What Is Phase 2 Phonics?

Phase 2 of phonics builds on the foundation laid in Phase 1. At this stage, children begin to learn the sounds that letters make (known as phonemes), including some combinations of letters (digraphs), and start to read and spell simple and tricky words. It’s a big step in their journey toward becoming confident readers and writers!

What Will My Child Learn in Phase 2?

• New Letter Sounds:

In Phase 2, your child will learn 19 new letter sounds, introduced in sets to help build familiarity. Each sound is taught through engaging stories and actions that make learning fun and memorable.

Here’s the order we introduce the sounds using the Twinkl Phonics Programme:

• Set 1 – s, a, t, p
• Set 2 – i, n, m, d
• Set 3 – g, o, c, k
• Set 4 – ck, e, u, r
• Set 5 – h, b, f, ff, l, ll, ss

You can support your child by referring to the Phase 2 sound mats and action prompts – see attached resources!

• Blending and Segmenting:

Your child will learn to:

• Segment words into individual sounds to spell (e.g., “dog” becomes “d-o-g”)
• Blend sounds to read words (e.g., “s-a-t” becomes “sat”)
• CVC Words:

They’ll begin reading and spelling simple three-letter words known as CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant), like:

• cat, pan, dog, hat

• Tricky Words:

Some words don’t follow regular phonics rules and can’t be sounded out – we call these tricky words. In Phase 2, your child will be introduced to words like:

• go, no, to, the, I

• Digraphs:

Children also learn that some sounds are made up of two letters together which make one sound – like:

• ff, ll, ss
  These are called digraphs and will come up often as they start reading more.

How You Can Support Your Child at Home

We love working in partnership with you! Here are a few simple ways you can help at home:

• Practice together: Go over the sounds and tricky words your child is learning each week. This will be shared with you as we learn.
• Read daily: Share books together and let your child “have a go” at sounding out simple words.
• Play with sounds: Use games to practice blending and segmenting words aloud.
• Spot letters everywhere: Point out letters and sounds on signs, packaging, or during outings.
• Make it fun: Most importantly, keep reading light and joyful to build a love of books.

Handwriting Support

Alongside phonics, children will begin learning to form each letter correctly. We use simple mnemonics (little rhymes or phrases) to help them remember the correct way to write each letter.

See the attached Letter Formation Mat for reference!

Need More Help?

Check out our “Phase 2 Phonics – A Guide for Parents” for extra tips, activity ideas, and explanations of key terms. We’re always here if you have questions!