Phonics made easy
Learning to read using phonics
If you have a child in their first year of primary school, there is a good chance you will have come across the word ‘Phonics’. Phonics is a method of learning to read words that is taught right from the start of Reception.
Children are taught to read letters or groups of letters by saying the sound(s) they represent – so, they are taught that the letter l sounds like llll when we say it. Children can then start to read words by blending the sounds together to make a word.
Here, our phonics experts share their top tips on how best to help with phonics, and Laura Sharp tells us about the Phonics Screening Check that children take at the end of Year 1. We’ve also included a helpful audio guide that will help you learn how to say the 44 phonics sounds correctly, and books to help practise reading with phonics at home.
Phonics audio guide: how to say the sounds
There are 26 letters of the alphabet but they make 44 sounds. Which
sounds would you like to hear spoken aloud and in example words?
A - E Sounds
F - N Sounds
O - S Sounds
T - Z Making sounds
into words
How to pronounce pure sounds
Learn how to pronounce all 44 phonics sounds, or phonemes, used in the English language with these helpful examples.
How to blend sounds to read words
Suzy Ditchburn explains how letter sounds can be blended to read words, and gives tips on how to practice phonics with your child.
Debbie Hepplewhite's
Ten FAQs about phonics
Watch the video
What is synthetic phonics?
When your child is learning to read there are two crucial things to learn...
Read morePhonics resources from Oxford
My Phonics Kit
Perfect preparation for the Year 1 phonics check.
Read phonics stories: Enjoy six levelled eBooks
Build confidence: Reward stickers motivate your child
Information for parents: Literacy expert Laura Sharp explains how to help
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My Phonics Flashcards
Fun, phonics games to support children sitting the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. Young children learn best when they are having fun and playing cards can be an enjoyable way to learn key phonics and reading skills. These games have been written by reading experts to help you support your child’s learning in school.
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