Question 1

How to teach phonics to my child at home?

Accepted Answer

Start with sound recognition (not letter names). Use a structured synthetic phonics sequence first, then blend into words like sat/pin/tap. Keep sessions short (10–15 minutes) and playful with games rather than worksheets. Best age: 3–4. Common mistake: teaching letter names first.

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Question 2

Why can't my child blend sounds even though he knows phonics?

Accepted Answer

Blending is a separate skill from recognizing sounds. Teach slow blending (c—a—t) then fast blending (cat). Expect 4–6 lessons to master. Practice with CVC Builder and minimal pairs. We target this around Lesson 4 explicitly.

Question 3

What is the difference between phonics and sight words?

Accepted Answer

Phonics decodes using rules (c‑a‑t); sight words are memorized exceptions (the, was). Start with phonics since ~70% of words are decodable, then add sight words. Our curriculum teaches tricky words in the later lessons.

Question 4

My 7-year-old struggles with reading. Is it too late for phonics?

Accepted Answer

Not too late. With intensive phonics and gap analysis, 20–30 lessons usually close core gaps. We identify specific needs (sounds, blending, long vowels) and focus there. Consistency drives success.

Question 5

How do I teach tricky words like 'said', 'come', 'there'?

Accepted Answer

Use spaced repetition and context. Pair with rhyming (said/paid), use in sentences, daily for 2 weeks then periodic refresh. We teach 40+ tricky words across levels with games and applied reading.

Question 6

Should my child learn phonics before starting school?

Accepted Answer

Optional but helpful. A 30‑lesson foundation course 6 months prior to school builds confidence. Start with SATPIN sounds and 10‑minute daily practice.

Question 7

My child can read but has no comprehension. Why?

Accepted Answer

Decoding ≠ comprehension. If most effort goes into sounding out, little is left for understanding. Build fluency and add comprehension questions. Our Advanced Phonics ends with 150–300‑word passages + Q&A.

Question 8

What are the best online phonics classes in India?

Accepted Answer

The best program depends on your child's age, current reading level, and learning style. Look for structured synthetic phonics, 1:1 personalized feedback, decodable reading practice, and transparent progress tracking. Tiny Steps follows a structured synthetic phonics approach inspired by methods such as Jolly Phonics, with flexible scheduling and stage-based parent updates. Read our buyer guide for a 10-point checklist to evaluate programs and make an informed choice.

Question 9

Does Tiny Steps use Jolly Phonics?

Accepted Answer

Tiny Steps uses a structured synthetic phonics approach inspired by methods such as Jolly Phonics. We include sound-to-letter mapping, blending sounds into words, and phonics-based reading routines in a level-based pathway.

Question 10

How to teach grammar to kids without boring them?

Accepted Answer

Use games (Sentence Dice, Grammar Bingo, Picture prompts) and "mistakes games" instead of lectures. We keep sessions ~70% active practice, 30% instruction.

Question 11

My child mixes up 'is' and 'are'. How do I explain?

Accepted Answer

One person = is; multiple = are. Use visuals: 1 stick figure → is; 3 figures → are. We target this in Basic Grammar around Lesson 10 with concrete‑to‑abstract scaffolding.

Question 12

When should children learn tenses? Is my 5-year-old too young?

Accepted Answer

Ages 5–6: simple tenses (played/plays/will play). Ages 8+: complex tenses. We cover simple tenses in Basic Grammar Stage 6 (Lessons 31–36) and deepen them in Advanced Grammar Stage 1–2 (Lessons 1–12).

Question 13

How to stop grammar mistakes in writing?

Accepted Answer

Internalize via output. Have child rewrite own sentences correctly, do peer editing games, and daily short writing. Our levels progress from sentences → paragraphs → stories with mastery checks.

Question 14

My 8-year-old speaks well but can't write sentences. Why?

Accepted Answer

Speaking and writing are different skills. Bridge with “speak first, write second”: record, then transcribe. Our Grammar path uses Speak → Write progression to reduce friction.

Question 15

My child is too shy to speak in public. How can I help?

Accepted Answer

Start small with 15‑second safe talks at home, then expand. Celebrate effort, not perfection. Our first 4–6 lessons focus on confidence only. 90% of shy kids become confident within 16–20 lessons.

Question 16

How do I encourage class participation?

Accepted Answer

At home, ask open‑ended questions and let them ramble. Praise participation over correctness. We teach S.P.E.A.K. habits that generalize to classrooms within 8–12 lessons.

Question 17

How long should a child's speech be?

Accepted Answer

Ages 4–7: 15–45s. Ages 7–10: 60–120s. Ages 10+: 3–5 minutes. We never force length; we scaffold duration across levels.

Question 18

My child mumbles and speaks too fast. How to slow down?

Accepted Answer

Treat clarity and pace separately. Mirror pronunciation for mumbling; teach pause gestures to slow pace. Our Advanced Lesson 10 focuses on vocal variety + pacing.

Question 19

How to lose the Indian accent?

