What Is Phase 3 Phonics?

In Phase 3 Phonics, your child builds on everything they learned in Phase 2. This is an exciting stage where they’re introduced to:

• The remaining single-letter sounds (like j, v, w, x, y, z)
• Digraphs – two letters that make one sound (like sh, ch, th)
• Trigraphs – three letters that make one sound (like igh, ear, air)
• More tricky words – words that don’t follow usual phonics rules

At this point, children start reading and spelling words using more complex sound combinations, and their reading fluency really begins to take off!

What Will My Child Learn in Phase 3?

• New Sounds:

Your child will learn a new set of sounds introduced through fun stories and memorable actions. These are grouped into sets to support learning step-by-step:

Using the Twinkl Phonics Programme, the sounds are introduced in this order:

• Set 6: j, v, w, x
• Set 7: y, z, zz, qu
• Digraphs: sh, th, ch, ng
• Vowel sounds: ai, ee, long oo, short oo
• More digraphs and trigraphs: ur, ow, oi, ear, er, air, ure

Helpful tip: Use the Phase 3 sound mats and action cards (see attached) to reinforce learning at home.

• Blending and Segmenting:

Your child will continue practicing the two key reading and spelling skills:

• Blending – combining sounds to read words
  e.g., ch-i-p = chip
• Segmenting – breaking down words into sounds to spell
  e.g., shop = sh-o-p

• Tricky Words:

Some words can’t be sounded out – we call these tricky words. In Phase 3, your child will begin to learn words like:

• he, she, we, me, be, was, my, you, they, her, all, are

These words are introduced gradually and practiced regularly.

• Reading Practice:

By this stage, your child will begin to read books that are matched to their phonics level. These books are designed to help them:

• Build confidence
• Improve fluency
• Practice new sounds and tricky words in context

How You Can Support Your Child at Home

We love working closely with families to support children’s learning. Here are some simple, fun ways to help support your child at home:

• Practice together – Review the week’s new sounds and tricky words with your child.
• Read daily – Aim to read your child’s school book 3–5 times per week.
• Play with sounds – Try blending and segmenting games like “I spy” or sound bingo.
• Spot sounds in the world – Look for familiar letters and sounds on signs, labels, or in the car!
• Keep it fun – Celebrate effort, make it playful, and keep the joy in learning to read.

Handwriting Support

Alongside phonics, we continue to work on correct letter formation. In Phase 3, your child will learn how to write:

j, v, w, x, y, z

We use fun mnemonics (little rhymes or phrases) to help your child remember how to form each letter properly. For example:

• “Down the wave, up the wave, down the wave, up the wave” for w

See our Letter Formation Mat for reference and home practice!

Need More Help?

Check out our “Phase 3 Phonics – A Guide for Parents” for extra tips, activity ideas, and explanations of key terms. We’re always here if you have questions!