Teach phonics through an explicit sequence of sound–letter connections, blending, spelling and reading. Follow the school or curriculum sequence rather than inventing a universal order for all children.
Table of Contents
Step 1: choose a manageable starting point
Find out which correspondences have already been taught. The letters s, a, t, p, i and n are one illustrative starting set; they are not the only valid curriculum sequence. Model consonant sounds carefully without adding an unnecessary “uh”.
Step 2: blend known sounds
Write sat. Point to s, a and t while modelling their sounds, then bring the sounds together. Try sit only after its vowel sound is known. Correct a difficulty with another demonstration rather than a guess-from-the-picture instruction.
Step 3: segment for spelling
Say pat. Ask the child to identify its three sounds and choose the letters. Change the first sound to build sat. This connects listening, print and spelling in one small activity.
Step 4: introduce new patterns deliberately
Once the learner is secure with the current set, use the curriculum’s next pattern. For example, sh in ship represents one sound with two letters. Teach the pattern before asking the child to decode a text that depends on it.
Step 5: read for meaning
Use short text with patterns the child has practised. After reading, ask a simple meaning question and explain vocabulary. Phonics is an important part of reading instruction, not its entire purpose.
For the underlying teaching principles, see the What Works Clearinghouse foundational reading guide. Its recommendations address classroom instruction; the home examples below are illustrative adaptations, not a validated test or a guaranteed timetable.
Before moving to the next pattern
Print this checklist with your browser’s Print command, or copy it into your family notebook.
- ☐ The learner can identify the sounds already taught.
- ☐ They can blend several examples with suitable support.
- ☐ They can build or write a word using the pattern.
- ☐ They understand a short sentence they read.
- ☐ Any repeated difficulty has been discussed with the teacher.
Common questions
Is phonics the same as phonetics? No. Phonetics studies speech sounds; phonics is instruction connecting print and speech sounds.
How quickly should we progress? Use demonstrated understanding and the teaching plan, not an arbitrary age or day count.
