Singapore’s Mrs Sam files Patent Application for Phonics Invention

Singapore, 18 th October, 2005: Singaporean educationist Ms Subramaniam Athirubarani (popularly known as Mrs Sam to her wards), an educator of more than 30 years, has filed a patent application in Singapore for her invention relating to a method for teaching English spelling and pronunciation.

The Invention

Mrs Sam’s invention falls within the realm of Phonics, relating particularly to teaching , spelling and pronunciation of English to non-native speakers of the language.

Phonics is the study of the way in which spellings represent the sounds that make up words. Children are taught the sounds of the letters of the alphabet and how the letters are combined to form words.

Traditionally, synthetic phonics is used to teach phonics to children when learning to read. This method involves looking at every part of the phonic without necessarily taking into account the blends or applicable rules, for example: "s-t-r-e-e-t". Mrs Sam’s a nalytic phonics, on the other hand, involves utilising the phonic blends, for example "str-ee-t", supported by a comprehensive set of proprietary rules.

 The Benefits

The spelling system of English has evolved as a result of history and not through phonetics. It bears the influence of many foreign languages. Consequently, pronunciation of many English words cannot be directly represented by conventional phonic rules. Mrs Sam’s invention therefore brings much needed structure to the way in which English words are spelt and pronounced. This is a boon to learners of the English language.

Through the invention, children are able to correctly spell and pronounce words regardless of their length or complexity. It is expected that children in the four to six age group are able to master words like “incompatibility” and “incomprehensible”. This ability brings about a pervasive improvement in the children’s overall academic performance. It also boosts their self-esteem and self-confidence.

The methodology is equally effective on adult learners of the English language. Considering, the global importance of English for business communication, the invention has wide application for improving the standard of spoken and written English of the business community in Singapore and abroad.

About The Inventor

Mrs Sam has dedicated her entire adult life to childhood education. She is the Managing Director of Athena Educational Services Private Limited. The company obtained ISO 9001:2000 certification on 14 th October this year. Mrs Sam launched a franchise in the name Mrs Sam’s Learning Formula TM early this month.

For further details or communications, please contact:

Mr S Ramasami (Rama)
Director Operations
Athena Educational Services Pte. Ltd.
21 Simon Road ,
Singapore 545907

Tel: 65-62888362
Fax: 65-62834732
Mobile : 65-96361903