Gain a quick overview of phonetics by doing a Google search. Use the keywords "Learn phonics" or "Learn phonetics." Study a single-page chart of phonemes, such as the one offered by Foniks. In one glance, you can take in the range of sounds required to learn the English alphabet. These charts are typically accompanied by audio files. For some sites, you can roll your mouse over the phoneme and listen to its pronunciation. Click on the phoneme and you can access another page dedicated to that sound with relevant word samples.
Search for comprehensive phonetics programs on the Internet. Specify the target group in your search. For example, the phonetics tools used to teach children differ from those offered for adults learning a second language. Designed for homeschooling, Starfall is offered as a public service to help children read with phonetics. This system employs musicians, designers, animators, educators and engineers located worldwide to create a breadth of innovative tools to teach sounds. For example, the alphabet is taught with animated blocks and images. Reading exercises are enhanced by songs, riddles, tongue twisters and poetry. To complement its online system, Starfall offers downloadable puzzles, worksheets, journals and make-your-own-books.
Play with multimedia applications devoted to phonics. Some innovative publishers offer games and activities that are interactive and engaging. Visit Cambridge English Online's Phonetic Focus. Its 20 activities include Odd Phon' Out, Shoot-A-Symbol, Phon' Chart Poster, Phon' Maze, Phonemic Hangman and Phonemic Puzzle. Supplementing its Schools TV Series, the BBC's Wild West Phonics (http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks1bitesize/literacy/phonics/fs.shtml) is tailored for young children. Its theme-based animations are interactive, allowing children to learn phonics at their own pace. BBC's Words and Pictures also teaches phonics by using a wide range of activities, such as Write a Postcard, Magic Pencil and the Sandcastle Quiz.
Visit websites that employ characters to teach phonics. By turning letters and sounds into characters, this type of system humanizes the learning the process. For example, Fruitphonics has developed animated 3-D fruit characters to introduce children to the world of phonics. The videos on this website do not always work, but the concept is intriguing.
Study charts that distinguish between types of English. Different cultures employ varying accents, particularly with regard to sounds. Fonetiks uses a one-page chart of phonemes that enables adult students to hear the subtle differences between types of English, such as American, British, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Australian, Canadian, Indian and South African. For travelers, businessmen, or even actors learning roles, this website can be helpful.