Accepted Answer

Accent isn’t a problem—clarity is. Target unclear sounds (R/L/TH/W‑V). We train clarity + rhythm; accent shifts naturally with exposure.

Question 20

Nervous during presentations—any tips?

Accepted Answer

Practice 5+ times, know content, breathe (3 deep breaths), focus on 1 friendly face. Our capstones start low‑pressure with teacher + parent before larger settings.

Question 21

Is online learning as good as offline?

Accepted Answer

For English, 1:1 online often outperforms batch offline: personalization, recordings, flexibility, global teachers. Offline offers socialization. For serious skill gains, 1:1 online wins.

Question 22

How do I ensure my child is actually learning online?

Accepted Answer

Demand transparency: stage-based progress updates, recordings, home tasks, monthly calls, mastery bands. Tiny Steps provides all five so you can verify learning.

Question 23

What is Tiny Steps Summer Camp 2026?

Accepted Answer

Tiny Steps Summer Camp 2026 is a structured online summer season for ages 4–12 running from 27 April 2026 to 13 June 2026. Each child joins one separate 4-week batch with 24 live classes from Monday to Saturday and Sunday kept as a holiday. Parents choose one track-specific batch: Phonics Fast Track, Grammar Fast Track, or Speaking Fast Track.

Question 24

What ages is the camp for?

Accepted Answer

Ages 4–12. We split into cohorts: Foundation (4–5), Core (6–7), Intermediate (8–10), Advanced (10–12). Each learns at their level.

Question 25

What will my child learn in the summer camp?

Accepted Answer

Children build stronger phonics foundations, cleaner grammar usage, better reading confidence, and more natural communication through live guided practice. The program also includes worksheets, class recordings, and a quick level check before placement.

Question 26

Is summer camp group-based?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Summer camp is group-focused and capped at 8 students per batch for stronger participation and teacher attention. Check the summer camps page for the latest track options.

Question 27

When does the camp start and what is the schedule?

Accepted Answer

The Summer Camp season runs from 27 April 2026 to 13 June 2026. Each child joins one 4-week batch with 24 live classes from Monday to Saturday, and Sunday is kept as a holiday. Visit the summer camps page for the full snapshot.

Question 28

Are there multiple batch start dates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Available batch start dates are 27 April, 4 May, 11 May and 18 May 2026. Parents can choose the best-fit start date based on their child’s holiday plans and readiness.

Question 29

Will the camp finish before school reopens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The final batch starts on 18 May 2026 and is designed to close by 13 June 2026, before schools reopen on 15 June 2026.

Question 30

How do I enroll or book an assessment for summer camp?

Accepted Answer

Use the summer camps page to choose from the available batch start dates and enquire or enroll. Parents can book a quick level check before joining, or use the contact form for help with placement.

Question 31

What class packages do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer two formats. Tiny Steps Standard (classes with expert Indian teachers): 1:1 starts at ₹400/class, with 12/16/24 class monthly plans. Tiny Steps Ultra Premium (classes with native English-speaking teachers): 1:1 is ₹1,899/class or ₹22,799 for 12 classes, and group options are available from ₹1,099 to ₹599 per child per class based on batch size. See the pricing page for the full comparison.

Question 32

Do you offer a free trial or assessment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every child gets a free 20-minute assessment where our mentor evaluates English level, learning style, and goals. No obligation or credit card needed.

Question 33

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Bank transfer (manual), UPI, and automated subscription (autopay). All payments are secure and receipted. Invoices sent automatically after each transaction.

Question 34

Do you provide invoices and receipts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Invoices and GST receipts sent via email after every payment. Keep them for records or reimbursement.

Question 35

What if I need to reschedule or cancel?

Accepted Answer

Reschedule anytime with 24-hour notice via WhatsApp or dashboard. Cancellation policy: refund unused classes if cancelled 7+ days before class date. Specific terms vary by package—check your agreement.

Question 36

Can I pause my package during travel or exams?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can pause for up to 30 days per calendar year. Classes don't expire during pause. Email Priya@tinystepslearning.com to request.

Question 37

Are classes available in Hyderabad?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our classes are fully online, so they're available in Hyderabad and anywhere else in India or globally. You just need internet and a device.

Question 38

Do you have weekend batches?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Weekend slots fill up fast. Book early for Saturday/Sunday preferences. Contact us to check current availability.

Question 39

Do you offer evening or early-morning slots for international parents?

Accepted Answer

We offer slots across time zones from 6 AM to 9 PM IST. For UK/US parents, we have early morning or late evening IST options. Contact us for the latest schedule.

Question 40

What platform do you use for online classes?

Accepted Answer

We use Zoom for live sessions. No app download needed; join via browser link. Meetings are secure and recorded (optional) for reference.

Question 41

Do parents need to sit with the child during class?

Accepted Answer

Ages 3–5: Yes, recommend initial presence for technical support. Ages 6+: Not required, but optional. Some parents observe to reinforce at home; others step away. Your choice. We'll advise during the assessment.

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