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Phonics

What is Phonics?

Phonics is the foundation of learning to read and write, and it's introduced from the very beginning of Reception. At Woodchurch, we use a systematic synthetic phonics approach to help children connect sounds (phonemes) with written letters (graphemes) and blend these sounds to read words.

For example:

  • Children learn that the letter ‘m’ represents the sound mmm.

  • They then learn to blend sounds together, such as ‘c-a-t’, to read the word cat.

Phonics is not only vital for reading—it also builds confidence in writing and spelling, enabling children to become fluent, independent readers and writers.

Which Phonics Programme Do We Use?

At Woodchurch CE Primary School, we follow the Floppy’s Phonics scheme—a comprehensive, easy-to-use, and highly structured programme closely aligned with Letters and Sounds.

Floppy’s Phonics teaches:

  • Grapheme-phoneme correspondence

  • Blending for reading

  • Segmenting for spelling

  • Accurate pronunciation and letter formation

Interactive lessons and activities are delivered to the whole class, small groups, or individuals, depending on need.

Our Approach

Phonics teaching begins immediately in Reception, with the aim that all children will become fluent readers by the end of Key Stage 1.

Children receive daily phonics lessons, starting with 15–20 minutes and gradually increasing to 30 minutes. We teach whole-class sessions, moving through the levels of the programme at a steady, consistent pace:

  • Reception: Levels 1–3

  • Year 1: Levels 4–5

  • Year 2: Further consolidation where needed

Progress is closely assessed through teaching booklets and end-of-level checks. Children who need additional support receive quick and targeted interventions. Stretch and challenge opportunities are provided within each level rather than moving pupils ahead prematurely.

Progression of Phonics for EYFS

Progression of Phonics for Y1

What Does a Phonics Lesson Look Like?

Each new sound (grapheme) is taught across two focused sessions:

  • One lesson for reading

  • One lesson for spelling and writing

Each session includes:

  • Revisit & Review
    Practising previously taught letters, sounds, tricky words, and oral blending.

  • Teach
    Introducing the new grapheme, modelling blending, segmenting, and forming the letter. Tricky words are taught in a defined sequence.

  • Practise
    Using resources like sound mats, posters, word cards, and interactive tools to read or spell with the new grapheme.

  • Apply
    Reading or writing simple captions or sentences using taught sounds and words.

  • Consolidate
    Reinforcing the learning through additional reading or writing practice.

Tools for Success

To ensure consistency and fidelity across the school, all staff use the same Floppy’s Phonics resources:

  • Flashcards

  • Sound mats

  • Friezes

  • Tricky word displays

Children are taught strategies such as:

  • Using ‘dashes’ to represent graphemes during spelling

  • ‘Pointy fingers’ to track sounds when reading

  • Finger counting phonemes right to left to support segmenting

Supporting All Learners

  • Daily interventions are provided for children who need extra support, using the same resources and methods as in class.

  • Alien (nonsense) words are introduced in Term 3 of Year 1 to prepare for the Phonics Screening Check.

  • Phonics lessons are fast-paced, engaging, and designed to reinforce learning and build confidence.

Every class displays current sound friezes and tricky words to keep learning visible and consistent.

Staff Training & Support

To maintain high standards in phonics teaching, all staff receive regular training and support from the Reading Lead, ensuring the delivery of Floppy’s Phonics is consistent, high quality, and responsive to children’s needs.

Phonics Phases at Woodchurch

At Woodchurch CE Primary School, we follow Floppy's Phonics, which is carefully structured into six progressive phases. Each phase builds upon the previous one, helping children to gradually and securely develop their phonics knowledge and confidence in both reading and writing.

Children are given regular opportunities to practise and apply what they’ve learned, enabling them to quickly expand their ability to read and spell a wide range of words. Alongside this, they are also taught to read and spell ‘Helpful words’—these are common words that don’t follow typical phonetic patterns and can’t be sounded out easily. Examples include to, was, said, and the. Instead of decoding them, children learn to recognise these words by sight, allowing them to read more fluently and with greater confidence.

Below you’ll find resources your teachers have uploaded to help you practise your sounds. Each level has its own video, along with “Say the Sounds” posters so you can spot and circle the sounds you’re learning.

It’s just as important to practise saying these sounds while you’re reading. You can do this by reading the sentences provided and focusing on the sounds as you go.

Finally, there’s a link to a fantastic selection of reading books. Have a browse, choose one that interests you, and dive into the story!

 

Level 1+ Flashcards

 

Level 2 Flashcards

 

 

 

Level 3 Flashcards

 

Level 4 Flashcards

 

Level 5 Part 1 Flashcards

 

Level 5 Part 2 Flashcards

 

Ideas for using the Grapheme tiles 
  • Cut them out and use as another way to practise saying your sounds without a picture.
  • Spread the cards out on the floor and get someone to call out different sounds for you to find!
  •  Use the tiles to blend sounds together to make words 
Ideas for using the say the sounds posters

These are just a different way to practise recognising your sounds for each level. 

  • Get someone to call out sounds for you to find on the poster 
  • Point to each sound and say it using your pointy finger 
  • Get someone to point to a random sound on the page and you have to tell them what it is 

Phonics: How to pronounce pure sounds | Oxford Owl

Learn how to pronounce all 44 phonics sounds, or phonemes, used in the English language with these helpful examples from Suzy Ditchburn and her daughter. Fin...

Phonics: How to blend sounds to read words | Oxford Owl

Suzy Ditchburn explains how letter sounds can be blended to read words, and gives tips on how to practise phonics with your child. Find more phonics help on ...

Floppy's Phonics is divided into six phases, with each phase building on the skills and knowledge of previous learning. Children have time to practise and rapidly expand their ability to read and spell words. They are also taught to read and spell ‘tricky words’ – words with spellings that are unusual or that children have not yet been taught. These include the words ‘to’, ‘was’, ‘said’ and ‘the’ – you can’t really break the sounds down for such words so it’s better to just ‘recognise’ them.

Floppy's Phonics Resources

Phonics Screening Check

At the end of year 1, children sit a phonics screening to check their understanding and knowledge of phonics. To help prepare them for this you need to practise any sounds sent home and continue daily reading. We practise these checks with the children in school so they are familiar with the content and process.  Please see below some other useful materials to support practise for the phonics screening check.

Useful Web Links:

Oxford Owl

Extra Practice Zone