Phonics

A structured phonics programme is proven to be the best way to teaching young children to read quickly and skilfully. They will know how to match letters to sounds and how to say, or blend, the sounds when reading aloud.

Find out more about our phonics programme and how you can help at home.

What is Phonics?

Children are taught to:

• identify the sounds that different combinations of letters make - such as ‘sh’ or ‘oo’;
• blend these sounds together from left to right to make a word.
• recognise the sounds that each individual letter makes (e.g. a,b,c)

Children can then use this knowledge to ‘de-code’ new words that they hear or see. This is the first important step in learning to read.

Why Phonics?

Research shows that when phonics is taught in a structured way - starting with the easiest sounds and progressing through to the most complex – it is the most effective way of teaching young children to read.

Almost all children who receive good teaching of phonics will learn the skills they need to tackle new words. They can then go on to read any kind of text fluently and confidently, and to read for enjoyment.

What is Read Write Inc?

Read Write Inc Phonics is a proven synthetic phonics programme that ensures early success in reading, writing and spelling. Children are grouped by ability so that phonics teaching can be as specific to a child’s needs as possible. Reading books are also linked to our Phonics Storybook sessions so that reading at home supports Phonics sessions at school. Here is information about how to help your child at home with Phonics.

Online Resources

The internet has loads of ideas and resources to help your child with their phonics. We collected some of the best in our Home Learning section on Phonics.

Progression of Sounds

Set 1 - Easiest Sounds

Set 2 - Intermediate Sounds

Set 3 - Hardest Sounds