows a structured approach based on best practices in phonics instruction:

Research-Based Principles

• Systematic Instruction - Skills taught in a logical sequence
• Explicit Teaching - Clear models and explanations
• Multisensory Learning - Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements
• Spaced Repetition - Skills revisited across multiple lessons
• Immediate Corrective Feedback - Students learn from mistakes instantly

Classroom Implementation

Implementation Models

Differentiation Strategies

For Struggling Learners

• Start at an earlier world to build foundational skills
• Encourage replay of the Listen phase multiple times
• Pair with a peer tutor for support
• Focus on one phoneme category at a time
• Use mouth animation videos for articulation practice

For Advanced Learners

• Allow students to skip mastered content
• Challenge them to achieve 3 stars on all lessons
• Set personal best goals for game scores
• Have them progress to higher worlds independently

For English Language Learners

• The visual mouth animations are particularly helpful
• Allow extra time for listening activities
• Focus on sounds that differ from their first language
• Pair with native English speakers for peer support

Assessment & Progress Tracking

In-App Assessment

The app tracks student progress through:

• Star Ratings - 1-3 stars per lesson based on accuracy
• XP Points - Cumulative measure of engagement and success
• Level Progression - Overall advancement indicator
• World Completion - Percentage of lessons completed per world

Understanding Star Ratings

Stars	Score Range	Interpretation
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars	90-100%	Mastery - Ready to move on
⭐⭐ 2 Stars	70-89%	Developing - May need more practice
⭐ 1 Star	50-69%	Emerging - Needs additional support

Using Data to Inform Instruction

• Review which phonemes students struggle with most
• Provide targeted instruction for common problem areas
• Group students by skill level for intervention
• Celebrate achievements to motivate continued effort

Technical Requirements

Device Requirements

• Works on computers, tablets, and smartphones
• Modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
• Internet connection required
• Audio output (speakers or headphones)
• Microphone (optional, for voice recording features)

Best Practices

• Use headphones to avoid classroom noise disruption
• Test audio before student use
• Ensure stable internet connection
• Bookmark the app on classroom devices

Parent Communication

Consider sharing this information with parents:

Sample Parent Letter

Lesson Planning Integration

Sample Weekly Plan

Day	Focus	App Usage
Monday	Introduce new phoneme	Listen phase as whole class
Tuesday	Guided practice	Practice phase in pairs
Wednesday	Independent practice	Play phase at stations
Thursday	Application	Reading activities + games
Friday	Assessment	Assess phase + celebration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students work ahead?

Yes! Students can progress at their own pace. Advanced students can move through content more quickly while others take the time they need.

What if a student is struggling?

Students can replay any phase as many times as needed. Consider providing additional support during the Practice phase and allowing extra time.

How do I track class progress?

Currently, progress is tracked on individual student accounts. Consider having students report their star counts or XP levels weekly.

Is the app free?

Yes, Phonics AI is completely free to use.