Chris Jolly Visits Delhi Public School, Hyderabad, to Inspire Educators on Early Literacy and the Power of Phonics
Hyderabad: Chris Jolly, Founder of Jolly Learning and the publisher of the globally acclaimed Jolly Phonics programme, visited Delhi Public School, Hyderabad, as part of his ongoing India tour to revolutionize early literacy teaching. His visit marks a significant step in advancing phonics-based learning in Indian classrooms.
During his interaction with teachers and education leaders, Mr. Jolly emphasized the urgent need for structured phonics training across India’s schools, highlighting that synthetic phonics remains the most effective method for helping children learn to read and write early in their primary years.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “When I began Jolly Phonics, reading standards in the UK were in decline. We found that the solution was not just better materials, but a better method one that engages children in learning sounds and blending them to form words. The same opportunity exists for India today.”
Jolly stressed that India’s greatest strength lies in its openness to English and its flexible education framework, which allows innovative teaching approaches to thrive. He shared that Jolly Phonics has already been successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and Ladakh, and expressed optimism about its wider adoption across all states through teacher training and advocacy.
“Change happens best through persuasion, not legislation,” he said. “Training and experience are key. When teachers understand how to teach phonics systematically, the results are remarkable children can read and write confidently, regardless of their background.”
He also addressed the role of technology in learning, acknowledging that while EdTech enhances engagement, children still need tactile, hands-on learning experiences. Jolly Learning’s digital tools, such as the Jolly Classroom programme and Jolly Phonics Lessons App, aim to bridge this balance by combining traditional teaching with interactive learning.
Commenting on the challenges faced globally, Jolly noted that while the debate on synthetic phonics is evolving, the focus should now be on ensuring effective and consistent use of the method. He emphasized the importance of decodable readers storybooks that match a child’s reading level to reinforce learning in an engaging way.
Concluding his address, he reaffirmed his mission: “Our goal is simple every child, in every school, should be able to read and write fluently from an early age. The foundation must be strong, and that begins with phonics.”
With over three decades of global experience and recognition including an OBE (Order of the British Empire) and multiple honorary doctorates, Chris Jolly continues to inspire educators worldwide to transform literacy education through evidence-based methods. His visit to Delhi Public School, Hyderabad, reinforces his commitment to empowering teachers and enabling young learners to unlock the joy of reading.
